FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Curriculum integration and teacher support
How will the devices support and make connections with common core goals?
How to Align Technology with the Common Core State Standards
http://askatechteacher.wordpress.com/2012/05/10/how-to-align-with-common-core-standards/
Technology Permeates Common Core Standards
http://www.centerdigitaled.com/policy/Technology-Permeates-Common-Core-Standards.html
Technology and the Common Core
http://www.sde.com/technology/core.asp
http://askatechteacher.wordpress.com/2012/05/10/how-to-align-with-common-core-standards/
Technology Permeates Common Core Standards
http://www.centerdigitaled.com/policy/Technology-Permeates-Common-Core-Standards.html
Technology and the Common Core
http://www.sde.com/technology/core.asp
Do teachers have a plan for how they will use the devices?
As provided for in the plan, teachers whose students will be using 1:1 devices are participating in a 2-week long intensive planning session over the summer where they will design an inquiry-based Common Core-aligned curriculum that is supported by technology.
Will you have Professional Development for teachers on using the devices?
Yes, yes, yes, and yes. Professional development is a cornerstone of our tech plan. In fact, an entire goal is dedicated to it: Goal II: Provide reflective, strategic, on-going professional development and technology integration planning opportunities for teachers and ensure equitable access to these opportunities.
Can teachers monitor the sites being used in real time?
For the chromebooks, we plan to purchase Hapara, a service that will allow us to see what students are doing in real time. Currently, a service like this is not available for the iPads.
What is the assurance that these tablets will be used (vs. Smart Boards that
are not fully utilized?)
We have a well-thought out plan for implementation that includes the required supports and accountability.
Will we need a technology person to implement the three year plan?
Yes, the plan calls for a stipend to fund a Technology Integration Coordinator.
Equal Access
What about families that cannot pay or can only partially pay the technology fee?
Financial need will not stand in the way of students having access to school resources and participating in the 1:1 initiative.
Will the students be able to bring them home? What if they don't have internet
at home? Will that effect how they can use the devices?
We still need to discuss whether some or all students will be allowed to take devices home with them. There are many factors to consider including student safety, wear on devices, protective covers, charging time, etc. We will keep you posted.
Chromebooks will require an internet connection. This could be a home internet connection or an internet connection at a public library. There are also very low cost home internet options available through http://www.internetessentials.com/.
Some iPad apps will require an internet connection, others will not.
Chromebooks will require an internet connection. This could be a home internet connection or an internet connection at a public library. There are also very low cost home internet options available through http://www.internetessentials.com/.
Some iPad apps will require an internet connection, others will not.
Devices
How did you research these choices?
The devices were selected based on research about other other educational 1:1 programs, conversations with Chicago Public Schools about the devices they are supporting, and drawing on staff members' experience and expertise in educational technology.
Will there be insurance plans? What if they get lost, stolen, or broken?
Based on our internal experiences and conversations with other edtech professionals, device care plans do not tend to be economical in the long-run. It is more cost effective to replace or repair damaged devices. We will be able to remotely wipe or lock down both the iPads and the Chromebooks in the event that they are stolen.
Will the device follow the student?
Yes, the device will follow the student from year-to-year.
Why should we pay this money to "rent" a device? Why not just buy our own?
In order for the school to easily manage the devices, they must all be linked to the same account and used exclusively for school related work.
Is there enough Internet access/lines at school for the devices to be used at
the same time as everything else?
Currently, bandwidth is an issue. ERGC is scheduled for a bandwidth update in the fall of 2013.
Is there a possibility to lease instead of buying to keep up with technology
changes?
We are not aware of any opportunities to lease these devices.
misc.
Why not just go 1:1 with all students next year?
It is important to us that this plan is supported and implemented with fidelity. At this time, we do not have enough internal capacity to support an instant 1:1 roll-out. By implementing over 3 years, we will build the internal capacity and teacher-leadership that we need to create effective technology integration that supports our learning goals.
At this time, we also do not have the bandwidth to support 1:1 devices for the entire school. We hope to have this remedied in the fall of 2013 when we are scheduled for our bandwidth upgrade through CPS.
At this time, we also do not have the bandwidth to support 1:1 devices for the entire school. We hope to have this remedied in the fall of 2013 when we are scheduled for our bandwidth upgrade through CPS.
How can we make sure the plan will not change in the future and we will be asked to pay for something different?
The plan will change. The ERGC tech plan is meant to be dynamic and foster reflective teaching and technology integration practices. Towards the end of year 1, the teachers and administration will conduct a retrospective to identify what went well and what we need to improve. Our experiences during the first year of implementation will help us refine year 2. This may include changes to the plan.
That said, we are confident that the iPads and chromebooks that we are purchasing for year 1 are a solid investment and will be an effective learning tool for the life of the devices even if we would switch to a different device for students in year 2 of implementation.
That said, we are confident that the iPads and chromebooks that we are purchasing for year 1 are a solid investment and will be an effective learning tool for the life of the devices even if we would switch to a different device for students in year 2 of implementation.