Tech bond comes to life

Principal Tracy Wilson noticed just how eager high school students were to test their new Chromebooks over the past weeks as she watched them open up the boxes before even having left orientation.

“There were a lot of pilots in our building (last year) along with the fact that we had those chromebook carts that a lot of teachers used,” Principal Tracy Wilson said.  “so our kids were very very familiar with what a chromebook is and how to use it and so they immediately got out their chromebooks as they were waiting in student services”

The chromebooks are part of GHAPS’ 1:1 Technology program which supplies students grades five through 12 with chromebooks which are available for use at school as well as to take home.

“So far the response has been very positive,” Instructional Technology Coordinator Doug Start said. “Kids are excited. I think now so many kids have devices in some way shape or form, that there is not as much of a shock”.

The program aims to increase student engagement, as well as access to online learning tools and information.

“When you think about the way our classroom worked, unless information is in the book or a teacher was available, students had to wait to learn about something they are curious about or have their questions answered,” Start said. “Now students are empowered in their learning and teachers can really mentor students who are motivated.”

In addition to increasing student connectivity, the use of chromebooks by all students ensures each has the opportunity to learn at the same rate.

“This in my opinion levels the playing field in the classroom for all students,” Wilson said.  “That to me is key- that every student has access to the same type of information and they can grow their achievement at an equal pace.”

According to Wilson there is no requirement for how often teachers are expected to use the chromebooks on a daily basis, and their level of usage will likely vary between classes.

Improvements in infrastructure were made throughout the summer to ensure the school’s wifi system is capable of handling this number of devices, in addition the school staff has also undergone additional technology training.

“Teachers spent the last year in professional development getting ready for this year,” Start said. “The tech department and our district tech coaches have delivered thousands of hours of training district wide to make sure teachers were ready when devices hit the classroom”.

To ensure students don’t miss a beat if their device is damaged a new replacement process has also been instituted.

According to Start, the first two accidents are repaired for free and students are offered replacement loaners in the mean time. However if a device is damaged more than twice the repair bill is left to the student.