We focus the bulk of our online curriculum towards Chromebooks due to their ease of management and interaction with numerous educational resources. However, most Desktops and Laptops are also capable of running the applications necessary to participate in online learning.
Phones and tablets are NOT recommended for participation in Fort Zumwalt learning opportunities. The use of a keyboard, the visibility of a larger screen, and the interaction with various applications make mobile devices difficult for use in our programs.
Our goal is to provide a Chromebook for families without a device that can be used by their student for 4-5 hours a day when participating in online learning opportunities. While our supplies are limited, the district is making every effort to provide a device for those in need.
If you do not have a compatible device that can be used by your student during the time frame of online learning opportunities, you're eligible.
Another goal is to provide a HotSpot for families without access to internet service in their home, for use by students to participate in online learning opportunities. A great starting point if you do not already have internet service is to check out https://www.everyoneon.org to see if you qualify for reduced rate internet service.
If you are unable to access another provider for service, we will be happy to assist by providing a HotSpot for use during the school year.
Wi-Fi HotSpots use a cellular signal to provide internet service to devices within a short range (roughly 30-50 feet). Each HotSpot can provide service for up to 5 devices, so 1 device per family is generally enough to cover any needs. SSID and Password information is provided with each HotSpot.
For those that qualify and are provided equipment, you will receive a Chromebook and Charger for your student to use for learning activities.
For those in need of internet service, the district will provide a T-Mobile WiFi HotSpot for educational use throughout the school year.
Please reach out to the building principal for your student's school to signup for a Chromebook or HotSpot. If you have a need for internet service and have students attending multiple Fort Zumwalt Schools, feel free to reach out to any ONE of the schools to receive assistance. Each HotSpot provides service for up to 5 students at a time.
Chromebooks provided by the district will be controlled and managed by the district. Content filtering will be in place for the device, as it is intended for educational use only.