Google Encourages Kids to Repair Chromebooks at School

pcmag.com:

Google this week announced an in-house Chromebook repairability program for schools across the US.

With some 50 million students and teachers relying on Chromebooks to track attendance, complete homework, and connect with pupils, Google wants to make it easier to find information about repairable devices.

Educators in the US can visit the new Chromebook Self-Repair website to download Acer and Lenovo manufacturer guides, find tools, get replacement parts, access training, and receive system updates.

"On-campus repair programs enable students to help their own school by conducting safe and rapid repairs of Chromebooks, while also teaching them a valuable transferable skill that can help them pursue a career in the IT field," according to James Vick, vice president of customer service at Acer Pan America, which already provides in-school IT training.

Some institutes have even launched their own services (cleverly named things like "Chromestop" and "Chrome Depot"), while others have gone so far as to offer Chromebook repair as an elective course. "In-school programs like these are not only eco-friendly," Chrome OS VP John Solomon wrote in a blog post, "they can significantly reduce turnaround time, save on costs, and help students learn valuable skills."

This is just the first step for Google, which also unveiled a new line of more secure and sustainable Chromebook devices, plus updated programs, resources, and Chrome OS advances—built entirely for education. Check out the Chromebook discovery page to search for Chromebooks that are "best for" graphic design and lesson planning, or features like LTE connectivity, improved video conferencing, and camera-based document scanning.

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