1:1 Mobile Learning

A: The goals of the 1:1 mobile learning program include, providing technology tools that help engage our students, making available rich online resources that support student research and learning, and offering professional development opportunities for our teachers to join students as digital learners. The Williamsville Central School District aims to ensure students have the tools and skills they need to be successful today and to be career and college ready when they graduate from high school. The following outcomes have been articulated:

• Enhance and accelerate learning
• Facilitate self-directed learning and creative problem solving
• Increase the effective use of a wide variety of digital environments and platforms to access information, conduct research and communicate with others
• Strengthen the 21st century skills necessary for future success
   

A: Every middle school student receives a Chromebook.

A: Much like they would need a textbook or other school supplies, students need access to a mobile device to authentically participate in the curriculum developed for these grade levels. Families who are uncomfortable taking responsibility for a device should contact their child’s principal.

A: Just as there is no cost to students for textbooks unless lost or damaged, there is no cost to families for use of the District mobile device unless lost or damaged (see Policy#7311).

A: The Williamsville Central School District has insured all 1:1 program devices issued to students.

Students are responsible for the device issued to them and are asked to treat the mobile device with appropriate care as expected for all school property. If the device is damaged, your child should bring it to his/her school Computer Support Technician for repair. If available, a loaner device will be issued as soon as possible while your child’s device is being repaired.

Mobile devices that have been damaged intentionally by the student will be dealt with on a case to case basis and may result in disciplinary action which will include charges for repair or replacement as well as disciplinary consequences in accordance with the District Code of Conduct.

Any loss or theft of a mobile device must be reported to the building administrator immediately. A police report is required for any stolen device.
 

A: If your child forgets to bring his device to school, he should notify the classroom teacher upon arrival. If a mobile device is necessary to meet class requirements and if one is available, a loaner device will be assigned for the day. Multiple instances of forgetfulness and multiple requests for loaner devices may be treated as a disciplinary action similar to being unprepared for class.

Students may access the Internet before and after school. Free access is also available in numerous ‘hot spots’ throughout the community. Files can be downloaded to the Chromebook which, if done, does not require the use of the internet.

A: Yes. We have added capacity to the Wi-Fi network at all WCSD sites through the District’s Smart Schools Bond Act proposal as approved by NYSED.

A: Our wireless network has the same filters as the District’s student computer network and all Acceptable Use rules apply to use of the wireless network. While the content filters are operational on the device in your home, the District cannot guarantee that a child will not visit an inappropriate site. As a result, parents are strongly encouraged to monitor their child’s use of the Chromebook.

A: Like any other property, families are responsible for turning in all District property prior to leaving the school district; failure to do so may result in the District seeking reimbursement from the family for the device.

A: No. The District purchases new devices for each student when they enter fifth grade. The device provided to the student in fifth grade is reissued to them each year while they are in middle school unless it becomes necessary to replace the device due to damage. Devices are maintained for their lifespan and many are repaired and tested by IT staff when they do not function correctly. Upon verifying that the device is operating correctly it is returned to the student for instructional use.

A: Yes. A parent/guardian must contact the school principal directly about storing their child’s device at school on a regular basis rather than having their child bring the device home. If a parent does not wish to accept responsibility for the device, this would be an option available to them. The completion of homework assignments through alternate means may be explored other than solely through use of the mobile device.

A: No. The Chromebook issued to your child is the property of the Williamsville Central School District and the District must oversee all repairs. In addition, using an outside vendor to repair a damaged device would nullify any warranty and likely result in unnecessary out-of pocket costs to families.