Parents
Eight years ago, Friends' Central embarked on long-range planning process, Vision 2020. It was through the work of that plan that we launched a one-to-one Chromebook pilot in the Middle School and eventually became a one-to-one iPad school. In a rapidly changing educational landscape, our goals were to:
Allow students to access information and the curriculum anytime and anywhere
Provide opportunities for students to create different types of projects than had previously been possible
Demonstrate learning in varied, transformative ways
Relieve pressure on computer labs, which could no longer serve all students' technology needs.
We have met these goals with the iPad. Yet, as technology has advanced, other tools are now available that will better serve our Middle School students. After extensive deliberation, we have decided to issue every Middle School student a Chromebook starting in the 2018-2019 academic year. This determination was made through thoughtful consideration of our experiences with both devices; the progression of technology and platforms; feedback from multiple constituencies over time; and, most importantly, our understanding of students' developmental and learning needs as Middle Schoolers.
Best of Both Worlds
The Chromebooks we have chosen combine the best features of an Android tablet and Chromebook, making them a "2-in-1" device. It has the most popular iPad features, such as annotating on the touchscreen, various educational apps, and filmmaking capability, but it also has a keyboard and a fully functional Chrome browser. This device is truly the best of both worlds.
The primary benefit of the full Chrome browser is that students can best leverage Google's cloud based applications – Google Docs, Slides, Forms, Sites and Sheets – all of which work better in the full Chrome browser; these apps were not as effective or fully functional on the mobile browser of the iPad.
Students are asked to write increasingly substantive papers as they move through Middle School, and the full Google Docs experience and keyboard will allow students to do word processing in ways not fully supported by the iPad. Students will still be able to use the touchscreen to annotate in documents and to use apps similar to Notability for notetaking with a stylus.
Students with iPads will still find them useful for the creation of projects and content, should they wish to do so.
Benefits of an FCS-Managed Chromebook
The Chromebooks will be leased to families and managed by the School. This means that the devices will only have the educational apps we place on them. Students' school-issued devices will be theirs for the year; they will take the devices home every evening, use them during the school day, and be responsible for keeping them charged and safe. However, the device will be insured and managed by the School. Here are some of the related benefits:
Distraction & Staying On Task - The new Chromebooks will have management software that allows us to significantly reduce the opportunity for distraction, such as games and social media. This has been a concern of parents and teachers, and we believe the management software will be an important improvement to our one-to-one program. In-school monitoring with the management software will allow teachers to see what is on every student's Chromebook while in class and better support students in staying on task.
Safety - Since the devices will be managed by Friends' Central, the same web filters provided at school will apply at home. Our management console will continue to apply the web filtering to the devices without regard to the network. The filters we have at school to limit objectionable material that students can see on the internet will be in place when students are signed into their Chromebook with their FCS account. That said, we want to assure you that we cannot activate/control students' devices (such as their devices' cameras) when they are off campus.
FCS Technology Support - Since we will manage the devices, all students will have the same device (as opposed to different generations of the iPad) with School-installed apps and updates, ensuring a consistent learning experience. And our Technology Department will support students if they are having any problems or difficulties with their Chromebook.
Details & Next Steps- this section is obviously unfinished
This form has further details that will ask you to agree to the terms of your child's use of the Chromebook for the year. The cost to lease the Chromebook for the year is $125, which will be spread across families' tuition payments and processed through FACTS. The cost covers the new device, the management software, and insurance. With the device being insured for accidental damage, families will not have to worry about coordinating replacements or repairs.
The new Chromebooks address many of the issues we have observed as teachers, as well as those we have heard about from students and parents, while also offering us new possibilities to support student learning. We view this moment as an exciting evolution and next chapter for Middle School students and teachers, as well as the learning we do each day.
General Care
Students should carefully transport Chromebook when traveling between classes or between home and school. and should avoid placing weight on it, and never throw or slide it.
When not in use, closing the Chromebook lid will save battery life and protect the screen. FCS will create labels for every chromebook so that students can distinguish between them. We ask that no additional stickers be attached to the Chromebook unless placed by FCS staff.
Styluses are a most useful tool and needed for annotating pdfs and worksheets. However, we urge students to be careful with them as a replacement will cost $50 billed to the student.
Battery and Charger
Students that take their Chromebooks home are responsible for charging the Chromebook each night using the provided charger so that it is ready for use in school the following day. We ask that students leave chargers at home to avoid loss. A fully charged Chromebook will last for a full day of school.
The screen drains the most energy from the battery of a Chromebook. To extend battery life reduce screen brightness and close the lid when the Chromebook is not in active use.
Veracross Portal and Google Classroom
Where is your child's homework?
Veracross is the online portal where teachers can manage their courses, post homework assignments, write comments, enter grades, and access a gradebook. You can log into Veracross at anytime with your FCS network username and password at portals.veracross.com/fcs. It will remain the access point through which students receive nightly homework assignments. Google Classroom will remain the tool by which students students access digital documents and turn in work for their classes.
Damage, Loss and Theft
If your child's Chromebook is damaged, please have your child bring it to the technology office as soon as possible. A temporary “loaner” device will be checked out to the student while their device is repaired. Do not attempt to fix it yourself. Insurance covers one free repair of a Chromebook.
Families will be responsible for paying for lost or stolen Chromebooks.