Because of their low cost, ease of managability, and durability, we have chosen to purchase Chromebooks for student use. You can see below under Option 1 the specifications and models of the Chromebooks we have purchased at Palisades.
We will also be providing filtering for the Chromebooks that go home through the use of a product called GoGuardian. You can read more about GoGuardian here. Through GoGuardian, teachers will be able to manage the Chromebooks in their classroom and it will also provide information to IT staff in the event a Chromebook is lost or stolen. At no time and under no circumstances will district personnel have access to the microphone or video camera components of Chromebooks remotely. We will never "spy" on students and their families at home, however we do have access to tracking information so that we can protect the district's investment in this 21st century classroom tool.
Chromebooks require access to the Internet to function. Over the last couple of years we have been increasing our speed to the Internet exponentially and will continue to do so as the demand requires it. We have provided a listing of Internet options for families through the Internet Access menu of this website. We are also providing an Internet option to those with a financial need. You can see more information about that option through the Internet Access menu as well.
Due to differences in interface and the desirability of a keyboard, we recommend a laptop or Chromebook for use at school, rather than a tablet.
Option 1: Purchase a Chromebook identical or similar to the ones being purchased by the district. Here are the recommended specifications:
Chromebooks with these specifications start at about $175.
Option 2: Purchase a Windows PC that meets your student's needs and your budget. Here are the recommended specifications:
PC laptops with these specifications start at around $300.
Option 3: Purchase a Macbook that meets your student's needs and your budget. Here are the recommended specifications:
Macbooks with these specifications start at around $1,000. They are particularly desirable for students who are interested in graphics, videography or music composition.
Here are several Web sites to purchase your student's device online. They are provided as suggestions only and are not intended as endorsements. You may choose to purchase your device from any number of retail outlets, including Best Buy, an Apple Store, Target or even Walmart.
Chromebooks already provide free access to most of the software a student would need. Because of our subscription agreement with Microsoft, students have access to Office365 which includes the ability to download 5 copies of Microsoft Office to be installed on up to 5 personal devices at home, or they can access the Office programs from the Internet if they're using a Chromebook. Please see details here.