Question:

“Has anyone successfully implemented Google Flex on Chromebooks that are no longer supported, particularly for conducting school assessments that necessitate an updated version of the Chrome browser?”

Answer:

The integration of Google Flex on Chromebooks that have reached their end-of-life (EOL) status is a topic of interest for many educational institutions. Schools often seek ways to extend the lifespan of their technology investments, especially when faced with the need to run updated software for critical functions like assessments.

, a version of ChromeOS designed to modernize older PCs and Macs, has been considered a potential solution for this issue. However, Google explicitly states that they do not support installing Chrome OS Flex on Chrome OS devices that have reached their Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date. Despite this, there have been instances where schools have attempted to install Chrome OS Flex on these unsupported devices.

The primary motivation behind such efforts is to utilize Chromebooks for school assessments that require a newer version of the Chrome browser. Chromebooks are known for their secure platform, making them ideal for administering formative assessments like state exams. However, the installation of Chrome OS Flex on EOL Chromebooks comes with its own set of challenges. Users might encounter issues with firmware and hardware compatibility, installation, and updates.

While some schools have reported success in using Chrome OS Flex on their expired Chromebooks, it’s important to note that this is not a guaranteed or supported solution by Google. The lack of official support means that any implementation is done at the school’s own risk. There are also concerns about stability, functionality, and performance across regular OS updates, especially on non-certified models.

In conclusion, while there are anecdotal reports of Google Flex being used on unsupported Chromebooks for school assessments, it is not an officially sanctioned practice. Schools considering this option should be prepared for potential technical issues and weigh the risks against the benefits of extending the use of their existing Chromebook fleet. For those institutions that decide to proceed, thorough testing and a backup plan are strongly recommended to ensure the continuity of assessments.