Chromebook 1:1 Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. What is a Chromebook?

Chromebooks are computers that run Google's Chrome Operating System. These machines are designed to access the internet and student Google accounts for all documents and resources stored in the cloud. They are simple, reliable, affordable, boot up quickly, and are easier to use than most computers.

  1. What is a 1:1 Chromebook program?

A “1:1 Chromebook program” means every student has their own school-provided Chromebook that is assigned to them for the duration of their Los Alamitos High School (LAHS) career. Students have full use of the provided Chromebook 24/7, and as school property the device includes District internet filters that filter browsing content both at school and at home. 

  1. Why shift to providing Chromebooks for every student?

Access to technology in a comprehensive high school is as fundamental now as pencils, papers, and textbooks. Ensuring that every student has equitable access to online resources and communication is a critical need if LAHS is to ensure that all students develop college- and career-related skills to succeed after high school.

  1. Can we “opt out” of the Chromebook?  Do families get to approve usage of the device?  Can students use their own device instead of the school assigned Chromebook?

The District is seeking equitable resources for everyone, so all students will be offered a Chromebook. Students and families may opt to use a personal Chromebook or laptop but will be asked to complete an LAHS 1:1 school-issued Chromebook opt out form. For students that have opted to bring their own personal laptop or Chromebook, some lessons, resources, and tools such as assessments may require the student to use a school device from the media center. Students are asked to bring their school-issued Chromebook or personal laptop or Chromebook every day, fully charged and ready for learning. 

  1. What are students’ responsibilities for these Chromebooks?  

Like any other school property checked out to students, students are responsible for taking good care of their Chromebook to keep it in good working order. 

  • Students will need to charge their Chromebook every night to ensure the battery will last through the school day (batteries should provide more than 8 hours of life if fully charged). 
  • Students must be careful handling their school-issued Chromebook to ensure it is not dropped or damaged. 
  • LAHS provides families/students a protective Chromebook padded sleeve that should be used when storing or transporting the device. 
  • Students should never share passwords or let classmates borrow their assigned device.
  • Inappropriate media, graphics, or ​language may not be used as a screensaver or background photo. Any drug, alcohol, or gang-related symbols, pornographic images or inappropriate language will result in disciplinary actions.
  1. Can students put stickers on Chromebooks?

No. Stickers and other labels should not be applied directly to the device. However, families/students may opt to purchase a protective "shell" style case that snaps onto the Chromebook, and then apply stickers to the purchased case. All stickers and labels applied to the family-purchased case must be appropriate for school.

  1. What happens when students forget their device, lose it, or forget to charge it?

Students should go to the school media center before school to pick up a loaner device, so that they can continue to access school material with minimal disruption to their learning. Students with lost or damaged devices should report this to the school librarian for repairs, replacement, and possible billing. Optional school-provided insurance is available for purchase by each family, covering repairs for accidental damage up to the replacement cost of a Chromebook annually. The insurance does not cover Chromebook loss, malicious damage (ed code 48904), theft outside of the school campus (ed code 48904), or damage after a student has exceeded the annual coverage limit of the replacement cost of a Chromebook. Similar to Textbook fines, repairs and replacements not covered by insurance will be assigned to students as a fine equivalent to the cost of the repair or the replacement cost of the Chromebook.

  1. Is there content filtering on the Chromebook and are students blocked from accessing content that’s not appropriate for teenagers? 

Yes. School-issued Chromebooks will have the same internet content filtering that is utilized on school campus networks, as required by federal law. Families should be aware, however, that there is no such thing as a “perfect” filter that will catch everything that every person would deem inappropriate. Families are advised to have candid conversations with students about responsible internet use, digital citizenship, and digital footprints students leave during online activity.

  1. What are families’ responsibilities with Chromebooks?

Families should understand that school-issued Chromebooks are intended to be learning devices for educational purposes. We strongly recommend that families consider how much time students are allowed to spend online, and set ground rules for managing student use outside of school hours. Some parenting tips are available through Common Sense Media, an independent non-profit organization: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/parent-concerns.

  1. How does a Chromebook device handle privacy?

Within reason, Los Alamitos USD respects freedom of speech and access to information. We may monitor usage and/or activity to fix an issue, or to investigate a complaint or safety concern. Students should be aware the school may review files and other communications to maintain the integrity of the network, and to ensure everyone is using their machines responsibly and safely. Chromebooks and all school applications will be utilized in compliance with state and federal laws regarding student privacy.

  1. Will students be able to access their personal email from the Chromebooks?

Yes. Students must use their @golosal.net school emails to log into the device and for all school business. Once logged in, other email accounts can be accessed by visiting the web address for the email provider. If students use another account (like Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) for communication from the device, the same rules of respect apply as if the student had used their school account. Using other email systems is not a way to get around the rules and standards for communication within the school.

  1. What type of email or other communications are not acceptable?

You should treat others the way others wish to be treated. Specifically, it is not acceptable to send messages or pictures that use obscene, racist, or offensive language, or any other communication that could be considered harassing, insulting, derogatory or hurtful to others. This is considered cyber-bullying, which the school takes very seriously, whether the communication is generated on-campus or off-campus. In certain cases, it may be necessary for the school to report cyber-bullying incidents to the proper authorities.

  1. Will students have access to social media?

The school-issued Chromebooks include internet filtering, however some social media sites used for LAHS communication are accessible from the Chromebooks. Families should be aware that there is no such thing as a perfect filter, so families are encouraged to monitor student usage of Chromebooks as an additional safeguard.

  1. What if students do not have internet access at home? 

Families who qualify can pursue discounted internet through federal programs and local service providers. If the options listed below are not successful, families who still have difficulty accessing reliable internet access should contact LAHS administration to explore other options to ensure consistent access to online resources. 

The following programs offer low-cost internet solutions for families that qualify:

  1. Are all teachers in every class going to be using Chromebooks regularly?

Most LAHS teachers are already using online tools like Google Classroom and other Google Apps to share content, give online quizzes, facilitate discussions, or other online activities. 

  1. Does the high school have enough WiFi bandwidth for every student to use a device every day?

The District Tech department has significantly increased our existing bandwidth in previous years to ensure robust internet access for all classrooms, and will continue to upgrade WiFi access points as needed. 

  1. Are Chromebooks replacing textbooks?  If so, why?

No, Chromebooks are not replacing textbooks. However, many publishers include enhanced versions of their textbooks online that provide access to resources, simulations, and other activities to further enrich lessons and strengthen student learning.

  1. How much time will students be on the Chromebooks each day?  Are there alternatives to Chromebooks for students who have health issues related to screens?

The time spent on Chromebooks will vary widely, just as the types of classwork vary from class to class.  Any student health issues will be taken seriously and handled on a case-by-case basis. 

  1. Are all classes utilizing Chromebooks?

Our goal is that the Chromebooks will be used effectively in all classes, blending online tools and resources into a lesson when it will enrich the learning experience. This does not mean, however, that Chromebooks will be used every day in every single class. Not every lesson needs or benefits from technology, so the use of Chromebooks will depend on the subject matter and the value of online tools for the class or lesson.

  1. When will Chromebooks be returned, and are they kept at school premises?  Is there a check-in/check-out process?

Students keep the Chromebooks until the end of their enrollment with Los Alamitos High School. A Chromebook is checked out to students when they register to attend LAHS, and students will keep the Chromebooks until they leave LAHS.

  1. What are the consequences for students who use the Chromebook inappropriately?

As stated in the District’s Acceptable Use Policy, students may have technology privileges limited or removed, depending on the severity of the student’s actions.