Device FAQ's

What is a Chromebook?

Click on the Chromebook Info link here http://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/education/devices/

Why a Chromebook device, how was it chosen?

Chromebooks are our best fit based on its “ready out of the box” setup, fast boot time, long battery life, low cost and integration into the district technology services.

What are the policies and procedures for technology in Bismarck Public Schools?

Who owns the device?

The Chromebook is the property of Bismarck Public Schools (BPS), but each student is responsible for its use and basic care. BPS reserves the right to return the Chromebook to its original settings whenever we feel it is appropriate. BPS reserves the right to inspect devices as necessary. No markings or stickers may be put on the Chromebooks. Any BPS identification tags on the Chromebook may not be removed.

When will students receive the Chromebook?

Each student will receive a Chromebook in August of 2018.

What if the Chromebook is lost or damaged?

If the device is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair, parents/guardians will be responsible for the replacement cost of a new device, just as they are responsible for lost or stolen textbooks. If the device is damaged due to negligence and not covered by the warranty, parents will be responsible for the cost of the repair. Every Chromebook will contain an asset tag and become part of the district google management program for identification purposes and to help prevent devices from being lost or stolen. Bismarck Public Schools strongly encourages students to purchase and use a Chromebook case to protect the machine and minimize repair costs. The Chromebook requires a 14 inch case.

Can I buy parts on my own and do my own repairs? Or can I take it to a third party and have repairs done?

All repairs of school issued Chromebooks need to be done by the school district to ensure the quality of the repairs.

What is the device’s projected life expectancy and/or battery life?

The Chromebook has a daily expected battery yield of about 12 hours of use. Battery life is dependent upon the application of the device. We will offer a small amount of charging areas in classrooms to allow students to charge during downtime but we do ask that the device is charged each night at home. The battery for the device is rated for over 1000 full recharges (almost 3 years) while still holding an 80% battery charge.

What if students don't have access at home?

Bismarck Public Schools cannot provide internet access within a private home setting. Libraries, schools and other public buildings have public access outside school hours.

Low income families may qualify for the Midco Lifeline assistance program https://www.midco.com/lifeline which helps families that meet certain income criteria access home phone and internet services at reduced prices. The Midcontinent Lifeline Assistance program provides phone subscribers with free installation and reduced monthly rates. Eligible Internet subscribers can receive Midcontinent Broadband service (12 Mpbs x 1 Mbps) for $9.95 per month with no installation or modem fees. For additional information contact the Lifeline Assistance program at 1-800-888-1300.

Will students be able to take the Chromebook home? Is there filtering at home?

Yes, students are encouraged to take their Chromebooks home so learning can take place beyond the walls of the school. The state filter only applies to the District's internet service and will not work at your home. You may contact your internet provider if you wish to learn more about filtering content at home.

How will students be kept safe online with filtering?

Bismarck Public Schools participates in internet filtering services to help restrict access to internet content that is obscene, pornographic, or harmful as defined by the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Although a filtering system is in place to limit user access to potentially objectionable material, no filtering system can provide complete protection and it is the user’s responsibility to access internet resources appropriately. Users accessing the internet through personal cellular connections or other non-district networks and who are on/using district owned/rented/contracted property (including busses) and/or at district affiliated events must adhere to the same filtering restrictions by avoiding internet sites that would be prohibited under CIPA, including those with visual depictions that are obscene, show child pornography, or are harmful to minors. Staff are responsible for supervising students using internet resources. Concerns/problems with the district filtering system should be reported immediately to the District Technology Department (701-323-4040).

Will loaner Chromebooks be available?

Loaner Devices will only be available for Chromebooks needing repair.

Loaner Devices will not be available for students that forget to bring their Chromebooks to school; however access to other district computers may be available for student use.

Loaner batteries and chargers will not be available for uncharged Chromebooks.

I don’t want my student to have a Chromebook. Can I opt out of this program?

You may opt out of this program. You can choose to have your child complete the same classwork without the assistance of a Chromebook.

Can a student bring in his/her own laptop?

Yes, please remember that the school assumes no responsibility for your personal devices while on school premises. We can't guarantee the functionality of all GAFE (Google Apps for Education) on personal devices nor can we troubleshoot personal devices. All district wide testing will need to be completed on a district provided device.

How do the Chromebooks connect to the Internet?

The Chromebooks being purchased by the district will have built-in WiFi, so they can connect to any available WiFi network. They will be set up to automatically connect to the WiFi network in all district schools.

Will faculty or staff be able to access or control the webcam on the Chromebook?

No, faculty and staff will not have access to turn on or monitor the webcam.

I’m concerned about my student accessing inappropriate information on the Internet. What are you doing about that?

Bismarck Public Schools is in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and maintains a content filter and firewall for all Internet enabled computers and equipment while on our network. The Chromebooks are filtered and students will be responsible for all Internet usage per the Bismarck Public Schools Acceptable Use Policy. All websites (browser history) will be tracked and filtered through the school district.

How will you teach students to be digital leaders?

We are expanding the curriculum that we currently use to teach students about Internet Safety.

In addition, these resources will be available online so parents can access resources and implement ideas at home, if they so choose. Students will be encouraged to become Digital Leaders, emphasizing a positive presence on the web.

How do I care for the device?

Students are responsible for the general care of the device they have been issued. Devices that are broken or fail to work properly must be reported as soon as possible.

Parents and students must sign the device contract before a device can be issued
Wireless network access is available throughout the school. In the rare case that the network is down, the district will not be responsible for lost or missing data
Power cords should be inserted carefully into the device to prevent damage
Devices must never be left in an unlocked locker, unlocked car, or in an unattended area