We’ve found that many Chromebook microphone issues can be solved by adjusting the microphone volume. On most Chromebooks (may not work on older Chromebooks), that can be done by:
At the bottom right, select the time.
Next to the volume slider, select Audio settings .
Under “Input,” drag the microphone slider left or right (I recommend setting the volume somewhere in the middle)
Another possible audio problem is feedback (a screeching sound). This can often be solved by turning the speaker volume down and/or having the student mute themselves when not speaking.
Iowa City Schools students, families, and staff can reach us to obtain technical support using any of the methods listed below. Also, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions page to support home use of technology during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pearson Education has partnered with the Iowa City Schools at no charge to offer after-hours technology support through their customer service centers in Iowa City and San Antonio, TX.
The District has coordinated with Pearson to help support District students, families, and staff, though please be aware that certain types of requests will need to be referred back to the District.
Spanish language support is available via the Pearson after-hours support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please check this document for current answers to the most common questions we receive related to offsite learning.
One of the benefits of Chromebooks the Chrome browser is that they automatically update their software to the latest version, freeing up IT staff time to work on other issues. We recently learned, however, that a handful of ICCSD Chromebooks were stuck on Chrome OS Version 61, which was preventing certain Chrome Apps – like Lexia – from loading.
At any time, students and teachers can manually check for software updates on a district-issued Chromebook or in the Chrome browser on a Windows or Mac computer. This can be an easy first step when an application is not loading or isn’t behaving as expected. In order to check for a software update, follow the appropriate set of instructions below; the first set shows how to update a Chromebook, and the second shows how to update the Chrome browser.
From all of us in the Technology & Innovation Office, welcome (back) to school! While we haven’t had the seismic technology shifts this summer that we may have had last summer in many buildings, read on to learn about the new and ongoing technology initiatives underway in the district.
Yesterday, I received a couple of emailed inquiries and a petition from students regarding a change in behavior when Chromebook lids were closed. Previously, the Chromebooks were set to automatically go to sleep when the lid is closed – this helps to prevent inadvertent battery drain and overheating – and then to wake up when the lid is opened. Continue reading Chromebook Logouts on Lid Closure→