- Winchester Public Schools
- Digital Learning Initiative
Technology
Page Navigation
- Overview
- Technology Staff
- Acceptable Use and Guidelines
- ADA Compliance
- BrightArrow Notification Solution
- Canvas Learning Management System (LMS)
- Classlink SSO
- Comcast Internet Essentials Sponsorship
- Digital Citizenship
- Digital Learning Initiative
- Gaggle Safety Management
- Generative AI Guidance
- GO WPS! Mobile App
- Internet Privacy Policy
- Securly Parent Portal
- Securly Certificate Installation (BYOD WiFi)
- Software/App Request
- TalkingPoints
- Technology Work Orders
- WiFi Access at WPS
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What is the WPS Digital Learning Initiative?
A Chromebook has the traditional physical shape of a laptop but does not run a traditional operating system (think Windows). Chromebooks run Google's operating system; the Chrome operating system is built for (1) the web, (2) security and (3) Chromebooks. Advertised specs vary from model to model. The fact that they are light-weight and have a long battery life are a staple of each model.
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When will students get a device?
The Digital Learning Initiative is being implemented over a multi-year period that began in the fall of 2015. Students in 6th grade at Daniel Morgan Middle School were the first to receive Chromebooks in August 2015.
In August, 2017 John Handley High School students in grades 9-12 received Chromebooks, bringing our 1:1 initiative to all students in grades 6-12. -
What is a Chromebook?
A Chromebook has the traditional physical shape of a laptop but does not run a traditional operating system (think Windows). Chromebooks run Google's operating system; the Chrome operating system is built for (1) the web, (2) security and (3) Chromebooks. Advertised specs vary from model to model. The fact that they are light-weight and have a long battery life are a staple of each model.
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Are Chromebooks safe?
- Yes! There are many layers of safety and security involved with the WPS Digital Learning initiative. The safest way to use this device is under the supervision of an adult. By providing this supervision, we, as educators, attempt to ensure that students grow each year as digital citizens.
- Technology helps us to increase our level of safety and security, too. Here are a few ways our technology helps to increase student safety and security:
- When students are able to take the Chromebooks home, they will be subject to the same Internet filter that protects the students in school. The "always on" content filtering blocks harmful and inappropriate websites no matter where the student accesses the Internet--from school, home, or overseas--the filter is always on!
- Chromebooks have built-in antivirus software that updates automatically.
- We take the privacy of student data seriously. WPS adheres to all local policies and state and federal laws regarding student and staff data privacy. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, also known as FERPA, is the key federal law that restricts access to student data. It forms the basis of state and local laws and policies about student data.
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Do Chromebooks support Adobe Flash?
Adobe Flash Player is directly integrated with Google Chrome and enabled by default. Available updates for Adobe Flash Player are automatically included in Chrome system updates. While Chrome supports Flash, it does not support other plugins like Java and Silverlight.
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Do Chromebooks support Microsoft Office products?
Chromebooks are designed to work seamlessly with Google Apps for Education products rather than Microsoft Office products. While this may seem like a drastic change, WPS is using Google Apps for Education for several key reasons:
(1)The computer skills that students learn on a Chromebook are easily transferable to Microsoft Office products.
(2) Google Docs are very similar to Microsoft Office products.
(3) The look may vary slightly, but the ways in which each tool can be used are the same. Therefore, the skills that are learned using Google Apps for Education can be quickly and easily transferred to other types of software such as Microsoft Office. -
What do you want to accomplish with this technology?
Our goal is to improve student learning. To accomplish this, we will use the technology to increase student engagement in the classroom and encourage collaboration among students. This aligns with district efforts to create compelling student curriculum, build relationships that support learning, use project-based learning and ensure that students learn 21st Century skills.
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What is blended learning?
WPS defines blended learning as the combination of traditional face-to-face instruction with technology to enable anytime, anywhere learning. This approach allows teachers to use technology for instruction and student evaluation. Teachers can receive real-time feedback on student performance and students can learn individually at their own pace. By combining technology and traditional best practices, instruction can be differentiated to meet individual student needs. Instantaneous feedback and individualized instruction will also empower students to take ownership of their learning.
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What does blended learning look like?
Teachers no longer rely on a whole-class, stand-and-deliver approach to instruction as they have in the past. Rather, the teacher becomes a coach and helps facilitate individual student learning. Students continue to receive quality instruction yet are given more opportunities to extend their higher order and critical thinking skills through the use of technology.
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What is a flipped classroom?
Flipping classroom instruction is a powerful practice common in one to one environments. In a flipped classroom, the core instruction is provided to students to review at home and the “homework” assignments are done in class. This process allows the teacher to provide support in helping students master concepts.
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Will students be able to take their Chromebooks home?
WPS supports the effort to expand learning beyond the boundaries and schedule of school. It is vital that the Chromebooks be used at home. This also helps extend the formal learning community to include parents, siblings and other people important in the lives of each student. At this time WPS plans to make Chromebooks available to be sent home during the second semester. This decision is made by the administrators of each building.
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Will students be able to keep their Chromebooks over the summer?
No. Like other class materials, all Chromebooks will need to be returned at the end of the school year. Chromebooks will need to be returned with their chargers. The devices will be assessed for damage when returned. Cases should be kept with the students. Cases will be required to be assigned a device again the following semester.
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Will students be able to download and install software on their Chromebook?
No. At this time, Chromebooks do not support software installation. Rather than running traditional software, Chromebooks rely on web apps and extensions. WPS will install or make available various educational applications from the Chrome web store.
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Will students be able to add apps from the Chrome Web Store?
There are numerous apps and extensions that can be added to Chrome. Students will be able to install apps and extensions necessary and/or appropriate for their use in the classroom for educational purposes. Students must adhere to the WPS Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) when using Chromebooks as they would with any other school owned computing device.
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Will students be able to charge their Chromebooks at school?
One of the strengths of the Chromebook is its exceptional battery length. When fully charged, the Chromebook battery should last the entire school day. When Chromebooks are kept at school overnight they will be charged at school. Once Chromebooks are allowed to go home with the student, Chromebooks should be charged nightly at home. Students will be expected to bring a fully charged device to school each day. A limited number of charging areas will be available at the school.
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How will students get Chromebook training if needed?
One of the goals of WPS is to help students become self-directed learners. Students need to know how to find information to solve real-world problems. Needing help with a Chromebook can provide an authentic setting in which students can practice problem-solving and research skills. Resources can be found on the web. WPS will also be hosting ongoing training to our staff on topics such as Chromebooks, Google Apps for Education, etc. Staff will be trained and available to assist with support if necessary.
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Can students use their own laptops of tablets instead of a Chromebook?
The Chromebook is the device chosen by WPS. It will allow the school system to monitor student use at school and push out applications that students can use for classwork. While many other devices exist, WPS selected the Chromebook for numerous factors including its light weight, long battery life, integration with Google Apps for Education, security, compatibility with management tools, integrated keyboard and cost. WPS issued Chromebooks will contain additional management services and filters that privately purchased Chromebooks will not.
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Can students use personal (non WPS issued) Google accounts they have already created?
No, students will not be able to use their personal Gmail account on the Chromebook. WPS has adopted Google Apps for Education and the account that WPS created will be the account supported on the Chromebooks. WPS also has the ability to purchase apps and services that will only function with the WPS account.
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Can students personalize their Chromebook?
WPS will be unable to troubleshoot any difficulties that may be encountered when interacting with home printers. Printing documents while at school will not be supported at this time. As part of this initiative we are encouraging the use of electronic communication. Students can access their Google documents from any computer connected to the Internet, therefore if students already have an Internet capable computer connected to a printer, students can access their account and print from that computer.
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Can students print from their Chromebook?
WPS will be unable to troubleshoot any difficulties that may be encountered when interacting with home printers. Printing documents while at school will not be supported at this time. As part of this initiative we are encouraging the use of electronic communication. Students can access their Google documents from any computer connected to the Internet, therefore if students already have an Internet capable computer connected to a printer, students can access their account and print from that computer.
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How much of my child's day will be spent on the Chromebook?
The Chromebook should be seen as a supplemental tool, not a replacement for a teacher. Students will periodically use their Chromebooks throughout the day, as required by curriculum and instructional staff. Things like discussion, science experiments, hands-on activities, seminars and presentations will still be part of the school day.
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What happens if my child forgets their Chromebook?
The Chromebook will play an integral role in classroom instruction, so it is extremely important that students bring their Chromebooks to class every day. The Chromebook will become part of a student's necessary classroom supplies similar to a pencil and notebook paper. If a student forgets his or her Chromebook, specific procedures and expectations will vary from school to school and all students will be made aware of this procedure.
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What happens if my child's Chromebook gets broken, lost, or stolen?
All damage incidents will be investigated by school administration and/or technology staff. If your child's Chromebook gets broken or lost, please have your child report it to their teacher immediately. WPS will manage all repair/replacement issues. Please do not take your Chromebook to a third party vendor to have it repaired. Instead, please bring it to school where we will address the repair for you. Devices reported as stolen require that parents notify police to file a report within 48 hours. A copy of an official police report must be provided to School Administration.
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What happens if a parent refuses to sign a contract?
We will work with the parent to see if we can find a solution we can agree upon. If a parent refuses, the student will still be able to use the device at school similar to a textbook, they may not be able to take the device home however.
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Are Chromebooks protected against damage or loss?
WPS staff will oversee repairs for all damaged Chromebooks. If a Chromebook breaks, no matter the cause, it should be brought to the school for troubleshooting and repair. Accidental damage would, under most circumstances, be covered at no additional cost. As outlined in the Digital Learning Device Use Agreement Students and/or Parents/Guardians agree to be responsible for up to full price of repair or replacement of an intentionally damaged, lost or stolen device. Devices reported as stolen require that parents notify police to file a report within 48 hours and provide a copy of an official police report to the school administration.
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What if we do not have internet access at home?
The Chromebook is designed to work best with an active Internet connection. However, Google Docs does allow the user to work in offline mode so students can complete class work at home, even without internet access. Files are saved locally to the Chromebook, then automatically updated the next time a wireless connection is detected. So a student can start a project at school and finish it at home, even without an Internet connection. Offline mode must be enabled before students can use it. In offline mode, student can edit their documents and presentations. Spreadsheets, however, are view-only for now. Users may experience limited capabilities when working in offline mode and feature availability in offline mode may be changed by Google with future updates.
FREE INTERNET OPTIONS
Most public libraries offer free wireless Internet, in addition to numerous businesses throughout the area.
AFFORDABLE INTERNET OPTIONS
If you are interested in purchasing wireless access to the Internet, there are many options. If your children qualify for free and reduced-price school lunches, you may be eligible to receive Internet home service from Comcast Internet Essentials for as little at $10 per month.
NOTE: Winchester City Public Schools does not receive any compensation for recommending Comcast Internet Essentials, which is a third party separate from Winchester CIty Public Schools.
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Will internet access to the device be filtered?
Yes. WPS will employ security measures designed to function outside of the Division’s network filters. While WPS uses these technology protection measures to limit access to material considered harmful or inappropriate to students, it may not be possible for the school division to absolutely prevent such access, and the Parent/Guardian should supervise the Student’s use of the Device outside of School.
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Will there be a fee for the Chromebook?
At this time WPS does not plan to assess a fee for the Chromebook or for repairs as a result of accidental damage. Fees may be assessed for lost, stolen and/or intentionally damaged devices. As the initiative progresses WPS may re-evaluate the need to assess a supplemental technology fee.