Safe Chromebook Use

Overview

Today students meet a Chromebook and learn key parts, how to power it on and off, and how to open apps safely. Students also practise simple digital safety rules and respectful ways to ask for help.

Learning intentions

• Students will identify common Chromebook parts (screen, keyboard, trackpad/mouse, camera/mic, charger).
• Students will demonstrate basic Chromebook operations (turn on/off and log in steps if used at school).
• Students will open and close one or two simple apps or websites with teacher guidance.
• Students will use digital safety routines (personal information, being kind online, asking for help).

Success criteria

• I can point to the Chromebook parts and tell what they do.
• I can turn the Chromebook on, use it carefully, and turn it off when told.
• I can open an app and close it safely without clicking random things.
• I can follow safety rules: keep personal details private and ask a teacher if something feels wrong.

Curriculum links

• TE4-DIG-01 — Students demonstrate technological literacy to safely interact in digital environments.
• Students identify and define digital and communication technologies by describing what a Chromebook does.
• Students practise safe, responsible behaviour when using digital tools and information.
• Students communicate ideas and processes by sharing what they learned using simple “I can…” statements.

Lesson structure (45 minutes)

1. 0–5 min · Hook (Show & Tell). Teacher shows a Chromebook and asks, “What do you think it helps us do?” Students turn-and-talk, then share one idea.

2. 5–12 min · Chromebook parts hunt. Teacher displays a large labelled diagram (or teacher device with labels) and models “finger pointing” to parts without touching. Students rotate in pairs to match picture cards to Chromebook parts (screen, keyboard, trackpad, camera/mic, power/charger port).

3. 12–20 min · Care and basic handling routine. Teacher demonstrates the “Care Code”: hold the lid, open gently, keep food/drinks away, sit properly, carry safely when required by the school. Students practise the routine: open/close the lid slowly (hands on desk, no fast moves) and return Chromebook to the “ready” position.

4. 20–27 min · Turning on and off. Teacher explains and models: how to press the power button (as per school setup), wait for the screen, and how to shut down properly when the teacher says. Students practise in “freeze steps”: watch, then follow the teacher’s countdown to turn on/off (with teacher checking each group).

5. 27–35 min · Open an app ‘Mission’ (guided). Teacher models how to open a teacher-selected app or student shortcut (for example a simple drawing or learning activity) and how to close or return to the home screen. Students complete a “Mission Card”:

• Step 1: Find the start/home area
• Step 2: Open the app
• Step 3: Do one small action (draw a dot, tap a single answer, or type their name if set up)
• Step 4: Close/return when the teacher says

6. 35–42 min · Digital safety circle (practice with scenarios). Teacher introduces three simple rules with visuals:

• Keep personal information private (no address/phone/full name in messages)
• Be kind and respectful (use friendly words, no teasing)
• If something feels wrong, stop and ask a teacher Teacher shows 2 short “What would you do?” scenarios. Students vote with hands (Agree/Not sure/Stop and ask), then one student explains using a sentence starter: “I would… because…”

7. 42–45 min · Exit ticket (show learning). Students complete a quick task: draw the Chromebook (or circle parts) and write/dictate one safety rule. Teacher collects while students pack up.

Resources

• 25 Chromebooks with school-managed login setup ready (or offline demo mode if required)
• Label cards for Chromebook parts (screen, keyboard, trackpad/mouse, camera/mic, charger port, power button)
• Power on/off instruction card for the teacher (school-specific)
• Simple “Mission Card” worksheet (Step 1–4)
• Large Chromebook diagram for demonstration (printed or projected)
• Student pencils/crayons and a short exit ticket sheet
• Scenario cards with pictures (kindness, asking for help, personal information)
• Teacher timer for countdowns

Assessment

• Observation checklist during parts hunt and power routine (can students identify parts and follow safe handling and power steps?).
• Formative checks during the “Mission” (can students open the app and complete one small task without wandering randomly?).
• Exit ticket: students demonstrate one part they learned and one digital safety rule.

Differentiation

• Provide sentence starters for students needing support: “I can point to…”, “I would stop and ask…”.
• Use visual supports (icons for turn on/off, stop/ask, keep private) and fewer steps for early finishers.
• Pair students strategically (buddy with similar support needs) and give roles (Navigator: points; Operator: clicks only when teacher says).
• Extension for confident students: add a second simple app action (choose a colour, match one answer) while keeping within safety rules.
• For EAL or students with additional needs, use picture-based scenario voting and allow verbal responses instead of writing on the exit ticket.