Parents & Students > Chromebook Frequently Asked Questions
Hinsdale County School District is excited to announce the continuation of a 1:1 (student to computing device) Chromebook program for grades K-12 that begins the fall of 2018. Students will also have classroom iPads available to them for in-class use as determined by their teachers.
Our program is a milestone in the evolution of the district’s integration of technology into our educational program.
Students today have been labeled “digital natives” and this program is continuing to ensure that our students graduate from Lake City Community School with the digital skills and experience they need to be effective and responsible global citizens.
1. Why Chromebooks/iPads?
Using Chromebooks/iPads will enable Lake City students to develop 21st century skills in a manner that makes sense in today’s digital world. Colorado Department of Education describes these skills as:
2. How and when will the devices be distributed?
Elementary students will receive Chromebooks the first day of school.
MS/HS students will receive Chromebooks the 2nd week of school.
New teaching staff receive their choice of a laptop/Chromebook/iPad upon employment.
3. Will students take their devices home with them?
Elementary student devices remain at school.
MSHS students can take their devices home.
4. How are staff and students being continuously trained for our Chromebook/iPad program?
LCCS has developed a comprehensive plan for training staff and students.
LCCS students will begin training upon receiving their Chromebooks. While the majority of learning to use the Chromebook/iPad and extensions/apps will be integrated into the classroom curriculum, training outside of the classroom will continue throughout the school year, as needed.
LCCS teaching staff receives professional development ongoing throughout the school year.
5. Will there be ongoing training for parents/guardians?
Please call Carla Whinnery, Technology Integration Coach, (970) 944-2314 to discuss options.
6. What are some of the basic Chromebook/iPad functions that I should know about?
Your child will be taught the skills they need to use their Chromebook/iPad for school work.
7. Will the school provide a case and/or accessories for the device?
Students will be provided with an Chromebook sleeve. The iPad protective case that must remain on the device at all times. If iPads are needed for homework, external keyboards, power adapters and lightning cables will also be provided and can be taken home.
iPad stands will be available in classrooms and can be checked out for home use when needed.
Earphones/earbuds are required and as in the past, students must provide their own earphones/earbuds.
Students are required to have a backpack that can safely accommodate a Chromebook/iPad.
8. How and where should devices be stored/cared for at home?
With our extreme temperatures, please never leave the Chromebook/iPad in a vehicle.
Families need to develop a convenient, safe place to charge the Chromebook/iPad each night. Students are expected to arrive at school each day with a fully charged Chromebook/iPad.
Encourage your child to treat the Chromebook/iPad with extreme care. Chromebooks/iPads should not be left on the floor or near heating sources.
The Chromebook/iPad can be cleaned with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Do not use window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, alcohol, ammonia, or abrasives to clean the Chromebook/iPad.
Avoid getting any liquids on the Chromebook/iPad. If a Chromebook/iPad gets spilled on, immediately power down the device and contact Dan Wampler, technology support at (970) 944-2314.
9. Is there an insurance plan for the Chromebooks/iPads?
No.
10. What is my family’s responsibility for Chromebook/iPad breakage or loss in school or out of school?
Families of MSHS students are required to pay a $40 Technology Use and Maintenance Fee per student to offset the cost of insurance and in-house maintenance costs.
Students who break or lose a Chromebook/iPad will be subject to fees as outlined in the STUDENT AND PARENT/GUARDIAN TECHNOLOGY USER AGREEMENT signed before devices are issued to students.
For each incident, students may be subject to additional disciplinary consequences to be determined on a case-by-case basis.
11. Is there an acceptable use policy (AUP)? Where can I find it?
Since 2002, LCCS has had an AUP that parents and students receive before school starts. Parents and students are required to sign a contract verifying that they have received a copy of and agree to the AUP before students receive a device.
12. What are the school’s disciplinary consequences for inappropriate use?
Consequences depend on the nature of the inappropriate use. Consequences can include complete loss of use of the device or limited use of the device during school hours only. Consequences can also include loss of school privileges and activities. Duration of the consequences is decided case-by-case.
13. How do any disciplinary consequences extend beyond the school day and off-campus?
Certain consequences can lead to students not being able to take their device home or not being able to participate in school activities.
14. How will schoolwork be affected if my child loses the privilege to use the device?
Since technology is an integral part of the classroom curriculum, loss of technology privileges can drastically affect the student, his/her classmates and the teacher. However, schoolwork accommodations will be made.
15. Will the device need to be connected to the Internet to complete homework assignments?
LCCS will provide accommodations for students who do not have an Internet connection at home.
Not all homework assignments that include use of the Chromebook/iPad will require an Internet connection. However, a good portion of the assignments could require an Internet connection. For example, students can access their assignments through Google Classroom.
Students can take advantage of homework club offered after-school (contact the school for days/times each week). The Lake City Public Library provides free internet. Call (970) 944-2615 for hours.
16. Is the school using a content filter for Internet browsing?
Yes, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), LCCS is using a content filter for Internet browsing. We use a device/software provided by Lightspeed Systems . Lightspeed Systems Relay will filter devices from any Internet-connected location (school, home, other).
17. Is there a way I can have similar filtering options at home?
School devices are filtered by Lightspeed Systems Relay while on your home network. We do not provide content filtering for personal devices. If you need content filtering on your personal devices, there are commercial products available.
18. What is my family’s responsibility in monitoring what my child does on the device at home?
While the content filter does a great job, it cannot block all unsuitable material being accessed via your child’s device. Therefore parents still need to be vigilant.
Parents should make sure students are using the device responsibly.
19. Can my child and I configure or personalize the device in any way?
Most of the settings on the device should not be changed. However, students may personalize the device by changing wallpaper on the lock screen or home screen.
20. What are the expectations around using the Chromebook/iPad at home? Is it just for school work or can my child use it for personal or entertainment reasons?
The Chromebooks/iPads are issued to students for use with school work.
21. Who else can use my child’s device?
The Chromebooks/iPads are for student use only.
22. How will students learn to use the device and apps?
LCCS has a history of 1-to-1 laptops/iPads and integrating technology into the curriculum. With the 1-to-1 Chromebook deployment, learning to use the Chromebook/iPad and extensions/apps will be integrated into the classroom curriculum. Students will also receive dedicated Chromebook training when receiving the device and throughout the school year, as needed.
23. What extensions/apps will be preloaded on the devices?
The Chromebooks have several extensions/apps pre-loaded. iPads have several apps pre-loaded.
24. Can we purchase or install extensions/apps ourselves on the device?
LCCS will provide all extensions/apps, books and textbooks required for students. All requests for extension/app downloads will be closely monitored by the technology staff.
25. Can we download free apps on the device?
LCCS will provide all apps, books and textbooks required for students. All requests for extensions/app downloads will be closely monitored by the technology staff.
26. Will students have email or other accounts?
As in the past, students will have email accounts that are issued and monitored by LCCS on our school domain. The email addresses are assigned with the student’s first name and last initial followed by lakecityschool.org (e.g. janed@lakecityschool.org.)
27. How can I access or view my child’s digital work?
LCCS encourages parents to view their child’s digital work. Ask your child to show you their work. Also, you can set up a meeting with the student’s teachers or with technology staff to discuss and view digital work.
28. Will we have access to the school’s online content outside of the school day?
LCCS will be using a learning management system called Google Classroom for students in MSHS. Via Google Classroom, students can view homework assignments and have access to resource materials for those assignments. Use of Google Classroom will vary by course and teacher.
39. What kind of tech support will we have outside of school hours?
Tech support is offered during school hours.
30. How can I help support the school with this 1-to-1 program?
Parents can encourage their child to practice good digital citizenship skills by encouraging safe and responsible use of all technology devices.
Parents can encourage their child to take care of their device, AND come to school with a fully-charged device.
Our program is a milestone in the evolution of the district’s integration of technology into our educational program.
Students today have been labeled “digital natives” and this program is continuing to ensure that our students graduate from Lake City Community School with the digital skills and experience they need to be effective and responsible global citizens.
1. Why Chromebooks/iPads?
Using Chromebooks/iPads will enable Lake City students to develop 21st century skills in a manner that makes sense in today’s digital world. Colorado Department of Education describes these skills as:
- Critical thinking and Reasoning: Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources.
- Information Literacy: Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.
- Collaboration: Students use digital media and environments to communicate andwork collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.
- Self-direction: Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior.
- Invention: Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.
2. How and when will the devices be distributed?
Elementary students will receive Chromebooks the first day of school.
MS/HS students will receive Chromebooks the 2nd week of school.
New teaching staff receive their choice of a laptop/Chromebook/iPad upon employment.
3. Will students take their devices home with them?
Elementary student devices remain at school.
MSHS students can take their devices home.
4. How are staff and students being continuously trained for our Chromebook/iPad program?
LCCS has developed a comprehensive plan for training staff and students.
LCCS students will begin training upon receiving their Chromebooks. While the majority of learning to use the Chromebook/iPad and extensions/apps will be integrated into the classroom curriculum, training outside of the classroom will continue throughout the school year, as needed.
LCCS teaching staff receives professional development ongoing throughout the school year.
5. Will there be ongoing training for parents/guardians?
Please call Carla Whinnery, Technology Integration Coach, (970) 944-2314 to discuss options.
6. What are some of the basic Chromebook/iPad functions that I should know about?
Your child will be taught the skills they need to use their Chromebook/iPad for school work.
7. Will the school provide a case and/or accessories for the device?
Students will be provided with an Chromebook sleeve. The iPad protective case that must remain on the device at all times. If iPads are needed for homework, external keyboards, power adapters and lightning cables will also be provided and can be taken home.
iPad stands will be available in classrooms and can be checked out for home use when needed.
Earphones/earbuds are required and as in the past, students must provide their own earphones/earbuds.
Students are required to have a backpack that can safely accommodate a Chromebook/iPad.
8. How and where should devices be stored/cared for at home?
With our extreme temperatures, please never leave the Chromebook/iPad in a vehicle.
Families need to develop a convenient, safe place to charge the Chromebook/iPad each night. Students are expected to arrive at school each day with a fully charged Chromebook/iPad.
Encourage your child to treat the Chromebook/iPad with extreme care. Chromebooks/iPads should not be left on the floor or near heating sources.
The Chromebook/iPad can be cleaned with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Do not use window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, alcohol, ammonia, or abrasives to clean the Chromebook/iPad.
Avoid getting any liquids on the Chromebook/iPad. If a Chromebook/iPad gets spilled on, immediately power down the device and contact Dan Wampler, technology support at (970) 944-2314.
9. Is there an insurance plan for the Chromebooks/iPads?
No.
10. What is my family’s responsibility for Chromebook/iPad breakage or loss in school or out of school?
Families of MSHS students are required to pay a $40 Technology Use and Maintenance Fee per student to offset the cost of insurance and in-house maintenance costs.
Students who break or lose a Chromebook/iPad will be subject to fees as outlined in the STUDENT AND PARENT/GUARDIAN TECHNOLOGY USER AGREEMENT signed before devices are issued to students.
For each incident, students may be subject to additional disciplinary consequences to be determined on a case-by-case basis.
11. Is there an acceptable use policy (AUP)? Where can I find it?
Since 2002, LCCS has had an AUP that parents and students receive before school starts. Parents and students are required to sign a contract verifying that they have received a copy of and agree to the AUP before students receive a device.
12. What are the school’s disciplinary consequences for inappropriate use?
Consequences depend on the nature of the inappropriate use. Consequences can include complete loss of use of the device or limited use of the device during school hours only. Consequences can also include loss of school privileges and activities. Duration of the consequences is decided case-by-case.
13. How do any disciplinary consequences extend beyond the school day and off-campus?
Certain consequences can lead to students not being able to take their device home or not being able to participate in school activities.
14. How will schoolwork be affected if my child loses the privilege to use the device?
Since technology is an integral part of the classroom curriculum, loss of technology privileges can drastically affect the student, his/her classmates and the teacher. However, schoolwork accommodations will be made.
15. Will the device need to be connected to the Internet to complete homework assignments?
LCCS will provide accommodations for students who do not have an Internet connection at home.
Not all homework assignments that include use of the Chromebook/iPad will require an Internet connection. However, a good portion of the assignments could require an Internet connection. For example, students can access their assignments through Google Classroom.
Students can take advantage of homework club offered after-school (contact the school for days/times each week). The Lake City Public Library provides free internet. Call (970) 944-2615 for hours.
16. Is the school using a content filter for Internet browsing?
Yes, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), LCCS is using a content filter for Internet browsing. We use a device/software provided by Lightspeed Systems . Lightspeed Systems Relay will filter devices from any Internet-connected location (school, home, other).
17. Is there a way I can have similar filtering options at home?
School devices are filtered by Lightspeed Systems Relay while on your home network. We do not provide content filtering for personal devices. If you need content filtering on your personal devices, there are commercial products available.
18. What is my family’s responsibility in monitoring what my child does on the device at home?
While the content filter does a great job, it cannot block all unsuitable material being accessed via your child’s device. Therefore parents still need to be vigilant.
Parents should make sure students are using the device responsibly.
19. Can my child and I configure or personalize the device in any way?
Most of the settings on the device should not be changed. However, students may personalize the device by changing wallpaper on the lock screen or home screen.
20. What are the expectations around using the Chromebook/iPad at home? Is it just for school work or can my child use it for personal or entertainment reasons?
The Chromebooks/iPads are issued to students for use with school work.
21. Who else can use my child’s device?
The Chromebooks/iPads are for student use only.
22. How will students learn to use the device and apps?
LCCS has a history of 1-to-1 laptops/iPads and integrating technology into the curriculum. With the 1-to-1 Chromebook deployment, learning to use the Chromebook/iPad and extensions/apps will be integrated into the classroom curriculum. Students will also receive dedicated Chromebook training when receiving the device and throughout the school year, as needed.
23. What extensions/apps will be preloaded on the devices?
The Chromebooks have several extensions/apps pre-loaded. iPads have several apps pre-loaded.
24. Can we purchase or install extensions/apps ourselves on the device?
LCCS will provide all extensions/apps, books and textbooks required for students. All requests for extension/app downloads will be closely monitored by the technology staff.
25. Can we download free apps on the device?
LCCS will provide all apps, books and textbooks required for students. All requests for extensions/app downloads will be closely monitored by the technology staff.
26. Will students have email or other accounts?
As in the past, students will have email accounts that are issued and monitored by LCCS on our school domain. The email addresses are assigned with the student’s first name and last initial followed by lakecityschool.org (e.g. janed@lakecityschool.org.)
27. How can I access or view my child’s digital work?
LCCS encourages parents to view their child’s digital work. Ask your child to show you their work. Also, you can set up a meeting with the student’s teachers or with technology staff to discuss and view digital work.
28. Will we have access to the school’s online content outside of the school day?
LCCS will be using a learning management system called Google Classroom for students in MSHS. Via Google Classroom, students can view homework assignments and have access to resource materials for those assignments. Use of Google Classroom will vary by course and teacher.
39. What kind of tech support will we have outside of school hours?
Tech support is offered during school hours.
30. How can I help support the school with this 1-to-1 program?
Parents can encourage their child to practice good digital citizenship skills by encouraging safe and responsible use of all technology devices.
Parents can encourage their child to take care of their device, AND come to school with a fully-charged device.
