Why is 1 to 1 technology needed?
Preparing students to be successful the workplaces of tomorrow involves developing their technological competencies and understanding of our 21st century economies. Technology can no longer be a separate course or unit of instruction. Students need to learn how to use technology as a language and as a core means to learn, collaborate, innovate, and be productive and creative. Teaching and learning resources today are largely internet based and require students to have consistent connectivity.
Is this mandatory or a choice?
It is mandatory that your child have a device in their hands for their 6th-12th grade years at Rushford-Peterson Schools. The district has developed this program to make addressing this need more affordable for families and to ensure that purchases align with school curriculum resources.
How much will this cost parents?
The cost for parents who choose to purchase varies depending on the items purchased. The district will contribute $100 towards the cost of a device for eligible families with a student in grade 6 and/or grade 9 for the coming school year. Families can also purchase accessories (e.g. wireless mouse, headphones, cases/backpacks) and an accidental damage/extended warranty. Please refer to the the school webstore through Best Buy for more information on specific prices.
What options are available for my family in regards to the 1:1 program??
There are 3 options for your family in regards to the 1:1 program. Your first option is to purchase a Chromebook through the 1:1 program with Best Buy. The second option is to lease a Chromebook through the school district for $55 a year, with your student returning the device on the last day of school. The third option is for your student to bring a device from home to use for the school year. If you have questions about the usability of your home device for this program, please email Corey Mattson at coreymattson@r-pschools.com.
Why doesn’t the district purchase the devices like other districts do?
A year-long study of how other school districts are addressing the need for student devices led to the decision that this approach was the best option for Rushford-Peterson Schools for several reasons:
Sustainability - Many 1 to 1 programs are not financially sustainable over time and districts end up discontinuing the program due to the costs. Our district simply cannot afford to purchase a device for every student and maintain that inventory over time.
Partnership - By partnering with families and helping them make a purchase that most families make already, we believe students will take better care of the devices and thus we are taking better care of public resources.
Clarity of Liabilities - The district can and does control what is accessible and trackable while using the school district network. The district cannot control what is accessible when devices are not on the district network. Student owned devices that are accessing the internet on a non-district network are the responsibility of the student and parent. In addition, the district will budget for students to purchase in grades 6 and 9. Replacement of devices due to damage or loss is the responsibility of the student and family.
Can all students purchase a device? What grades and why?
During each school year, all 6th and 9th grade students are eligible to purchase a device. By implementing a grades 6 and 9 purchasing window, students will be able to replace their device once during their 6-12th grade years. Our district has found that with appropriate handling and care, the devices will last the three-four years between purchasing windows.
Why Chromebooks instead of iPads, Windows laptops, or other devices?
Learning Tool - Our goal is to support the use of technologies that best facilitate student learning. We believe that writing and producing student products are core learning activities that are not sufficiently supported by tablet devices at the secondary level. Chromebooks offer several features that align very well to management in classrooms including:
Fast startup and shut off (less than 10 seconds to logged-in and working)
Seamless integration with Google Apps for Education
Ability to handle multiple users with Google accounts
The same devices and platform teachers have been using for four years making integration and help from teachers easier
Safer software via Google Play store
Low Maintenance Overhead Costs - Chromebooks operate on the Google Chrome OS. This equates to:
Access to Google Docs, Drive, etc. eliminating software licensing costs
Automatic updates
Greater security and stability out-of-the box than other options
Zero upkeep and maintenance for updates, virus software, etc. Parents don’t have to touch a Chromebook to keep it working.
Almost all problems are fixed by a restart.
Are there any additional software, licensing, or other costs after the purchase?
No. All hardware and software costs are covered in the initial purchase.
Don’t Chromebooks need high-speed internet access at all times to be used?
First generation Chromebooks relied on an internet connection to Google Apps. Current Chromebooks have added an “Offline Mode” that allows students to type Google Docs and emails or read downloaded content without being connected to the internet. Once the device finds an internet connection all of the work temporarily saved on the device will be automatically uploaded to the student’s Google Apps account. You can learn more by watching this short video about Offline Mode. For those looking for discounted internet service, everyoneon.org offers families discounted service via a cellular 4G hotspot that is cheaper than many phone data plans.
Why are we limited to Best Buy? Did the district look into other vendors?
Best Buy’s ability to offer competitive pricing, an easy purchase process, and the ease of support via their Rochester and La Crosse locations set them apart. Additionally, Best Buy has demonstrated success with this type of program in several other districts in Minnesota.
What about internet security?
Student internet filtering and security is accomplished at school via the network connection. At home, the district assumes no liability for filtering or internet security since the device is owned by families. The district will offer parents tips and options to keep their students safe online.
What about the security of my child’s device?
Families should view this device as they would a personal phone or laptop in terms of security; the chromebook purchased through this program is property of the family and care should be taken to ensure its security at all times. The district assumes no liability for loss, theft, or damage of the device. Chromebooks require no security software (Norton, McAfee, and the like).
What happens when it breaks and who will fix it?
This depends on whether an extended warranty was purchased and the type of damage/problem. An optional warranty is offered to families at the time of purchase that covers accidental damage and any malfunctioning of device. We strongly encourage purchasing the warranty as parents who find themselves in the unfortunate situation where a chromebook is accidentally dropped or stops working in year 2 will not receive a free replacement or another discount from the district towards replacement. Leased devices are eligible for 1 repair by the district, and devices brought from home are not eligible for repair through the district.
