General

What devices will students have assigned to them?

K students are assigned iPads while 1-8 are assigned Chromebooks. In grades 5-8, the students bring the Chromebooks home each night.

What is a Chromebook?

Chromebooks are laptop sized devices built on Chrome OS. 

If my child already has a device, will they still be required to have a  Chromebook?

The school issued Chromebook is the device that the student is required to use while at school. This allows us to manage the apps and software on the Chromebook for the student. It provides consistency of devices for instances when troubleshooting is necessary.  It also ensures that students are on our filtered and secured domain.

Family Expenses

How much will this cost for families?

Each student in grades K-8 will pay a $50 technology rental fee per year.

What happens to my child's Chromebook when he/she graduates? What if we move out of the district in grades 5, 6, or 7?

Students may take devices with them when they graduate. Students in grades 5, 6, 7 or 8 who move out of the district before graduation may elect to purchase the device at a discounted rate. That discounted rate will be calculated based on the age of the device at time of withdrawal based on the following criteria: The device will have a starting  cost of $375 with a depreciation of $93.75 per every full year. If a student withdraws in the middle of a school year, the amount will be prorated based on the time remaining in the school year. Example: Student leaves after 7th grade year, they would be able to purchase the Chromebook for $93.75 based on starting price ($350) less $93.75 for each year of use (3 years times $93.75 equals $281.25)  For middle school students that have not been enrolled since grade 5 an optional buyout fee will be determined.  

We already have a laptop computer for our child.  Is it necessary to rent a Chromebook or can they use their existing equipment? 

The district issued Chromebook is the required 1:1 device. It will allow us to monitor student use at school and push out applications that students will use for course work.

Breakage, Loss

What if a student forgets to bring or charge their Chromebook? 

There will be a limited number of loaner devices available for students to check out while at school for the day. These Chromebooks will be returned before school ends. Preference will be given to students who have a Chromebook that is being repaired. In addition, there will be a limited number of charging cords for students to use should their battery be low. Parents of students who habitually forget to bring their Chromebook to school or bring it fully charged to last throughout the day will be contacted.

What if my child's device breaks?

Device failures still under the one year manufacturer warranty will be serviced that way. The district technology department will handle all warranty claims through our vendor. Accidental damage will be repaired by the district technology department. Like textbook damage, families will be responsible for the cost of parts in this scenario. An estimated price sheet will be made available to families before the school year.

How will they keep it charged throughout the day?

If students bring their device home at the end of the day and plug it in at home to charge overnight, they will have enough battery power to last them throughout the entire school day. However, there will be a limited number of charging cords for students to use should their battery run low. Parents of students who habitually forget to bring their Chromebook fully charged to last throughout the day will be contacted.

Will I need to supply a carrier for transporting to and from school?

Upon receipt of the Chromebook, students will also receive a padded backpack. This carrier should be used whenever the Chromebook is being transported to and from school. It will be large enough to accommodate textbooks and school supplies as well as the Chromebook itself.

Technical Support

How will students get support with their Chromebooks at school if they need it?

When a student needs support, they will simply speak with their teacher to find out how they should receive that support. Many situations will be able to be resolved in class. In the case of support needed for long periods of time, the student will be issued a loaner device.

What if students do not have internet access at home?

Devices can be used offline for specific assignments.  Comcast offers a program called Comcast Internet Essentials that offers internet access at $10/month for qualifying families.  

Are students allowed to use a mouse instead of the trackpad?

If a student chooses to use a mouse instead of the trackpad or touchscreen, they are able to do that. Families will be responsible for purchasing the mouse. Unfortunately, we cannot offer technical support on hardware not issued by CSD17. The Chromebooks will support a USB or Bluetooth enabled mouse.

What happens if a student has technological difficulties or loses the Chromebook? Is the information within, including notes, able to be backed up easily?

All of a student's work on a Chromebook is backed up to the cloud (on the Internet) automatically via their G-Suite for Education account. Additionally, we have the ability to wipe all information off of the device remotely to maintain privacy in the case of loss or theft.

I've never used Google tools so I can't help my child at home. Is there any training available for parents?

Channahon District 17 staff is available to help parents become familiar with Google Suite.  In-district learning opportunities are provided.  Google also offers self-paced courses on-line.  

Student Safety

How do I know my child will be safe on the internet when using this device?

There are many safeguards in place for students when using the internet both at school and at home. Technology safety lessons are provided throughout the school year and reinforced when students are using the Chromebooks. Teachers also circulate their classrooms regularly so they are able to assist students as well as see what they are working on. We also use web filtering that blocks offensive websites and content.  This filter meets the requirements of the Child Internet Privacy Act (CIPA).  Additionally, the district also has Gaggle Safety Management solutions to assist in reviewing questionable and suspicious content.  This system will work at home in the same manner that it works while in school.

Is the information on a Chromebook or in GSuite for Education private - meaning will Google sell or share our information?  

Google does not sell student data to any third party.  See the attached link for more information: https://edu.google.com/trust/#does-google-sell-school-or-student-data- to-third-parties

Who has access to my child's files and data?

Student files can be accessed by the district technology team. School administration and teachers can request a file be accessed through the technology department. Google has limited access to student data that is needed to maintain the GSuite for Education account.

Who has access to my child's files and data? 

Student files and data are accessible by the student or the school district.  Deleted files are backup up for thirty days before the files are permanently deleted.  

Will kids get to choose their own avatars for their accounts?

Yes, however, filters must be appropriate.  District 17 educators will instruct students on how to ensure a responsible digital footprint.

Student Use

Will there be consequences for students who misuse the technology?

Technology misuse will be addressed on a case by case basis.

Can other family members use the Chromebook, too? 

The Chromebook is a tool to support instruction. Only students should use the Chromebook.

Will my child be on a screen all day? 

No.  Chromebooks, like any other educational tool, are used when appropriate for the learning situation. Just as there are times when students do not need to use a textbook, there will be times where students do not need to use their Chromebook.

What new opportunities will be available for students?  How does this device support instruction?

These devices will help teachers to personalize instruction in the classroom to meet the needs of every student.  These devices will also help students to develop the 21st Century skills of collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking.  

If the students have a connected device, will the district stop using paper books?

No.  Chromebooks are just one way to consume and/or generate educational resources.  We have every intention of continuing to provide paper books in the form of libraries and textbooks.  Libraries will continue to be replenished with new titles.

How does the school plan to ensure the Chromebooks are used for learning and won't be a distraction?

Chromebooks are like any other educational tool; they will be used when needed. During time the students do not need the Chromebooks, students will have them closed so they won’t be distracted or tempted to use them for non-educational activities. While they are in use, though, teachers will be specific with the instructions about what their students will be using the Chromebooks for. The teachers will also continue to circulate in the classroom to assist students who need help as well as ensure students are working on assigned material.

Can students use the devices for purposes that are not school-related?

The primary purpose of the devices is for school-related activities.  We also encourage students to use Chromebooks for personal enrichment.  Examples of this would be composing music, video creation, app development, research, engineering, 3D printing, reading, etc.

What happens to my kids files when they leave the district?

When a student graduates or moves out of the district, they will have the ability to copy their files to a personal Google account  or download to a personal computer through Google Takeout.

How much homework will my child need to do on the Chromebook?

The amount of homework students have will be similar to what they currently have. That homework will sometimes require the Chromebook and sometimes not. Individual teachers will be able to answer questions about homework more thoroughly. 

Will students only learn Google tools or will they also learn tools such as Microsoft Office?

We intend to teach students skills and not focus on teaching particular products. Google Apps and Microsoft Office are tools to allow students to explore and demonstrate their learning. 

What happens to my kids files when they leave the district? 

Students may elect to backup files to a local source, delete files, or transfer files to a new account or domain (ex. high school)

How much homework will my child need to do on the Chromebook? 

Homework and independent practice will remain consistent with what students have experienced.  The Chromebooks will be available as a resource. Some, but not all assignments will require use of the device.

Will students only learn Google tools or will they also learn tools such as Microsoft Office? 

We believe that Google Tools will provide sophisticated work with word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and other work-related tools.  The skills learned in Google Tools are transferable to Microsoft Office Suite.  However, students who wish to expand their knowledge of Microsoft Office will have access to those tools as well. 

Will my child learn keyboarding skills?

Keyboarding skills are taught in specific grade levels; however, the majority of keyboarding skills will be learned in context as students use the keyboards in the classrooms.

Will students be able to access textbooks on their Chromebooks?

While not all textbooks are currently available in a digital format, the district now has subscriptions to digital text for several content areas.  For example, the recent science adoption offers digital resources in K-8.