WHY IS CPS MOVING TO 1:1?

CPS embraces the latest technology to enhance student learning, engagement, and achievement. 1:1 provides every student with a personal device to explore and utilize educational resources both inside and outside the classroom – from accessing class content and textbooks online, to communicating and collaborating with classmates and teachers. With 1:1, students have the best teacher-facilitated instruction combined with the best technology at their fingertips!

WHAT IS A CHROMEBOOK?

The Chromebook is the student device that CPS has purchased for its students. The district researched many possibilities for student devices, and the Chromebook is durable, dependable, versatile, and the perfect resource for students. The Chromebook is an internet-enabled laptop device that is designed to be interactive. These devices are similar to a library book: they will be checked out to students for long-term use, but they do remain the property of CPS. The devices will accompany high school students to and from school each day so that learning can continue wherever the student might be. Students attending middle school and upper elementary will use the devices in school and return to a cart at the end of the day for charging.

WHAT IF MY STUDENT’S DEVICE GETS DAMAGED OR STOLEN?

The CPS Chromebook Care Plan has been established to give parents peace of mind through the ability to purchase insurance and provide support for the student device and accessories. If purchased, the care plan will cover the repair or replacement costs of the Chromebook and charge cord. The cost for protection is only $20 for students in grades 5-12 and $15 for students in grades 2-4. Coverage lasts for the academic year.

The Care Plan is voluntary, but families are highly encouraged to participate. To enroll in the Chromebook Care Plan, click here.

Please keep in mind that if insurance is not purchased at the time of device acceptance, parents/guardians are responsible for the full cost of any repair or replacement of all damage to or loss of the Chromebook and accessories. Please read the details in the Chromebook Care Plan to learn more about the various costs associated with the student devices. Estimated repair costs can be found here and are subject to change due to availability and market costs.

HOW IS MY STUDENT PROTECTED WHILE ONLINE?

CPS has invested in Securly which filters web content at the school site, as well as on any network worldwide. This means that no matter where your student chooses to go online with their device, they are protected. Securly also monitors student internet usage to ensure that students are using the device appropriately and responsibly, and abides by student privacy protection regulations, such as COPPA, FERPA, and CIPA.  Parents can receive weekly reports as well as allow select categories while the device is away from school.  Sign up for the Securly Parent Portal by clicking here.

WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS OF MY STUDENT FOR THEIR CHROMEBOOK CARE AND USAGE? 

General Care of the Chromebook:

  • Do not place food or drink near the device.

  • Insert cords, cables and removable storage devices carefully.

  • Do not deface the device with writing, drawings, stickers, labels, etc. that have not been approved in writing by Cushing Public Schools.

  • Do not place heavy objects on the device.

  • Always carry the device with care; the screen should not be open when being carried.

  • Do not lift the device by the screen.

  • Do not store the device where other items can place pressure on the screen (e.g. backpack).

  • Clean the screen only with a soft, dry microfiber cloth or anti-static cloth.

    • DO NOT USE CLEANING SOLVENTS OR OTHER LIQUIDS ON THE SCREEN.

  • Do not deface or remove any Cushing Public Schools (CPS) labeling.

DAMAGED OR MALFUNCTIONING CHROMEBOOKS

High school students with damaged or malfunctioning Chromebooks should take them to the Library and borrow a device while theirs is being repaired or replaced.  Middle school and upper elementary students should promptly report the issue to their teacher.  Loaner device will be provided to the student if one is available.  Loaner devices are available available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Spare or loaner chargers are not available.

Students will:

  • Use the Chromebook and other district technology resources only for educational purposes.

  • Use Web 2.0 tools as an extension of the classroom while they are at home.

  • Use appropriate language and graphics, whether posting and publishing from home or school, when using blogs, podcasts, email or other communication tools.

  • Use only assigned accounts.

  • Maintain confidentiality about usernames and passwords.

  • Communicate only in ways that are kind and respectful.

  • Remember that making illegal copies of music, games, movies, and other copyrighted material is strictly prohibited.

  • Give credit when using the words or works of others.

  • Prevent damage to the Chromebook by following “General Care” guidelines provided above.

  • Report the loss or damage of the device immediately.

  • Charge the device and have it ready to use every day, every class period.

  • Keep the sound muted or use headphones or earbuds when the noise might disturb others.

  • Students are allowed to set up their home printers for use with the Chromebook.

Students will NOT:

  • Remove any identifying stickers or labels placed in or on the device by the District.

  • Allow other people to use their assigned device.

  • View, use or copy passwords, data, or networks to which they are not authorized.

  • Reveal personal information (telephone numbers, addresses, passwords, etc.) about themselves or others.

  • Leave computers unsupervised or logged in to any District-managed system.

  • Harass, bully or threaten anyone.

  • Use offensive or inflammatory language of any kind.

  • Misrepresent themselves or others.

  • Destroy or damage data, programs, networks or any other system or component of a system owned or managed by the District.

  • Attempt to override, bypass or otherwise change the Internet filtering software, Google Management, or other network configurations.

  • Reset or wipe their device.

GUIDELINES FOR APPROPRIATE USE

With the opportunity afforded by using District technology comes the responsibility to use that technology appropriately. Failure to use District devices, networks, or other resources responsibly may result in disciplinary action.

CPS will:

  • Provide a device to enhance the student's learning experience.

  • Filter web content at the school site and filter devices on any network worldwide.

  • Monitor student internet usage.

  • Abide by COPPA, FERPA, and CIPA regulations.

CPS will NOT:

  • Use programs that do not adhere to COPPA, FERPA and CIPA.

  • Access or control student devices remotely when students are not on CPS property.

HOW WILL MY STUDENT’S EDUCATION CHANGE AND IMPROVE THROUGH 1:1?

Student learning experiences will be taken to new levels that further engage and prepare them for their future. Students will have access to information and creative resources to enhance their knowledge, understanding, and application of the content they learn throughout the school year in each course. The skills they will learn through the use of Chromebooks, TeacherEase, and Google Workspace will guide them to success in future learning and career opportunities because they will become knowledgeable and proficient users of technology.

Additionally, the teaching experience will change to enhance engagement and productivity in the classroom. Students will have controlled internet access at their fingertips, allowing teachers to expand upon current instruction to provide students with a more enriched learning experience. Through TeacherEase and Google Classroom – the learning management system that operates on their Chromebook – students will be able to keep their class schedule, homework assignments and online class resources all in one place. Teachers will be able to post, collect and grade assignments online, as well as send announcements and update their course calendar. The teacher will even have the ability to host digital class discussions and administer online exams. The tools your student needs to be informed and successful are all housed under TeacherEase or Canvas on the Chromebook – so learning can travel anywhere they go!

WHAT ARE TEACHEREASE AND GOOGLE WORKSPACE?

TeacherEase and Google Classroom is a learning management System (LMS) that will drive the change in lesson delivery and workflow. Students will be able to better organize their time and manage course work. This will provide an open line of communication between teacher and student to improve the learning experience and student achievement. TeacherEase and Google Classroom are the one-stop-shop for all course information and supplement material. Many colleges and universities around the country utilize a learning management system, so CPS is thrilled to be able to offer our students with this experience to help them be prepared for that next step upon graduation.

Google Workplace will be utilized by students for work creation, storage and collaboration. Students will be able to access and create work in their Google Drive cloud storage from any device with an internet connection. Through the Chromebook, students will even have the ability to work offline on Google Drive assignments.

I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS - WHO CAN I CONTACT?

Please email questions to technology@cushing.k12.ok.us.