1:1 Technology Program

District 155 offers its students a 1:1 technology program. This program provides a Google Chromebook device to each and every student so that it is available to him/her every period of the school day and at home. The 1:1 Technology Program enables interactive and engaging instruction, increases student collaboration, facilitates personalized & blended learning, expands learning resources, and extends the learning environment beyond the classroom.

We understand that you may have questions about this program. Answers to the most commonly asked questions can be found in the "1:1 FAQ's" section below. If you have additional questions or comments, please don't hesitate to contact George DiVenere via email at gdivenere@d155.org.

1:1 FAQ's

Can you give some practical examples of how the devices are actually used?

Sure! It's important to note that these devices are in no way intended to replace quality instruction delivered by top-notch teachers. They are, rather, one additional tool that our outstanding teachers can use to enhance the educational experience for students by enabling unprecedented access to information, programs, and collaboration that support our curriculum and mission. Some of the ways we do this are as follows:

A World Beyond the Textbook
Frequent Feedback Through Formative Assessment

A World Beyond the Textbook

Our teachers regularly create, discover, and direct students toward qualitative online resources that help explain or reinforce key concepts covered in class. This gives students a greater opportunity to approach and understand topics in a way that aligns with their learning style. This also ensures that information on a given topic is up-to-date and relevant.

Frequent Feedback Through Formative Assessment

Formative assessments provide both teachers and students with invaluable information about what students understand and what they don’t. Our teachers engage in the best practice of formative assessments in a variety of ways. For many subjects, web-based formative assessments can be particularly effective because of the frequency and speed at which they can be administered. Chromebooks are a vital tool in this regard.

Students regularly take formative assessments using Chromebooks and, in doing so, know what they have mastered and what areas they must target for improvement. Teachers often use the information gathered to modify lesson plans, and provide targeted support for individual students.

Screenshot of Albert IO Formative Assessment Review Tool

What Does the Device Cost

Is the device filtered and/or monitored?

Yes. We take the safety of our students very seriously. We use advanced filtering technologies to protect students from dangerous and inappropriate internet activity. All internet access from district-issued devices is logged and filtered, regardless of where the device is used (i.e., whether at school or off campus).

While filters are an integral part of protecting students, we encourage parents to play an active role in ensuring student safety by staying engaged with them and fully understanding how and why they are accessing internet-based applications and content.

What if the device is lost or stolen?

The district's policy regarding lost or stolen devices can be summarized as follows:

On the first instance of a device being lost or stolen: The student will be issued a replacement device at no charge. (The replacement device may not be new, but it will be a similar model, age, and condition of the missing device.)

On any subsequent instances of a device being lost or stolen: The student will be charged a replacement fee for the device. (The amount will be based upon the cost of the actual replacement device being issued.)

What technical support is available?

Each school has a student-lead technology support center, wherein basic device repairs are routinely performed at no cost. Basic repairs include the replacement of components (such as keyboards, bezels, screens, batteries, and even mainboards) that succumb to the rigors or heavy student usage. Sometimes, however, device repairs or replacements are necessary because of purposefully damage or neglect by a student. In these instances, a repair or replacement cost is likely to be charged.

Because a computing device is an integral part of the student experience, our technology centers offer "loaner" devices to students, while their devices are being charged or repaired. This ensures that students always have a working device available so that they can take active part in whatever activities their teachers have planned.