Chromebooks and learner devices for schools
A Chromebook is a laptop that runs Google's ChromeOS and keeps learners' work in the cloud, so any device can be handed to any learner. Arke Technologies helps South African schools choose, supply, enrol, manage and support Chromebooks, Windows laptops and tablets for learners and teachers.
What is a Chromebook used for in schools?
A Chromebook is used for the everyday work of a school: writing and research, Google Classroom assignments, online tests, reading, coding exercises and video lessons. Because it runs mainly in a browser and stores files in Google Drive, it starts quickly, needs little local maintenance and can be wiped and reassigned without losing anyone's work.
Chromebooks for schools are managed centrally from the Google Admin console. Each device needs a management licence (Google's Chrome Education Upgrade), after which the school controls which apps learners can install, which sites they can reach and who can sign in. That central control is what makes Chromebooks for education practical at scale, and it is the step easiest to skip when devices arrive in boxes with no plan.
Chromebooks are not the right tool for everything. Software that runs only on Windows or macOS, such as some design, video-editing, engineering drawing and accounting packages used in commercial subjects, needs a Windows laptop or a lab PC. The choice of device should follow what learners will actually do on it. Our education IT overview sets the device decision in the wider plan.
Chromebooks for teachers
The best Chromebook for teachers is usually a step up from the learner model: a larger, sharper screen, more memory, a backlit keyboard, USB-C charging that shares chargers with the class set, and a touch screen with pen support for marking. Teachers also need to reach the classroom display, the class's devices and any Windows-only software their subject uses.
Some schools therefore give teachers a Windows laptop or a higher-specification Chromebook, and add classroom computer management software so the teacher can see learner screens, push a link to every device and lock screens during a test. Whichever you choose, the teacher's device should cast cleanly to the interactive display in every room.
Managing learner devices: what we set up
Enrolment before delivery. Devices are configured and bench-tested before dispatch, enrolled in your management console, labelled and asset-tagged.- Policies. Approved apps, blocked sites, content filtering, safe search, sign-in limited to school accounts, and the usage rules the school sets.
- Chromebook management software for schools. The Google Admin console for Chromebooks; Microsoft Intune for Windows laptops and tablets. Both report into one monthly service review. See device and IT asset management.
- Lost and stolen devices. Disabled remotely and reassigned once recovered or replaced.
- Updates. Operating system and app updates staged so nothing changes on exam day.
- Asset register. Serial number, assigned learner, warranty date and condition for every device, reported monthly.
Device records link a serial number to a named learner, which makes them a child's personal information under POPIA. We keep the register inside your own systems, limit who can see it, and remove what you no longer need. More in cybersecurity, POPIA and online safety for schools.
Governance, POPIA and procurement
- Governance. An SLA set to your needs, with P1 to P4 priorities and response and resolution targets agreed with you, a monthly service review and report on devices, faults and warranty status, a named service lead, escalation paths and change control for policy changes.
- POPIA. Learner data minimised, access controlled and audit-logged; device records kept inside your systems.
- Funder and department reporting. Donor- and CSI-funded rollouts get an asset register and reporting a funder can audit; department-funded rollouts follow PFMA procurement and reporting disciplines.
- Procurement. Level 1 B-BBEE contributor, giving 135% procurement recognition (sworn affidavit available on request); company documents, a bank confirmation letter, our CSD supplier number and SARS tax compliance status on request; SBD forms when a bid requires them; itemised quotes for governing-body approval, a purchase order or a tender response.
- Continuity. The devices, the management console and the admin credentials are yours. Adding a grade or a campus follows the same enrolment standard, and if you change provider we hand over the console, the register and the documentation.