1:1 Chromebook Program
What are the benefits of a 1:1 program?
A device inspires hands-on learning and can be used to promote creativity in the classroom. This innovative tool has the capability to provide personalised learning and education in a number of different subject areas. The device allows students to gain access to a continually growing bank of educational content. The use of a device will allow our teachers to expand their programs to fit the needs of today’s students and to better equip them with the skills they’ll need in the modern world. Use of devices can also encourage students, boost confidence and provide a valuable feedback loop outside of a traditional classroom setting. Students will be able to better develop their 21st Century learning skills including opportunities for authentic collaboration and teamwork, innovation, creating and publishing in ways never possible before. 1:1 is about learning and not technology.
We recommend that all students participating in the 1:1 program are familiar with the Board’s Responsible Use of Technology policy and the 1:1 Technology Protocol.
Responsibility for the Chromebooks
BGCDSB’s Equipment is only being loaned for the use by my child and remains at all times the property of the BGCDSB. Chromebooks are to be returned to BGCDSB if my child leaves the BGCDSB or if requested by a representative of BGCDSB, including but not limited to, a Principal or technical support of BGCDSB.
All BGCDSB Equipment and property must be returned to the BGCDSB in good repair. If a student experiences an issue with their device, they are to notify their teacher who can help coordinate technical support.
The parent(s)/legal guardian of a student is responsible for ensuring they use the Equipment in accordance with any applicable policies of the BGCDSB and for providing a safe place for the student to work while using the Equipment at home.
The Responsible Use of Technology Policy can be found here.
A condition of using the Equipment is that students and families agree to the appropriate use of technology both within and outside of school. Any inappropriate use of the internet is unacceptable and may, within the absolute discretion of the BGCDSB, cause the return of such Equipment.
Why not BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)?
We are strongly encouraging the use of the board provided device because with a range of devices it is difficult for the teacher to manage and plan lessons. WIth a wide range of devices our teachers would not be able to guarantee the learning platform that the students would be using and therefore many learning activities would not be possible.
Although we are not encouraging BYOD for reasons indicated above BYOD is included as part of the responsible use of technology policy and procedures:
Is the school ready for a 1:1 environment?
All of our sites have recently been updated with a government mandated broadband connection which is based on the number of staff and students at each school.
We use an enterprise class Wifi system that we are constantly working to improve and update as numbers grow and needs arise.
Will my child be using the device in all lessons throughout the day?
Devices will be used by students as, and when required in each subject area. It is not expected that the devices will be in use all the time, students will use them when needed to support their learning.
Can my child use the device at recess and lunchtime at school?
Students are not permitted to take their devices into the school yard at recess, lunchtime or before school for any reason.
What are the ‘rules’ for my child’s use of the device at school?
All students are required to adhere to the board’s Acceptable Use of Technology Policy relating to the use of computers and the Internet within the Bruce Grey Catholic District School Board. Breaches of the agreement will be addressed on an individual basis.
How are students supported in cybersafety practices?
Cybersafety programs are taught at school on a regular basis and will be reinforced as part of the 1:1 program. Students will be taught how to handle technology in an appropriate manner. Clear expectations will be set for students with regard to device ethics and etiquette during lessons and consequences reinforced. Importantly, parents also need to be aware of their child’s activities online at home and how they are using the Internet.
Who is responsible for Internet safety at home?
It is a parent’s responsibility to ensure they have a protected network and good Internet protocols when the device is in use at home.
My child has downloaded apps that I do not think he/she should be using. What should I do?
Parents are responsible for how the device is used at home and what is downloaded. Parents are strongly encouraged to develop ‘household rules’ and to discuss the sites that their child has asked to use. If you feel anything inappropriate has been installed then it should be removed. If the school believes the device is dubious or deemed dangerous, then the device will be reimaged by the school technician.
I am concerned that my child is using their device inappropriately?
If you are unsure, openly discuss these concerns with your child. The use of devices in class will be actively monitored by teachers. Misuse of a device will be treated the same as any other distracting activity and normal classroom discipline rules will apply. If you are unsure please discuss with the classroom teacher.
Can my child put their own songs/media on their device?
Yes, as long as the media has been obtained legally and from reputable sources and does not breach any copyright laws. Sufficient space must remain to ensure the educational needs of the device can still be met.
How do I backup my data on my device?
Anything stored in Google’s Cloud service (Gmail, Google Drive etc.) is backed up daily. Data stored locally on the device can be backed up to an external hard drive, SSD card, another home computer or a cloud server of your choice. The school is not obliged to save any personal data or photos that are not part of school work. It would be best to make regular home backups of locally stored data. In the event of the device needing to be reimaged you can then replace any personal files.
Should I update the software on my device?
No, there is no need to update anything. All programs will be updated via the board systems.
How often should a device be charged?
It is expected that students will bring their device to school fully-charged each day. It is recommended that the devices are charged overnight prior to each school day.
What if my child’s device is not charged?
It may not always be possible to offer charging at school. However access to a few chargers will be possible depending on the number of students who require it. If the device was not charged overnight due to extenuating circumstances, it will be possible to book a portable charger out from the school’s library. All portable chargers booked out must be returned to the library by the end of the day.
How will students know which device belongs to them?
All BGCDSB 1:1 devices will be allocated to a specific student. A record of the serial number and the student’s name will be held by the school. Once the student logs in, their name will be displayed on the login screen. Students will be encouraged to lock their device when not in use. It will lock automatically after sitting idle for 30 minutes.
Should my child be spending a lot of time completing homework on their device?
Homework and device activities will vary depending on the tasks. The device is a tool to support learning and should be used in an open and transparent manner. Ask your child to show you how they are using the device to support their learning. If the device is not required for a task, it is best that it is put away or shut down for that period of time.
When Is the program starting?
The 1:1 program is scheduled to commence at the beginning of the school year in 2020. The school encourages families to follow our professional recommendations and participate. The school has researched the pros and cons and the decisions made are deeply ingrained in proven educational research.
Will my child’s device be safe at school?
Every endeavor will be made to ensure the security of these devices. Rules and protocols will be established. It is important that students learn to manage their own technology. Students will store their device in a locked classroom when they arrive at school and during school hours when not in use.
How can my child protect the device from accidental damage?
All devices should be kept in a protective case and used with due care. In addition, a compact carry bag is very worthwhile to help students transport the devices to and from school. A protective case will be provided with each device or you may choose to supply your own. Students are also instructed not to leave devices on the floor, near food or water or use it in a careless manner. Abuse and mistreatment is not covered by our onsite replacement program.
What if the device requires technical support?
Our preferred method is to have the student notify their teacher, who will then submit a helpdesk ticket on behalf of the student. The school technician will then be assigned the ticket and address the issue.
We also have a family tech support ([email protected]) email address for those families that decide to do remote learning.
Is the device protected from malware?
Google filters email before it enters a user's inbox. Also, we have enabled "Safe Browsing". This is a service offered and managed by Google that enables applications to check URLs against Google's constantly updated lists of suspected phishing and malware pages.
What if my child leaves the school? What happens to the device?
Through this special 1:1 program you have exclusive use, just like it was your own. If your child leaves the Board, families will have the option to return the device or purchase the device at an amortized value and have the device restored to factory defaults.
Can my child opt out of the 1:1 program and bring their own device?
We will be providing a Chromebook to all students from Grade 4 - Grade 12. We want to encourage a consistent experience in the classroom for both the student and teacher so we are strongly encouraging the use of this device over a personal device. Please note that school techs will not provide support for personal devices.