PARENTS
Why Chromebooks?
Google Chromebooks have overtaken the educational environment by making instructional materials more accessible and more engaging through online tools. Chromebooks are managed by G Suite which provides access to a suite of Google apps for both students and staff. The goal of our program is to teach students responsible and appropriate use of digital devices while providing self directed learning and creativity.
By allowing students to take home a device they develop ownership and continuity from school to home which also allows the district to maintain security practices to ensure student safety. The district has created a process for deploying a 1:1 take home program.
Device Management & Student Safety
Devices will be issued to each student through a library check-out procedure.
One of the benefits of Chromebooks is that they are easily managed by IT and allow staff to monitor usage and lock down content as well as easily deploy relevant applications to student devices.
The district manages the devices and ensures appropriate content via GoGuardian web filters. GoGaurdian also allows for off campus webfiltering.
Supporting Your Student
The 1:1 Chromebook program is an amazing opportunity for students to engage with learning in a meaningful, modern context that helps prepare them for life beyond their education. However, some students require some extra support when it comes to making appropriate choices with their technology use. The following are some strategies that you can use to help your student be responsible with their Chromebook at home:
Have your student work in a common area rather than their bedroom
As teachers will tell you, being near to a student is often the best deterrent from off-task behavior. Having your student work where they are visible lets them know you are interested in the choices they are making, and are supportive of their success in school.
Share their Google Drive to check on work progress
If you have your own device like a smartphone, computer, or tablet, and a Google (Gmail) account, you can access your student’s Google Drive to look at the work they have been doing at school (including comments from teachers and peers). This also allows you to see them work in real time on documents and check their progress with homework. Simply have students share all their work folders with your Google account. Also, ask your child’s teachers to give you access to the online Classroom through Google Classroom.
Check their Internet history if you suspect inappropriate use
Chromebooks keep a log of their Internet activity. If you suspect that your student has visited an inappropriate site, you can press Ctrl + H when the Chrome Browser is open to see the history. Students can clear their history, so an empty or limited history of browsing can often be cause for suspicion. If you would like this investigated further, please contact your school principal. Be sure, however, the current content filters deployed to your student’s account is set to block most if not all inappropriate content.
Restrict their Chromebook usage to set boundaries
While the Chromebook is a learning resource, the district completely respects your role as a parent and will support any decisions you wish to make regarding your child’s access to technology. For example, if you wish to set time limits on their usage, or remove the device from their possession when they are not engaged in homework, this can help to remind them that technology is a tool, rather than a toy.
Turn off your home WiFi at appropriate times
Many of the Chromebook features require an Internet connection to function. When offline, the Chromebook can access the Google Docs office suite and not much more. Turning off your home WiFi at night can prevent late night YouTube sessions, or chatting with friends at inappropriate times and provide more time for other activities. Also, you may want to check to see if you have parental controls on your WiFi Access Point. Here are some useful links for setting up the Parental Controls on your Home Wifi Network:
Cruzio
Example Media Use Agreements for Home