Rationale for the Program
The 1:1 program at Goochland High School, starting in SY 2017-18, is the continuation of the deeper learning initiative begun in 2013 with iPads in our elementary and middle schools. In SY 16-17, the division completed its roll-out of iPads in grades 3-8. The decision was made three years ago to use MacBook Air laptops for our 1:1 program for SY 2017-18 and 2018-19. The program will be assessed. After May, 2019, the laptops will be returned as they were leased. During this assessment period the division’s technology department will choose a device for the next four-year term.
The reason for sending laptops home is to support a number of instructional practices under the umbrella term “deeper learning.” The opposite of “deeper” is “surface learning,” considering learning as just remembering facts for a test. In Goochland, we want learning to be engaging, satisfying, and question-building! As we develop a series of skills that are called soft skills, workplace readiness skills, or twenty-first century skills, we know that technology changes what these skills look like. That alone is a rationale for having access to an advanced tool. Because learning doesn’t stop when the bell rings, we want these devices to go home. When we talk about deeper learning we want students engaged in projects and performances not only where these tools are “nice to have” but are “essential” for getting the job done.
The following list provides some insight into what learning with technology can look like:
- students and parents both can login to Schoology to check out what was missed when a student is absent;
- students will work with an expert in trying to answer a question that isn’t easily searched for, online;
- students will use a spreadsheet to compute the amount of material needed to create a custom garden as part of a project simulation;
- students will capture audio when interviewing a citizen and later using that audio into a multimedia presentation capturing different perspectives;
- students will be assessed at the start of class so they can be placed in appropriate student groups based on what they already know about a topic;
- students will write a computer program that acts as a review game for younger students to prepare for mastery in a world language;
- students will document a science experiment with video to enhance the communication of investigation…
Frequently Asked Questions
> How are students able to do homework on the laptop when we have limited or no internet at home?
Since launching our 1:1 program with iPads in 2013, our School Board has heard concerns like these from parents and has supported a working “no Internet for homework” expectation for students. We recognize an advantage to having the internet, but assignments for work outside of school will not require internet.
Assignments created offline can be uploaded into Schoology when students return to campus. Beyond writing, students will have access to movie, audio/music, and other productivity software that all works offline, including:
- Keynote,
- Garage Band,
- Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel),
- iMovie,
- Numbers,
- Pages.
We will also share with students about how to work with Google Drive docs offline.
>What will be issued to each student?
Each student will receive a Macbook Air, a power adapter in a black pouch, a hard plastic cover, and a zippered fabric carrying case. Inside each laptop case is a card that contains the student’s login information to the computer and Apple ID information.
>What does the laptop fee program cover?
The annual laptop repair program fee covers regular wear and tear to the laptop and power adapter. Minor damage will be repaired at no cost to the student. If a laptop is lost or damaged beyond repair and must be replaced, the insurance does cover the full cost of the laptop and power adapter. However, once a replacement laptop is issued, a you must pay the insurance fee once again to cover the newly issued laptop.
The insurance fee does not cover damage or loss of the plastic protective cover or the fabric carrying case.
Intentional damage of the laptop is not covered by the insurance and may result in additional disciplinary action.
If a laptop is reported as stolen, the family must file a report with the Sheriff’s office prior to receiving a replacement laptop.
You may read more by accessing our repair program flier.
>May I bring my own laptop? I already have one at home and would prefer not to get one from the school.
We will not be able to accommodate any devices that are not GCPS issues devices, so please do not bring devices from home.
MacBook Air Deployment
MacBook Air laptops were deployed to students the first and second week of school. Students were introduced to the many features of the laptop and online services available to them by Dr. Hendron, Director of Innovation and Strategy for GCPS, Catherine Richards, Instructional Technology Coach at GHS, and Ellie Kurth, Library Media Specialist at GHS. All students were also enrolled in the iBulldog course in Schoology where they have unlimited access to tips, tricks, and videos to help them learn more or just be reminded about the technology and services available to them.
