What are some of the goals of the program?
Our primary goal is to focus on how we can make igniting a passion for learning systemic practice so ALL students are eager to go to school every day and come home equally excited. In essence, we want to create highly invested, lifelong learners who understand not only content, which in this digital age is constantly changing, but at a deeper level have learned how to learn and are inspired to make a positive impact on the world.
a. Develop highly invested students across all grades and subjects through a more personalized learning approach
b. Promote digital equity and ensure all students have access to a curriculum that is increasingly digital
c. Close the Digital Use Divide
d. Provide 21st Century Skills our students need for a knowledge-based, increasingly digital economy.
What is the battery life of the device?
Ten hours, according to the manufacturer. This will depend on how the device is used.
Will charging stations be available at the school?
In our high school and middle schools, there are secure charging towers that can be utilized throughout the day. In elementary buildings, charging solutions are provided in the classroom.
What if my child forgets their Chromebook?
It's important to ensure your child brings their device in every day. A limited amount of loaners may be provided in elementary schools. In middle and high schools, loaners will not be provided.
What if we do not have wi-fi access at home?
Students may sign out Kajeets from the library which will give them filtered wi-fi access.
What happens if the device is stolen?
Students should report this to their classroom teacher. The teacher will refer the student to administration.
Will we be responsible for carrying insurance on the device?
No.
Will my child be required to take their device home every day?
Although there is no requirement to take the Chromebook home each night, students will find that most of the teachers will have assignments to complete at home that requires the use of a computer. A personal home computer may certainly be used to complete these assignments, but the district Chromebook that is assigned will have all of the necessary software already installed and configured for ease of use.
Does the district block access to inappropriate websites?
Yes. Student Chromebooks will be configured to use the district web-filter both in the district and when connected to home or public WiFi. PSD has installed filtering software designed to protect students from obscene material and visual depictions deemed harmful to minors as defined by the federal Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). When off district grounds, the Chromebooks will be filtered from offensive material just like other computers on the PSD network. Further, removal or tampering with the filtering settings will be a violation of district policy. Keep in mind that no blocking technology is 100% effective. The best filter is a parent or guardian. We encourage you to talk with your child and be aware of his or her online activities and behaviors.
How much time will my child be spending on the device every day?
It varies by subject and teacher. We are not promoting the use of technology but rather the best instructional practices that will engage and inspire students to achieve their best performance. At times that will involve the use of technology but there are many times when it will not be necessary. The device is simply a tool, not the driver of instruction.
How will use of the devices be monitored during the school day?
Parkland teachers may use classroom management software to monitor and/or restrict browsing activity for students in their classes, which includes the logging of web traffic and viewing of student screens. Classroom management software is active only during the school day while students are on the district network. While this software can monitor screen activity, it is not capable of remotely activating the webcam or microphone input. Teachers have the right, but not the obligation to monitor student online activity as needed to keep students on-task and successful.
This classroom management software is in addition to web filtering software, which monitors and restricts student access to inappropriate websites on all devices at all times, on and off-campus.
The Google Chrome extensions that facilitate both classroom management and web filtering are loaded onto all district Chromebooks when a student signs in using their Parkland Google Workspace account (@parklandsd.net). Having said that, we understand some students may prefer to use a personal device to complete schoolwork at home. While all student activity is subject to the acceptable use policy, students can access their Parkland accounts on personal devices without loading these extensions simply by visiting the Clever Portal at http://clever.parklandsd.org and signing in. We strongly recommend students DO NOT sync their Parkland Google accounts to Chrome profiles on personally-owned devices, which will enable the district’s web-filtering extension.
My child already has their own laptop/tablet/Chromebook that they would prefer to use. Is this possible?
No. Students are not permitted to bring in personal devices. All students will be expected to use their Parkland-issued Chromebook.
Can students print at home?
While Parkland does nothing to prevent users from adding their own printers at home on Chromebooks, we are unable to provide technical support on home printers. Parents or guardians should ensure Google Cloud Print is supported on the printer they are trying to use to ensure compatibility.
