Q: Why is the district starting this program?
A: To enhance instruction and improve student learning. This innovative program will allow students to have more access to technology and improve skills that the modern workforce needs – communication, collaboration, digital competency.
Q: What are the benefits to students?
A: Students will no longer be constrained by the limits of a common computer lab. They will be able to conduct research, edit documents and collaborate with others during class or at home. The chromebook’s software will also allow teachers to integrate more technology into classroom lessons and activities.
Q: Does this program impact our taxes?
A: No. This program is funded through grants received from the Smart Schools Bond Act.
Q: Do students need to bring their chromebook to school every day?
A: Yes. A student’s chromebook should be viewed as a textbook, therefore, they should bring it to school every day and have it charged and ready to use in class.
Q: What if the chromebook isn’t working properly?
A: If you notice a problem with your chromebook, email our Technology Department at chromehelp@egcsd.org and provide as much detail as possible. One of our technicians will look into the problem for you. All repairs to district-owned chromebooks must be made by school technicians.
Q: What if a student’s chromebook breaks?
A: The chromebooks are sturdy and should be used while in their protective sleeves, but we realize accidents do happen. The district offers an optional Chromebook Maintenance Program to assist with these issues. For a $26 fee paid through MySchoolBucks.com (same as school lunches), a student’s chromebook can be repaired for up to two accidents during the expected three-year life of the device. If you choose not to participate in this program by September 30, 2018, the cost of any repairs will be charged to a student’s account. Please refer to the Chromebook Handbook Section 10c for more information.
Q: What if a student loses their chromebook?
A: The student would need to pay for the cost of a replacement. The chromebook costs $190.00, the power cord costs $25.00 and the protective sleeve costs $20.00. The Chromebook Maintenance Program does not cover lost items.
Q: When do we return the chromebook to the school?
A: Chromebooks and power cords will be returned to the school at the end of the school year so our Technology Department can perform maintenance/updates. The chromebook sleeve will not be collected and is the responsibility of the student to retain over the summer.
Q: How will the district make sure my child is not looking at inappropriate content?
A: The district uses filtering software to block inappropriate web content. Filtering will occur 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
Q: Will the district be monitoring their online activity while they are at home?
A: No. The district will only be monitoring students’ online activity on school days from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is because the school district is in loco parentis, meaning we are responsible for students during the school day in place of parents/guardians. Parents should use their best judgement in terms of monitoring what their children are looking at online while not in school.
Q: Should students use their chromebooks for video games or non-school related work?
A: No. Students should only use their chromebooks for school-related assignments.
Q: How can a student use their chromebook at home if we do not have wireless internet?
A: Many applications on the chromebook do not need an internet connection, such as Google Drive, Docs, Sheets and Slides. If you need internet access for a particular assignment, please refer to our Free Wifi Map. It shows locations throughout our local area that offer free wifi, such as libraries, coffee shops and other businesses.