FAQs

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.