Hello Reader,

Today I want to share five practical settings you can update to improve the classroom experience. These aren’t complicated, but they make a HUGE difference for teachers and students.

These are just some of the things that I'll be covering during the Chromebook Academy for IT admins next month. If you're interested in manage Chromebooks more effectively, you're invited to join us!

Oh, and if you happen to be at the MASS CUE conference this week, say hello! I'm doing a session on the investigation tool at 3pm on Wednesday!

1. Speed Up Sign-Ins

Stop making young students type 30-character email addresses and complex passwords every time they open their screens. Here are two easy things you can do to simplify the login process:

💬 Autocomplete Domain: Automatically appends @myschool.org so students only enter their username.

• Path: Devices > Chrome > Settings > Device settings > Sign-in settings > autocomplete domain

🔑 Quick Unlock (PIN): If you have a 1:1 Chromebook program, you can allow students to sign in using a simple 6-digit PIN code. This can reduce unlock time from 20 seconds to 2 seconds.

• Path: Devices > Chrome > Settings > User & browser settings > Security > Quick unlock

If a student forgets their PIN, they can unlock the device with their account password.

How do you turn your fleet of Chromebooks into a well-tuned system that supports teaching and learning in your district?

Join me for the Chromebook Academy, a 5-session virtual workshop created for IT admins like you!

• BEST PRACTICES for K-12 environments with specific tips for elementary, MS, and HS deployments.
• Establishing a Chromebook “PENALTY BOX” for off-task students
• Solutions for the SCREEN TIME debate
• 15 CRITICAL POLICIES you should review to protect students while browsing online.

The fall cohort is limited to 30 participants.

• Date: Nov. 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 2026 (Tues. / Thurs.)
• Location: LIVE via Google Meet (sessions are recorded)
• Time: 1-2:30 pm EST
• Cost: $299/person

2. Set a Purposeful "New Tab" page

By default, an empty new tab drops students onto a generic search bar—an open invitation to look up unblocked games. Create a simple student launchpad using Google Sites to help them quickly access common learning tools.

• The Fix: Point new tabs to an internal district resource hub (like a clean Google Site with tiles for Google Classroom, the SIS, and digital textbooks).
• Path: Devices > Chrome > Settings > User & browser settings > Startup > New Tab page URL

3. Simplify access to accessibility tools

Chromebooks have great accessibility features, but they are buried too deep for most students to easily access them. Turning on the accessibility shortcut makes it easier for students to access features like Select-to-Speak (reads text and Forms aloud) and Dictation (voice-to-text).

• The Fix: Toggle the system tray shortcut on. A persistent accessibility menu appears in the bottom-right shelf next to the clock.
• The Impact: Students who need reading or typing support can activate tools quietly without having to ask the teacher or feel singled out.
• Path: Devices > Chrome > Settings > User & browser settings > Accessibility > Accessibility options in the system menu

Enabling the accessibility shortcut for everyone reduces the stigma of using assistive technology.

Upcoming Events for Google Admins

Want to host a Google Admin workshop in your area? Get in touch!

• ​MassCUE Conference (Foxborough, MA) - Oct. 14, 2026
• ​Chromebook Academy (Online) - Nov. 5 - 19, 2026
• ​HECC Conference (Indianapolis, IN) - Nov. 11-13, 2026
• ​Brainstorm Poconos (Pocono Manor, PA) - Nov. 15-17, 2026

4. Push out essential bookmarks

Help staff and students access important resources by deploying a list of managed bookmarks. This is a great place to save the lunch menu, school calendar, links to common HR files, etc. You can manage separate folders for staff and students so everyone gets the resources they need.

• The Fix: Push a permanent, read-only folder of bookmarks directly to the left side of the Chrome bookmarks bar.
• Best Practice: Bookmarks are configured by organizational unit. You can have different bookmarks for elementary, MS, HS, and staff.
• Path: Devices > Chrome > Settings > User & browser settings > User experience > Managed bookmarks

5. Redirect Downloads to Google Drive

Chromebook local SSD storage is temporary. If a device resets, powerwashes, or the student grabs a loaner from the cart, everything in their local Downloads folder is gone forever.

By forcing downloads into Google Drive you ensure that files will be available regardless of what device is being used. It is also much easier to audit and manage files saved in Drive than those that are locally saved.

• The Fix: Force the default download location directly into the student's Google Drive account.
• Why it matters:
  • Follows the user: Files are available on any Chromebook or home device.
  • Powerwash-proof: Device wipes won't delete student work.
  • IT visibility: Files in Drive are covered by Google Vault retention and DLP rules, while local SSD files remain completely invisible to IT.
• Path: Devices > Chrome > Settings > User & browser settings > Downloads > Default download location (Change to Google Drive)

You don’t have to overhaul your entire domain to make an immediate instructional impact. Test one or two of these settings in a pilot OU this week and see how quickly your teachers notice the difference.