Appropriate Chromebook Usage

​Your Chromebook is a TOOL, not a TOY!

By the end of this lesson...

You will understand the difference between academic use and personal use of school technology. You’ll learn how to protect your digital reputation and keep your Chromebook in good standing.

Poll

True or False: Since I am the only one who knows my password, my teachers and the school IT department cannot see what I type in my Google Docs.

• True

• False

It’s easy to feel like your Chromebook is "yours" because you carry it everywhere. However, it is actually property of the school district. Never forget that this is your SCHOOL computer.

​

Reality Check!

Remember this GOLDEN RULE:
If you wouldn't want your Principal or your parents to see it, it shouldn't be on your Chromebook. Everything you type—even in a "private" Google Doc—can be seen, recovered, and tracked.

​

Using Google Docs, Gmail, Slides, etc. for personal chatting is a distraction to the learning environment.

Even if you delete the text, teachers have the ability to see every single word ever typed in that document, including who typed it and when.

You're taking a risk.

Google Docs and Gmail are powerful tools for collaboration and schoolwork. However, using them as a "backchannel" chat room is not appropriate. Using these mediums for communication purposes is a violation of the I (integrity) in PRIDE.

Think before you type.

Communication vs
Instant Messaging

Multiple Choice

Scenario: You are bored in Social Studies, so you open a Doc and share it with three friends to talk about weekend plans. Why is this a bad idea?

• It's a distraction from learning.

• The teacher can see everything that you and your friends typed.

• It uses school property/resources for personal gossip.

• All of the above are correct.

Your Chromebook and Google Accessories are not your personal social media network.

Gossiping about others is NEVER okay.

This is not Mean Girls, and you aren't creating a Burn Book.

Using school resources to gossip, mock, rate, diss, target, humiliate, or talk about others is considered CYBERBULLYING.




CYBERBULLYING will result in consequences as outlined in our STEP plan.

Open Ended

While doing independent work, you get an email notification that you have been invited to edit a document. The title is "Most annoying teachers and students in 7th grade". Explain the proper way to handle this situation. Be prepared to share with the class.

Your Chromebook is for classwork, it is not a gaming PC.

Playing games in class can not only lead to you missing information, but it can be distracting for others around you who are trying to do their work. "I finished my work early" does not mean you can start gaming. ​

We all love games, but ther eis a time and a place. Class time is for instruction. Just because a site is not blocked, doesn't mean it is permissible.

Multiple Choice

You finished your math worksheet 10 minutes early. What is the most appropriate "next step" for your Chromebook?

• Play Minecraft for Education or some "hidden" website that has games.

• Check your grades or work on an assignment for another class.

• Start a google slides/docs/email thread with some of your friends, gossiping about how you no longer like someone because they took your pencil and had ugly hair.

• Close your computer and talk to a friend nearby or take a nap.

Open Ended

Your Chromebook is a privilege that helps prepare you for high school and your future career. Using it responsibly shows that you are ready for the independence that comes with being a middle schooler.In 2-3 sentences, explain why it is important to keep your "personal life" and your "school Chromebook" separate. Be prepared to share with the class.

Draw

Draw something that represents appropriate use of your school Chromebook.

Remember to use your Chromebook appropriately!

...and continue to show your PRIDE in all you do here at Northbrook Middle! The next Walk and Talk is Friday!