Chromebook Tips
Using a Chromebook for college work? Check your course requirements early and know where to turn if something will not open.
Can I use a Chromebook?
Chromebooks are not recommended as your only computer for college coursework. KCTCS notes that they are not compatible with many course requirements. You may be able to complete much of your everyday work on one, but that does not guarantee every assignment, publisher tool, or required program will work.
Check your syllabus and What You’ll Need information. Ask your instructor about required software and testing tools before you need them.
Review KCTCS technology recommendations (opens in a new tab)
Connect to KCTCS-STUDENTS Wi-Fi on campus
On your Chromebook, select the Wi-Fi icon in the bottom-right corner, then choose KCTCS-STUDENTS from the available networks.
Enter these settings from the campus Chromebook Wi-Fi guide:
| Setting | What to enter |
|---|---|
| EAP method | PEAP |
| Phase 2 authentication | MSCHAPv2 |
| Server CA certificate | Do not validate (or use the default if required) |
| Identity | Your KCTCS username without @kctcs.edu |
| Password | Your KCTCS password |
| Anonymous identity | Leave blank |
Select Connect and wait for authentication to finish. These instructions are for KCTCS-STUDENTS only.
Still unable to connect? If all settings are correct, the guide recommends resetting your KCTCS account password (opens in a new tab), then trying again with the new password.
If your school-issued Chromebook will not let you change these settings, contact your high school’s IT team. For help connecting to the campus network, contact OCTC IT using the information below.
A required website is blocked
If the message says the site is blocked or a setting is managed by your school, contact your high school’s IT team. A blocked site does not necessarily mean the Chromebook is incompatible.
Send the exact link, the error message or screenshot, and what you were trying to do. School permissions must be addressed by the school managing the device.
A page or assignment will not work
Follow your instructor’s directions and open the activity from its link in Blackboard. Note whether the problem is a blocked site, a sign-in issue, or a tool that will not run.
Open Technology Tips for browser and publisher help (opens in a new tab). If a browser setting is locked by your school, ask its IT team for help.
For required software or testing tools, check compatibility with your instructor or OCTC IT early. Use an instructor-provided practice activity when available; do not open a graded test just to check whether it works.
I need another computer
OCTC has on-campus computer labs. Plan ahead if you need a computer for an assignment or a tool your Chromebook cannot use.
Find OCTC computer lab locations and hours (opens in a new tab). On that page, expand Computer Lab Locations to see the listings.
Ask OCTC IT whether the lab computer has the software you need. If you need it for a test, confirm the testing requirements and arrangements with your instructor first.
Submit work from Google Docs or Slides
Use Google’s Download menu to save the required Word, PDF, or PowerPoint file, then upload it in Blackboard. Avoid pasted sharing links unless the assignment explicitly requests one.
Who can help?
High school IT: Blocked websites, restricted settings, and installation permissions on a school-issued Chromebook.
OCTC IT: College technology questions, troubleshooting, and computer lab information. Call 270-686-4541 and leave a voicemail if no one answers, or email octc-ithelpdesk@kctcs.edu.
Include screenshots, error messages, or a short recording when possible. Never send your password. Contact your instructor too if an assignment or deadline is affected.
Suggest an addition or correction: email Stephanie Self.
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