Technology Quick Reference Guide
Master the tools you use every day.
Written by Isaiah Estes
Updated at July 22nd, 2026
Table of Contents
Welcome to your Technology Quick Reference Guide! This page brings together the tips, shortcuts, and troubleshooting steps you'll use most often. Whether you're helping a student, organizing your Google Workspace, or fixing a Chromebook issue, you'll find quick answers here.
💡 Tip: Bookmark this page for easy access throughout the school year.
Work Faster Every Day
Keyboard Shortcuts
These shortcuts work on most Chromebooks and Windows laptops unless otherwise noted. If you're using a Mac, some keys may be different.
Everyday Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Copy | Ctrl + C |
| Cut | Ctrl + X |
| Paste | Ctrl + V |
| Undo | Ctrl + Z |
| Redo | Ctrl + Shift + Z or Ctrl + Y |
| Select All | Ctrl + A |
| Find on Page | Ctrl + F |
| Ctrl + P | |
| Save | Ctrl + S |
Browser Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Open New Tab | Ctrl + T |
| Close Current Tab | Ctrl + W |
| Reopen Closed Tab | Ctrl + Shift + T |
| Switch Tabs | Ctrl + Tab |
| Refresh Page | Ctrl + R |
| Open History | Ctrl + H |
| Open Downloads | Ctrl + J |
Chromebook Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Take Screenshot | Ctrl + Show Windows |
| Partial Screenshot | Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows |
| Lock Screen | Search + L |
| Open Files | Alt + Shift + M |
| Open Launcher | Search |
Navigation Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Open Task Manager (Windows/ChromeOS) | Shift + Esc |
| Switch Between Apps | Alt + Tab |
| Zoom In | Ctrl + + |
| Zoom Out | Ctrl + - |
| Reset Zoom | Ctrl + 0 |
Need More Shortcuts?
For a complete list of Chromebook keyboard shortcuts, check out the official Google support pages:
Organize with Bookmarks
Bookmarks keep your most-used websites only one click away.
Why use bookmarks?
Instead of searching for the same websites every day, save them once and access them instantly.
Ideas
- Create folders for each subject or grade level.
- Keep district websites together.
- Pin your most frequently used tabs.
Helpful bookmarks might include:
- Incident IQ - Submit and track technology and facilities support requests.
- Skyward Employee Access - Access your payroll and personnel information through the online employee portal. To update your personal or employment information, please contact Human Resources, as these changes cannot be made in Skyward.
- Skyward Tutorials & Guides - Browse helpful tutorials and step-by-step guides for using Skyward.
- Mobile App Tutorials & Guides - Learn how to use the Skyward mobile app.
- Gmail - Access your district email account.
Organize Your Gmail with Labels
Labels help you organize email without moving messages into folders.
Examples
- Students
- Parents
- Administration
- Technology
- Committees
You can even create filters so emails are automatically labeled when they arrive.
Device Quick Fixes
Before submitting a technology ticket, try these quick troubleshooting steps. Many common issues can be resolved in just a few minutes.
Restart Your Device
A restart clears temporary errors and refreshes system resources.
Try this first if:
- An application is frozen.
- A webpage won't load.
- Your device is running slowly.
- Audio or video isn't working properly.
Tip: Restarting is different from simply closing the lid or locking your device.
Check Your Internet Connection
Many technology issues are caused by a weak or disconnected network.
Quick checks:
Check the Basics
Sometimes the simplest solution is the right one.
Make sure:
- Your device is charged or plugged in.
- External monitors are powered on.
- Cables are securely connected.
- Headphones or USB devices are fully plugged in.
Refresh Your Browser
If a website isn't working correctly:
- Refresh the page (Ctrl + R).
- Close and reopen the browser.
- Try opening the website in a new tab.
- If only one website is affected, it may be temporarily unavailable.
Close and Reopen the Application
If only one application is having problems:
- Save your work if possible.
- Close the application completely.
- Reopen it and try again.
This often resolves temporary software glitches.
Check Audio Settings
If you can't hear sound or others can't hear you:
- Verify the volume isn't muted.
- Check the correct speaker or microphone is selected.
- Disconnect and reconnect headphones or USB audio devices.
- Restart the meeting or application if needed.
Keyboard or Mouse Not Working Correctly?
Try these quick checks:
- Disconnect and reconnect external devices.
- Replace batteries if using wireless devices.
- Clean the keyboard if keys are sticking.
- Restart the device.
If you're typing unexpected characters:
- Check Caps Lock.
- Verify the correct keyboard language or layout is selected.
Check Accessibility Settings
If your screen, keyboard, or mouse behaves unexpectedly, an accessibility feature may have been enabled.
Common settings to review:
- Screen Magnifier
- High Contrast Mode
- Sticky Keys
- Spoken Feedback or Screen Reader
- On-Screen Keyboard
Having Trouble Printing?
Before requesting support:
- Verify you're connected to the network.
- Confirm you've selected the correct printer.
- Verify you are signed into PaperCut.
- Review the print preview to verify it is appearing with a preview once you select the desired printer before sending the job.
Helpful Technology Tips
- Restart First – Many issues are resolved with a simple restart before additional troubleshooting is needed.
- Keep Chrome Updated – Updates improve performance and security. If prompted, restart Chrome to finish installing updates.
- Close Unused Tabs – Too many open tabs can slow down a Chromebook and reduce battery life.
-
Know When to Ask for Help – If you've tried the quick fixes and the issue continues, submit an Incident IQ ticket with:
- Device asset tag
- Student or staff name
- Description of the issue
- Any error messages
- What troubleshooting you've already tried