Opportunities & Benefits

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Opportunities/Benefits of 1:1

  • Students can collaborate with each other using technology--this allows for new ways to do group work, and this type of collaboration is similar to what often happens in the workplace.
  • A shy student who may not contribute to a class discussion is more likely to share their thinking via online discussions with the class, therefore getting their voice heard AND giving their classmates an opportunity to gain from contributions of ALL class members.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate their learning in more creative ways--from the traditional essay to videos and podcasts
  • More opportunities to differentiate or tailor the learning & content to meet diverse student needs--audio and visual aids, tutorials easier to access, etc.
  • With Schoology and students having their own Chromebooks, it will be easier for parents to see what their child is doing and learning in class.

 

Questions/Concerns

 

What if my child loses or damages the device?

Just as with a textbook or library book, your child is responsible to take care of and keep track of their Chromebook. We do have an insurance plan (at no cost to families) that will take care of fixing or replacing Chromebooks in those rare exceptions of damage or theft.

What if we don’t want our child to bring this device to and from school?

Your child will need their Chromebook DAILY at school, as it will be used in a minimum of one class daily. They will need their Chromebook at home EVERY evening so they can complete their homework for a minimum of one class (and so they can CHARGE their device for learning the next day).

What if my child decides to spend all their “homework” time messing around and playing games on the device?

Learning to balance technology use for necessity and work vs social time and play is something all of us must do--and it is an ongoing struggle for many. Time management and the ability to focus on the task at hand are valuable academic and workplace skills. While the introduction of 1:1 does not create the problem (many students have phones and access to other tech at home already), we plan to strategize with students and help them learn how to balance work and play.

What if my child is unable to focus in class because of this device?

We have been using technology in school for a few years now, and while we do not have a magic wand to make sure your child is not ever distracted in class, we pay attention to what students are doing when they are using technology, and students are held accountable to demonstrate how they are learning class content--whether with or without tech. Technology is a tool, and we will do everything we can to ensure that your child uses their Chromebook as a tool to get the best education possible.

Is my child more likely to be cyberbullied since every kid in the school will have a device?

We monitor student computer use, in every class. However, some students may try to break the rules. Cyberbullying can take place at any time of day, in and out of school, and regardless of HOW the bully accesses and uses the technology, the problem must be dealt with. Students who know of bullying or cyberbullying need to tell us so we can address the problem. Students can tell any trusted adult at school. Lessons on cyberbullying and how to get help are incorporated into both 7th and 8th grade curriculum (via the Library).

We have no internet at home.

Students can check out a wifi hotspot from the library so they can use the internet at home. These hotspots will only work for the Chromebook that your student has checked out, and and not for other devices in your home.

My child already spends too much time sitting and using technology. Giving them this device to use for school can be harmful to their health.

This is a problem for MANY adults, teens, and kids. While introducing 1:1 at our school does not create the problem, we plan to incorporate lessons and discussions with students around digital health and wellness, and the importance of face to face communication and physical activity.