CT Chromebooks #3 - Using the Settings on your Chromebook

Finding and Setting your Settings on the Chromebook

So, the first two sections of the Chromebook section has shown you the different parts of your Chromebook and how to do some basic navigating. This section is to show you how to change some of the settings on your Chromebook.

Getting to your Settings

First, you will want to locate the “Status Area” of your Chromebook. Remember, this is the extreme lower right-hand corner of your Desktop page. Once you click on the “Status Area,” you will have a new set of options.

The top level of the settings menu will provide you with easy access to see who is currently logged in on the Chromebook, a quick sign out option, who manages the Chromebook, the connectivity (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) of the Chromebook, volume controls, access to more settings, the battery life, and Google’s Help Center, a power off, and a lock button.  

If the top level settings options are not enough, for example, you need to check for updates, there are more options if you click the “Settings” button on the menu. Once you are on the “Settings” page, you will see a lot of different options. Right at the top, where it says “About Chrome OS,” you will be able to check for updates to Chrome OS. Next to that is a settings search option, which will allow you to search for specific settings.

One of the most useful sections of this settings page is Device section of the menu. You can control the sensitivity of your keyboard and your trackpad on the Chromebook. Using the Display settings, you can also change the resolution of your screen to make text and icons larger or smaller. This may be a large concern with the new Dell Chromebooks.

If you scroll down, there are even more additional settings for you to use and explore, including the accessibility features of the Chromebooks. Simply locate the link at the bottom of the Chromebook menu to see the “Advanced Settings” for your Chromebooks.

In the “Advanced Settings” menu, you will see many different options for you, including privacy options. The most powerful set of options there for our students is the accessibility options. Available in the accessibility options are text-to-speech, high-contrast mode, larger mouse cursors, sticky keys, and on-screen keyboards. These tools and items can help to level the playing field with technology for all students.

Once you have selected the features, you can simply exit the window and the settings will be saved. Chromebooks really do provide a lot of accessibility for all students. They have the opportunity to help close the gaps between students in the classroom and to make teachers’ lives more efficient.