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1-1 Technology Initiative

Effective, beginning with the approval of the 2014-15 Dresden school budget, Hanover High School purchased a Chromebook for the use of all entering 9th grade students. We continued this effort in 2016-17 and now support grade 9, 19 and 11 in this effort. We made the move toward a 1-1 deployment for a few reasons:

• our curriculum increasingly relies on internet tools and resources

• many of our teachers are creating custom materials for their classes rather than relying solely on traditional textbook publishers. Electronic distribution is the most efficient way to deliver these custom resources.

• colleges use online resources and we need to prepare our students for that environment

• our economy demands technology skills for students entering the workplace

Below you will find answers to some Frequently Asked Questions that parents, community and school board members have put forward:

What is a Chromebook?

A Chromebook is a personal computer running the Chrome OS as its operating system. The devices are designed to primarily be used while connected to the Internet and support applications that reside on the Web, rather than traditional applications that reside on the machine itself.

Why are you purchasing Chromebooks and not iPads to be consistent with Richmond Middle School?

In examining what we currently have in place, we believe that the bulk of the curriculum can be accessed more easily with Chromebooks. Much of the curriculum is text-based and the availability of a keyboard is more appropriate for accessing that curriculum. In addition, Chromebooks are much more economically feasible for the district than iPads and much more seamless for our technology department to manage. The management capabilities will help us limit downtime for students and potential frustration for instructors.

Finally, we believe that students should be exposed to a variety of technology tools so that they have a broad understanding of their capabilities and limitations. Knowing what tools can do helps make students better able to choose what tools can best meet their needs.

Will students be allowed to take the Chromebooks home?

Yes. However, we will ask families to pay a small($35.00) insurance fee for the devices. Families who cannot pay the insurance fee may apply for a waiver. Students of families who choose not to pay the insurance fee will not be issued a Chromebook for taking home. Rather, Chromebooks will be made available in the classroom for those students who choose not to pay the insurance fee.

Can students just bring their own devices in lieu of using the Chromebooks?

Students can bring their own devices to Hanover High, however, they will not be using them for class work. Our intent is to use their Chromebooks for their coursework. We will be doing significant professional development to ensure that the 9th and 10th grade curriculum works with the Chromebooks and to simplify the process for teachers and students. Each different device in the classroom brings with it its own set of technical issues. To simplify the process and to bring consistency to the experience, we would like students to use the Chromebooks for their classroom work unless the teacher checks out a cart for more specialized projects/pieces of software that require a different type of device.

Why not just provide students with a “regular” computer?

We felt that the most fiscally responsible choice was a Chromebook. The vast majority of the curriculum can be accessed through the Chromebook and at a price of around $250, we can provide a very robust, reliable device that does 95% of what students and teachers need it to do. The high school will still maintain lab machines and mobile carts of laptops for software needs that cannot be met through the Chromebook.

Do I need to have internet access in order for my Chromebook to work?

Regardless of device, Internet access is becoming more and more important to the educational process. Teachers are continually finding and using information, resources, tools, and programs on the Web to enhance their curriculum. While the Chromebook can be equipped with off-line apps that can be used when the device is not connected to the Internet, there may be some projects and assignments that do require Wireless Internet access. For these types of projects, the HHS computer lab remains open until 4 PM daily and students may use internet access at many public locations in town, including the public libraries.

What if the Chromebook is lost or damaged?

Just as with textbooks, parents will be asked to cover the cost of Chromebooks that are lost or stolen. However, the insurance fee will cover the cost of most small repairs unless the damage is so great as to make the device unrepairable.

When will my son/daughter receive the Chromebook?

Incoming 9th graders and 10th and 11th grade students new to HHS will receive their Chromebook at orientation provided their agreement has been signed by the student and the parent. All other 10th and 11th grade students will receive their Chromebooks during Common Ground on the first day of school.

As always, we welcome your questions and input. Please feel free to email hhs-chromebook-help@hanovernorwichschools.org or give a call to 603-643-3431 x2511 if you would like to discuss this project further.