By Gene Robbins, Managing Editor
Here’s a sure sign that summer is winding down: Schools begin distributing laptop-like computers to students this week.
The so-called 1-to-1 initiative began last school year, and almost 4,600 students in grades 5 through 12 will use the Acer Chromebooks, with wi-fi capability and a touch screen, this year.
The computers don’t completely replace books, but they are intended to keep students more interested in learning by working with methods and materials that connect to their digitally oriented lifestyles.
School begins for most students on Sept. 3, before Labor Day. School is open for instruction on Thursday and Friday before closing for the Labor Day weekend and holiday.
Distribution of Chromebooks will begin on Wednesday, Aug. 19, and will run until Monday, Aug. 31, at Hillsborough High School.
About 577 incoming 5th graders will receive devices for the first time. The roughly 4,500 6th through 12th graders who handed in their devices at the end of the school year so district technicians could service them will be given the same reconditioned device they had last year.
Parents and students were asked — what else? — to schedule a pickup appointment online at www.htps.us/1to1. Both parent/guardian and student are required to attend the appointment, which could be in day or evening hours.
The school board bought use of the Chromebooks on a lease-purchase plan that has three more years to run.
Joel Handler, director of technology department, said the computers give teachers lots of opportunities to diversify their classes. One calculus class videoconferenced last year to work with their peers in a Pennsylvania classroom.
“We’re finding a lot more learning happens,” said Mr. Handler.
He said the evolving technology program will give the teachers use of a program called NearPod, which allows the teachers to gather data, feedback and gauge student understanding during presentations and lessons.
Teachers can use the information to share with students in realtime best answers submitted (anonymously) or by showing class averages and submitted results. Teachers also keep this data and refer to it later to see individual learning and shape instruction.
During a lesson, the teacher can embed an impromptu question and ask students to submit their answer confidentially, Mr. Handler said. They can also do this by asking the students to draw a picture or mock up an existing base image.
The program will allow teachers to analyze responses faster in and after class to help them determine what children are learning, and how fast.
If families are unable to receive their Chromebook in August, the child will receive the device during the first week of school. Prior to receiving a district Chromebook, both a parent and the student must each review and electronically sign documents outlining the rules on how they may be used.
Parents were told by email where to park and how to reach the classrooms where the Chromebooks will be distributed. Folks are to park in student and staff lots on the Amwell Road side of the building and follow signs to separate rooms for 9th-12th grade students, another for 5th-8th and one for 5th-graders receiving their first machine.
While the district provides the Chromebook, it is the student’s responsibility to take care of it. The district offers a protection plan to help cover costs if the device is accidentally broken or damaged. The cost is $45 annually per device and is nonrefundable.
If the protection plan is not purchased, the family is responsible for the cost of the repair, which may also be the full replacement cost or nearly $400. The plan safeguards families against accidental damage, such as liquid spills, drops and falls.
Mr. Handler said there was about a 25 percent damage rate last year, but that about 80 percent of families chose to buy the insurance plan.
