1:1 Chromebooks at PG46

Philosophy:

Prairie Grove 46 believes in a balanced approach to Technology.  1:1 devices are merely a tool that can be harnessed by our talented educators to reach beyond the limits of the traditional classroom.  Non-digital learning tools are equally important and encouraged in PG46 classrooms.  (For research and information regarding "screen time" please click this link)

1:1 devices allow for equity. Equitable technology access allows our teachers to create activities that can leverage the power of web-based tools and resources in daily instruction. Our teachers are able to provide students with opportunities to learn how to appropriately use the web while also building positive work habits when working with technology such as managing distractions, communication skills, and digital citizenship. There has been (and continues to be) a great focus on responsible use, respecting others in online settings just as in face-to-face relationships, and becoming more educated and aware while online.

When every student has a device, it changes the way in which teachers and students think about resources. One of the biggest advantages of digital platforms is the ability for teachers to give and receive real time feedback around student performance providing the ability to adapt and meet the needs of individual students.

As the technology needs of our students and staff evolve with time it is vital that our technology and time investments evolve as well in order to best prepare our learners for life beyond our campus walls. 

Deployment:

Prairie Grove CSD46 provides a 1:1 Chromebook device to ALL students in grades K-8 for their use during the School Day. PG46 uses two different deployment models based on grade level: 

• PRIMARY and INTERMEDIATE Grades K/1/2/3/4/5:  

Chromebooks are deployed as a "Classroom Set" to each classroom teacher (cart optional). This model provides teachers with greater physical control of the devices when working with elementary students. Devices remain on campus at all times.  Each student receives a NEW device in grades K and 3 to be used for three school years. 

• JUNIOR HIGH Grades 6/7/8:  

Each student receives a new Chromebook entering Grade 6.  Device deployments to each student are refreshed in three-year cycles.  Chromebooks are individually labeled and deployed to each student including a custom PG "always-on" Chromebook case. The Chromebook will remain with the student throughout his/her junior high grade level progression (grades 6, 7, and 8). Junior High students/families are provided the option to bring the device home daily.  This model provides even greater autonomy and sense of ownership for the student and also provides a preview of the deployment model used at the High School level.   

Students in ALL grade levels return their devices over the summer months for storage. Prior to graduation, devices deployed to students in grade 8 are collected and retained by the District for parts/spares. Graduates do NOT keep their device.  D155 (Prairie Ridge HS) currently provides a new Chromebook for all incoming 9th grade students. 

History: 

During the Spring of 2017 Prairie Grove rolled out the original "1:1 Chromebook Pilot program" at the 6th Grade (Class of 2019) level. After this successful Pilot program the District expanded the 1:1 program to include the next incoming 6th Grade class (Class of 2020) during Fall 2017.  This was followed by further expansion to all students in grades K through 8 during the Fall of 2018.  At that time, students in Junior High were provided the option to take their device home for the first time. 

During the COVID19 Pandemic the District provided 1:1 devices to all students (PreK-8) in order to complete remote and hybrid instruction.  Beginning in the Fall of 2021 Primary student devices were recollected and redeployed to classroom carts while students in Intermediate grades (3/4/5) were provided the option to take their device home similar to the Junior High grades.  

Post-pandemic, devices in grades K-4 remained on-campus only, while students in grades 5-8 were provided the opportunity to bring devices home daily in order to support academic endeavors.  Following the 2022-23 school year 5th grade devices were once again housed on carts and remain onsite while grades 6/7/8 have the option to take their device home daily. 

Prairie Grove technology will continue to evolve with the needs of our students, staff, and community.