Will Chromebooks be kept by students over the summer?

At the end of the year, all devices will be checked in to the Technology Department so that health checks can be performed on each device. BISD devices may be issued over the summer based on special requests. (ie - Campus principal request, summer school, etc).

Submitting Work: How can students submit work or assignments via their Chromebooks?

Google Drive and Schoology have features built into it that allow work to be “shared” between teachers and even classmates. Students can create documents, spreadsheets, drawings, photos, presentations and videos.

Each item can be “shared” with a teacher prior to its due date. The teacher can then see the work on his or her own computer to provide feedback or grade it for the student. Students can make revisions and teachers can follow changes using the revision history feature.

Can the Chromebook be taken home?

Yes, students in grades 6th - 12th are expected to take their Chromebook home every night and charge their device. Students should use the device at home to work on class and research assignments. Students are expected to return to school with their Chromebook fully charged every day.

How will students be protected from inappropriate content?

Teachers will use software called GoGuardian to monitor students’ activity on the internet, ensuring that students are on-task. At home, GoGuardian and the District web filter will continue to filter and log online activity. While these are useful tools, they are meant to supplement, not replace, parental monitoring. See Board of Education policy for additional details.

Monitoring Students: What happens if students have been visiting inappropriate websites?

While the district’s Internet filter offers some protection against questionable content, teachers and parents also play a key role.

During the school day, teachers have the ability to monitor student activity using a program called GoGuardian. Teachers also have the option of restricting what sites are and aren't allowed beyond the regular parameters of the web filter to keep students on task. At home, the devices are still protected by the web filter which will attempt to block inappropriate content, but teachers have no access to the student devices at that time. If someone reports a student viewing inappropriate content, the district can review GoGuardian logs and possibly make changes to settings that decide if a site is blocked or allowed. Inappropriate use may lead to consequences as outlined in the Acceptable Use Policy and District Assigned Device Policy.

Can the Chromebook be used if we do not have internet access at home?

The devices will only connect to the web wirelessly. However, some features, such as access to the student’s Google Drive, will still work on a limited basis.

The work that is done off-line will be synced when a wireless Internet connection is restored. Here is a complete list of offline capabilitieshttps://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/32146...

Additionally, a Chromebook can connect to:

• USB storage devices, mice and keyboards

• SIM cards

• SD cards

• External monitors and projectors (via HDMI)

• Headphones, earbuds, microphones

Some features of the Chromebook, such as Google Documents, are accessible even without Internet access. Several local public buildings, such as the public library offer free wifi. Additionally we offer hotspots to any student in the district.

Identification: How is one student’s Chromebook identified from another?

All the Chromebooks are the same, so they look very much alike. District asset tags with bar-codes will be on each device and each device has a serial number. The district keeps all that data, so if a Chromebook is misplaced, we can determine who it is assigned to get it back to the student user.

Any ID stickers that are on the Chromebook when issued must stay on the Chromebook. No additional permanent markings of any kind (stickers, engraving, permanent ink pen, tape, etc.) shall be placed on the Chromebook or any district provided carrying case (if applicable) at any time. While the devices are issued to students, they are still district-owned property.

Additional permanent markings on the device or its case will be considered vandalism. Students can add non-permanent identifying items to the case such as ribbon, key chains or other removable items.

What happens if…

The Chromebook isn’t charged?

Students are expected to charge their Chromebook every night at home. A fully charged Chromebook will be able to last the entire school day.

There is a technical problem with the device?

A teacher can submit tech ticket at blanco.schoolobjects.com. Tickets opened will go to the IT Department.

The Chromebook is left at home?

Parents may drop off student Chromebooks in the school’s Main Office. There will also be a limited number of loaners available in the Media Center and some classrooms that students may check out for the day (if available).

The Chromebook is broken?

If the Chromebook is broken students will bring the device to the school IT Department. While the Chromebook is being repaired, they will be given a loaner (if available). If the student does not have a protection plan, the cost of repairs must be paid prior to fixing the device.

Non-functioning devices should be turned in to the Media Center so a repair can be logged. District technology staff members can repair many problems in-house, which may take a day or two. Other problems may require the devices being sent out for repair, which can take several weeks or perhaps longer.

The Chromebook is stolen?

In the case of a stolen device, students or parents must present a police report to the school’s principal within 72 hours of the theft. Lost devices are not covered by the protection plan. Students will be charged no more than $325 for a lost Chromebook.

The student no longer attends BISD

Chromebooks are the property of BISD. Should your child leave the district, the Chromebook must be returned to school.

Additional Resources for Parents:

GSuite for Education Common Questions