7 Chromebook Care Tips for Students

17 May 7 Chromebook Care Tips for Students

Districts runnings one-to-one Chromebook programs should provide students with clear instructions on how to handle computers in and out of school.

Kids have a tendency to find the weak spots in any electronic device, leading to the inevitable demise of expensive property. So, when school districts start shopping around for educational technology, cost and maintenance usually top their list of priorities.

Chromebooks are a cheaper alternative to tablets and laptops, and when students care for them properly, these compact computers are durable enough to last through four years of school. Yet, kids often handle electronics roughly without understanding the long-term damage caused by seemingly harmless habits.

School administrators are responsible for educating students about the consequences of mishandling their Chromebooks. These proactive care tips offer easy ways to foster the  longevity of school computers and save money on repair costs.

1. Keep the food and drinks away. Sticky, crumbly, or wet substances have a way of finding the most vulnerable nooks and crannies in your keyboard. Many schools prohibit bringing Chromebooks to the cafeteria, and administrators can send notices asking parents to enforce the same rules at home.

1. Close the lid. When a Chromebook isn’t in use, keeping the lid closed protects the screen and keyboard from unexpected impact or exposure to liquid. While it can still take a tumble, a closed Chromebook is less likely to land in a position that causes severe breakage.

1. Charge the device before school. Bringing a fully charged device reduces energy costs for the school and leaves classrooms free of adapter cables that present tripping hazards. Repeated yanking or tugging also wears down the cable and the charging port on the Chromebook.

1. Don’t put objects on top of the computer. Resting a lightweight notebook or binder on a closed Chromebook may seem innocent, but putting too much pressure on the device can crack or crush the screen. For the same reason, students should avoid lifting the computer by the screen.

1. Never store Chromebooks in bags containing heavy objects. Carrying a Chromebook in a tech pocket is generally safe if the backpack isn’t loaded with bulky textbooks. In most cases, administrators can eliminate the conflict of interest altogether by providing protective covers with carrying handles, such as the Bubble Chromebook Case by Volume Cases.

1. Avoid using liquids to clean. Gently wipe the Chromebook screen with a microfiber cloth to clear away dust and debris.

1. Keep the Chromebook encased during travel. Students may be tempted to walk around with an open computer when doing last-minute homework or shutting down their Chromebooks. Adding motion to an already vulnerable situation increases opportunities to drop or bump the computer. Many schools go a step further and discipline students for running in the halls, which can easily endanger a fellow student’s computer.

Content brought to you by Volume Cases, iPad and Chromebook case specialists for the education sector