Program Overview &
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CURRENT TRENDS IN TECHNOLOGY
There are lots of current trends in technology in education. Here is my TOP FIVE list, many of which students and/or teachers may experience this year.
- Going 1:1 School districts across Connecticut and across the US have gone or are looking to go 1:1 in their classrooms. This means every student in the classroom has access to their very own device. This allows for much more learning and opens up doors far beyond the four walls of the classroom. For the 2015-2016 School Year, all students in Grades 3 through 8 in Newington Public Schools will be receiving a Chromebook as part of the district’s 1:1 Technology Initiative.
- Video in Education: The use of video in instruction continues to grow immensely. This is probably because video is accessible just about anywhere we’re online—at home, at work, on the go, and, of course, at school. Mobile devices also give us the ease of creating video in all these places, too. The growing popularity of the flipped classroom continues to increase the use of video in all areas of education. A flipped classroom is when students watch videos from home and then they participate in hands-on learning in school. The more active learning takes place in the classroom. Video is also a great resource for student review and reteaching.
- Different Tasks=Different Tools: With so many online tools, apps, and programs available with technology, there is no longer one tool for a job. When a student or teacher needs to complete a task, they will discover many new tools that when used in combination, provide them with the ultimate learning experience/outcome.
- Social Media in Schools: Networking sites (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.) are part of student culture now. In the past years most teachers, administrators, and parents just didn't have the experience with these sites and did not value them as their students did in their daily lives. As educators, we try to teach students with tools they know and are comfortable with. You may see networking sites used more and more in educational settings showing students more wonderful ways their very familiar tools can be used effectively for learning.
- Protecting Your Digital Footprint: A digital footprint is the trail or trace one leaves after being online. It is important to have a positive digital footprint. Teachers and parents must work hard to emphasize the importance of having a positive digital footprint and making good decisions when using any device. Students are reminded to be careful about the things they post online and stop interacting with anyone who posts inappropriate content online. They are encouraged to make positive contributions online. A positive digital profile is an important part of a every online user's future.
Newington's 1:1 Initiative*
Why the 1:1 Initiative?
The focus of the Chromebook 1:1 Program in Newington Public Schools (NPS) is to empower its community of students to become fully active participants in our global technology driven society. Through our Chromebook 1:1 Program initiative, students will acquire technological and critical thinking skills and will develop a sense of personal and social responsibility that will enable them to successfully compete in the growing, fast paced, and rapidly changing world economy. Chromebooks will encourage students to engage in problem-based learning and help them to realize that teaching and learning can occur anytime, anyplace.
The Chromebook 1:1 Program facilitates:
A Chromebook is a personal computer running the Google Chrome OS (Operating System). Although this device has some offline capabilities, it is designed to be used while connected to the Internet. Rather than use traditional software that resides on the device itself, Chromebooks utilize web applications and cloud storage to create a unique user experience. The web applications allow the device to quickly boot upon system startup. In addition to utilizing cloud storage, Chromebooks have an internal hard drive that documents can also be saved to. USB peripheral devices such as a wireless mouse or a flash drive will work however, students will not be able to install software or run executable files.
Why Chromebooks?
Chromebooks for Education give students, teachers, and administrators a simple solution for fast, intuitive, and easy-to-manage computing. Chromebooks provide access to the web’s education and collaboration resources, as well as offer centralized management and low total cost of ownership. Using Chromebooks, teachers spend more time teaching and less time managing classroom technology, and schools can deploy more computers into the hands of their students and teachers.
What is the Chrome Operating System (OS)?
The Chrome OS (Operating System) works with web-based applications versus traditional stand-alone software. There are no programs to load and no updates to install. The Chrome OS automatically updates, therefore you are always running the most current version. Chrome was designed for more than just speed. Because of its advanced security features, Chrome offers a very safe browsing experience. Chrome also allows you to control what information you share online.
What is Google Apps for Education?
NPS Google Apps for Education (GAFE) is an integrated communication and collaboration solution, hosted by Google and managed by NPS. GAFE will provide the ability for NPS students, faculty and staff to communicate, store files and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in real time from anywhere.
Can I see what my child is doing on Google Apps?
Parents are encouraged to explore Google Apps with their children by logging in together. You will be able to have your student log in to his or her NPS Google account and show you what they are currently working on in class, as well as items that have been “turned in” and commented on by the teacher.
How protected is my student from outside people?
NPS takes security and privacy of student information very seriously. The NPS Google Apps domain is managed for access by staff and students in NPS, so your student will be able to work and collaborate in a safe and secure online environment.
What about Privacy?
NPS is responsible for protecting and safeguarding the confidentiality of student information. NPS has a contract with Google to provide access to Google Apps for Education to its users (students and staff) in a separate domain environment for NPS students and staff. Under our Terms of Service Agreement with Google, like NPS, they are obligated to comply with FERPA regulations.
What assurances has Google given NPS that they will not collect data on my student?
NPS has a signed agreement with Google Apps for Education. NPS Google Apps for Education is compliant with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
Who has access to my child’s account?
The Google Apps Terms of Service agreement with NPS contractually ensures that our institution (students, faculty, and staff) are the sole owners of their data. Google will only access content stored when an administrator from NPS grants Google explicit permission to do so. One example would be to investigate inappropriate use.
What happens if my child does not have Internet access at home?
Most of the Google Drive Apps can be used offline. Once a student reconnects to the Internet, the offline files will sync with the Google Drive Account.
*Information taken from the Newington Public Schools Website
The focus of the Chromebook 1:1 Program in Newington Public Schools (NPS) is to empower its community of students to become fully active participants in our global technology driven society. Through our Chromebook 1:1 Program initiative, students will acquire technological and critical thinking skills and will develop a sense of personal and social responsibility that will enable them to successfully compete in the growing, fast paced, and rapidly changing world economy. Chromebooks will encourage students to engage in problem-based learning and help them to realize that teaching and learning can occur anytime, anyplace.
The Chromebook 1:1 Program facilitates:
- Access to digital educational resources
- Availability beyond the school day
- Individualized learning
- Creativity and innovation
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Communication and collaboration
- Technology literacy skills
- College and career readiness
A Chromebook is a personal computer running the Google Chrome OS (Operating System). Although this device has some offline capabilities, it is designed to be used while connected to the Internet. Rather than use traditional software that resides on the device itself, Chromebooks utilize web applications and cloud storage to create a unique user experience. The web applications allow the device to quickly boot upon system startup. In addition to utilizing cloud storage, Chromebooks have an internal hard drive that documents can also be saved to. USB peripheral devices such as a wireless mouse or a flash drive will work however, students will not be able to install software or run executable files.
Why Chromebooks?
Chromebooks for Education give students, teachers, and administrators a simple solution for fast, intuitive, and easy-to-manage computing. Chromebooks provide access to the web’s education and collaboration resources, as well as offer centralized management and low total cost of ownership. Using Chromebooks, teachers spend more time teaching and less time managing classroom technology, and schools can deploy more computers into the hands of their students and teachers.
What is the Chrome Operating System (OS)?
The Chrome OS (Operating System) works with web-based applications versus traditional stand-alone software. There are no programs to load and no updates to install. The Chrome OS automatically updates, therefore you are always running the most current version. Chrome was designed for more than just speed. Because of its advanced security features, Chrome offers a very safe browsing experience. Chrome also allows you to control what information you share online.
What is Google Apps for Education?
NPS Google Apps for Education (GAFE) is an integrated communication and collaboration solution, hosted by Google and managed by NPS. GAFE will provide the ability for NPS students, faculty and staff to communicate, store files and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in real time from anywhere.
Can I see what my child is doing on Google Apps?
Parents are encouraged to explore Google Apps with their children by logging in together. You will be able to have your student log in to his or her NPS Google account and show you what they are currently working on in class, as well as items that have been “turned in” and commented on by the teacher.
How protected is my student from outside people?
NPS takes security and privacy of student information very seriously. The NPS Google Apps domain is managed for access by staff and students in NPS, so your student will be able to work and collaborate in a safe and secure online environment.
What about Privacy?
NPS is responsible for protecting and safeguarding the confidentiality of student information. NPS has a contract with Google to provide access to Google Apps for Education to its users (students and staff) in a separate domain environment for NPS students and staff. Under our Terms of Service Agreement with Google, like NPS, they are obligated to comply with FERPA regulations.
What assurances has Google given NPS that they will not collect data on my student?
NPS has a signed agreement with Google Apps for Education. NPS Google Apps for Education is compliant with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
Who has access to my child’s account?
The Google Apps Terms of Service agreement with NPS contractually ensures that our institution (students, faculty, and staff) are the sole owners of their data. Google will only access content stored when an administrator from NPS grants Google explicit permission to do so. One example would be to investigate inappropriate use.
What happens if my child does not have Internet access at home?
Most of the Google Drive Apps can be used offline. Once a student reconnects to the Internet, the offline files will sync with the Google Drive Account.
*Information taken from the Newington Public Schools Website
Taking Care of Your Chromebook
General Precautions
Carrying Chromebooks
Screen Care
- No food or drink is allowed next to your Chromebook while it is in use
- Cords, cables, and removable storage devices must be inserted carefully into the Chromebook
- Students should never carry their Chromebooks while the screen is open
- Chromebooks lids should be closed when not in use
- Chromebooks should be shut down before storing them in order to conserve battery life.
- Chromebooks must never be left in an unlocked car or any unsupervised area
- Chromebooks must never be left in a car where they could be subject to extreme heat or cold
- Students should not cover the fans on Chromebooks, as this can cause damage to the motherboard
Carrying Chromebooks
- The protective cases provided with the Chromebooks have padding to protect them and provide suitable means for carrying them within the school. The guidelines below should be followed:
- Chromebooks should always be in the protective case when carried
- Some carrying cases can hold other objects (such as folders and workbooks), but these must be kept to a minimum to avoid placing too much pressure and weight on the Chromebook screen
- The Chromebook must be closed before placing it in the carrying case
Screen Care
- Chromebook screens can be damaged if subjected to rough treatment. They are particularly sensitive to damage from putting pressure and weight on the screen.
- Do not lean on the top of the Chromebook when it is closed
- Do not place anything in the case that will press against the cover
- Do not poke the screen
- Do not place anything on the keyboard before closing the lid (e.g. pens or pencils)
- Clean the screen with a soft, dry cloth or anti-static cloth
This site created and updated by Lori Baylock
Technology Integration-Martin Kellogg Middle School
Technology Integration-Martin Kellogg Middle School
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