Tech Help

Hardware Issues:

If you are having hardware issues with your device, you need to speak with a representative from the IT Department.  Hardware issues include:

• keys not working on your Chromebook
• cracked screens
• chargers doesn't work
• battery doesn't hold a charge
• Microphone or camera not working
• Operating System Error message (white screen with big orange !)  

The IT Help desk is located in the library and staffed before school and during lunch waves.

Basic Troubleshooting:

• Turn it off and turn it back on - when in doubt, fully shut down your device, unplug, then plug it back in and turn it back on!!
• Remove user/account - Log out, remove user, restart and log back in.  
• Check that your Chrome browser is up to date or watch a video on how to update your Chromebook.  Settings > About Chrome OS > Check for updates (you should restart your device after installing an update).
• Enable 3rd party Cookies - Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data > "Allow all cookies"  (Please note: most GPS Digital Tools require Cookies to be enabled)
• Clear your Cache - Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear browsing data > Check boxes next to browsing history, Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.  Use the Time Range drop down to select "all time."  Click clear data.  

Tried all of these steps?  See App specific troubleshooting suggestions below.

Hardware Issues:

Unfortunately, the GHS IT and Library Media Staff cannot provide support for personally owned hardware.  Students experiencing hardware issues with their personally owned laptops and Chromebooks will need to seek support outside of school.

Basic Troubleshooting:

• Turn it off and turn it back on - when in doubt, fully shut down your device, unplug, then plug it back in and turn it back on!!
• Use the Chrome Browser!!!  Most of the digital tools used at GHS run best in Chrome.  If it is not installed on your device, you can download it for free.  
• Sign in/sync to Chrome using your Greenwich Schools email address.  Make sure your Chrome browser is logged into your GPS Gmail.  Because many GPS apps allow users to "sign in with Google" this is critical to accessing all of your accounts. 
• If your account is "paused" you may need to resync.  
• Check that your Chrome browser is up to date.  Settings > About Chrome OS > Check for updates (you should restart your device after installing an update).
• Enable 3rd party Cookies - Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data > "Allow all cookies"  (Please note: most GPS Digital Tools require Cookies to be enabled)
• Clear your Cache - Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear browsing data > Check boxes next to browsing history, Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.  Use the Time Range drop down to select "all time."  Click clear data.  

Tried all of these steps?  See App specific troubleshooting suggestions below.

Aspen:

Aspen is our Student Data Management Portal.  Aspen is the database that contains all student information including grades, schedules, transcripts, emergency contact information, etc.

Logging in:

• Access Aspen by going to https://ct-greenwich.myfollett.com/aspen/logon.do
• Click "Log in with Another Provider"

Resources for Parents:

• Parent Login Directions for Aspen
• How to look up grades in Aspen

Google Workspace for Education:

Google Workspace for Education includes Gmail, Google Drive (cloud storage), Google Docs (word processing), Google Sheets (spreadsheets), Google Slides (slideshow), Google Forms (surveys), Google Meet (video conferencing) and Google Classroom (online class platform).  All GHS students have a GPS Google account which allows for access to all the Google Workspace apps.  In addition, students' Gmail accounts allow entry to many of the other GPS digital tools.  

Access issues:

If students are locked out of their Google Account, fill out the tech help request form.   

Google Classroom:

Google Classroom is a tool within the Google Workspace that allows for easy distribution, collection and grading of course materials.  Some teachers at GHS will use this as their primary mode of distributing class materials to students.  

How to join Google Classroom:

• Teachers will invite students to join their course via email, or via a join code.
• To access Google Classroom:
  • Be sure to be logged into your school GMail account.
  • Click on the "waffle" in the upper right corner to access more Apps.
  • Scroll down and click on Google Classroom.
• For more information, review Getting Started with Classroom for Students from Google.

Electronic Textbooks & Course Specific Software:

Students having issues accessing their electronic textbooks should notify their classroom teacher.  Only classroom teachers can help student with textbook access issues.  Similarly, any issues with course specific digital tools such as Geogebra and Desmos should be brought to the classroom teacher.  

Noodletools:

Noodletools is the preferred citation generator in GPS.  It integrates with many of our databases and allows for students to sign in with Google.  Noodletools supports MLA, APA and Chicago style citations.  

Unless told otherwise by a teacher, all sources should be cited in MLA format at GHS. 

Help with Citations:

The Noodletools Support page offers documents and videos that explain how to cite sources, use note cards and export projects.  Below are just a few samples of the resources they provide.

• How to create a project in Noodletools and share with a teacher (video)
• How to create a citation in Noodletools (video)
• How to create a notecard in Noodletools (video)
• How to fill in a notecard in Noodletools (video)

Turnitin.com:

Turnitin.com is a tool that helps to prevent plagiarism.  Teachers may also use it to help students with their writing by providing feedback or using peer to peer feedback options.

Help tips in Turnitin:

• How to submit an assignment (video)
• Turnitin.com Help Page