According to the National Education Technology Plan published by the Department of Education Office of Educational Technology, "Technology can be a powerful tool for transforming learning. It can help affirm and advance relationships between educators and students, reinvent our approaches to learning and collaboration, shrink long-standing equity and accessibility gaps, and adapt learning experiences to meet the needs of all learners."

 

North Canton City Schools identified supporting creativity, innovation, and a culture that fosters a growth mindset as important action items in their overall strategic plan. Technology integration is the perfect platform to integrate and advance those efforts.  

Although the district had piloted a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiative in the past, there was strong feedback to show that every student having the same device would allow teachers to plan more effectively.

With support from the North Canton community, a permanent improvement levy now funds our one-to-one technology initiative. Chromebooks were distributed using the following roadmap:

 

Now that Chromebooks have been distributed throughout the district, the focus has shifted to using an efficient maintenance program to keep devices in working order and in students' hands.   

Managing over 4600 devices in seven different buildings requires a team of dedicated people and a thoughtful process in order to run an efficient one-to-one program.

 

Each building's Library/INQspot serves as the center of this important daily operation. Using our Follett inventory software, library personnel handle assigning devices to students and addressing concerns when devices experience problems.  Devices travel between the buildings and the district technology office through our courier system.  

 

When repairs are necessary, devices are sent to our insurance provider, K-12 Tech. 

Beginning in the summer of 2017, students in grades 3-11 will have the opportunity to keep their Chromebooks during summer break rather than turning them in at the end of the school year.

 

This will allow for an even stronger partnership between school and home as students will be encouraged to stay connected to learning opportunities.  Research shows that summer months can lead to a "summer slide" as students are disconnected from formal learning for an extended period of time.  Encouraging students to build skills through gamification and concept practices will help negate that dip in achievement gains.

 

Remember, however, that these Chromebooks are the property of North Canton City Schools and per our insurance contract, the Bump Armor cases must be left on the devices at all times in order to be covered in case of an accident.  

 

If you experience a problem with your Chromebook over the summer, first check the troubleshooting guide as most problems can be solved by the instructions listed there.  If a problem still remains with the device, please schedule an appointment to exchange the Chromebook from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the District Office (enter Door 25 which is located on the backside of the high school off of the 10th Street entrance).  

During the school year if you have a problem with your Chromebook, please contact your building librarian and she will guide you through the process of getting help.