2018-19 SBPS Annual Report

8 | Scottsbluff Public Schools
New Technology
SBPS Device Assisted Learning Initiative Kicks Off in the Fall of 2018
Beginning
in Fall 2018,
Scottsbluff
Public Schools
provided more
than 1,800
Chromebooks
to students in
sixth through
twelfth grade. In grades 6-9, each student received a brand new
touchscreen Chromebook and case that they take home each
night. Students in grades 10-12 received a used Chromebook
and case. These devices will be gradually replaced with new
touchscreen Chromebooks on an annual rotation.
Scottsbluff Public Schools believes integrating technology in
the classroom leads to enriching experiences that will increase
student engagement, enhance individual learning and growth,
create active learners, and encourage collaboration as well as
many other benefits.
The main goals of the Device Assisted Learning Initiative (DALI)
include:
Student Learning: Improve learning for all students through
engaging experiences that embed technology across all curricular
areas.
Effective Teaching: Educators will embed technology in their
instructional practice to facilitate high levels of student engagement
and learning.
Support for Teaching & Learning: Technology is routinely
used to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of instructional
processes.
Resources for Teaching & Learning: Effectively and efficiently
align instructional resources with technology.
In order to assure responsible use of the
device, parents/guardians and students
are required to sign a Responsible Use
Agreement (RUA) before the device
is allowed to be taken off of school
grounds. Parents/guardians have the
option to enroll in an SBPS Device Repair
Incentive Program designed to help
students and families defray the costs of device repairs and/
or replacement. Participation in the program is optional and
provides families with discounted repair or replacement options
should the device be damaged. A protective, always-on case is
provided for transporting the device between home and school
and between classes and students are expected to charge their
Chromebooks nightly at home and bring the device to school
fully charged. Student devices are subject to the SPBS Internet
filter both on and off of the SBPS network. In other words, web
pages viewed on the Chromebook are filtered by SBPS no matter
where the Chromebook is used. These devices are configured
to allow access using only school credentials. The Chromebooks’
location can also be tracked if lost or stolen.
Chromebooks provide a balance of focus, flexibility, and manageability.
Providing Chromebooks for all students ensures a
consistent computing environment, including district management
of user settings and classroom management software. In
addition to 1:1 technology in grades 6-12, classroom technology
is also being expanded at the elementary level. Approximately
600 additional Chromebooks are available in SBPS elementary
schools in classroom carts. Participation in fundraising events
such as the SBPS Foundation’s Google Run also allows elementary
schools an opportunity to purchase additional classroom
technology for their schools.
The devices are checked out to the students much like a textbook.
Students will keep the device for the school year but will
turn it in each summer for inventory control and maintenance.
Students will receive the same device for the following school
year.
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