1:1 Technology Program

List of 9 frequently asked questions.

• Why is this type of technology important for teaching and learning in the classroom setting? (i.e. Is more technology in the classroom necessary?)

  The BYOD program gives our faculty the flexibility to plan lessons using technology without worrying about reserving a computer cart or lab, opening doors for students creating, interacting, and learning. Knowing that every student has a device capable of accessing the Internet and running Google Apps for Education also allows for more flexible and engaged classroom experiences.
  
  

  Heather O’Shea’s English class is one example of the many different ways technology is implemented for innovative teaching and learning in the Upper School. Ms. O’Shea uses Google Docs for student writing and is able to work with the students and provide feedback during the writing process. In her class, students participate in collaborative literature analysis; they tweet about the book and using blogs as a format for expression and discussion.
  
  

  As we all move to a more paperless environment, the majority of student work is turned in electronically directly from Google Docs or Google Apps for Education. Using technology based methods to turn in assignments reflects feedback from our alumni of what colleges and universities now expect of their students.

• Students already have a lot of screen time. How is the school supporting thoughtful technology integration and minimizing non-Academic use and distraction?

  
  It is a fact that adolescents live in a world of screens, and helping them learn to use technology responsibly is a requirement of 21st century learning. Ultimately we want our faculty, students, and families to support and guide one another as students learn appropriate use of technology.

• Why Chromebooks?

  Chromebooks are inexpensive, easy to use and to manage. They are designed to only access the Internet and run web-based applications. Chromebooks are extremely popular with faculty and students because of their speed (less than 30 seconds from startup to working on a document) and because of their reliability. Chromebooks work consistently and without a great deal of intervention from the IT staff.
  
  Chrome devices are the first technology that have lived up to the promises of inexpensive, reliable access to the Internet and applications. Chromebooks store all documents in “the cloud;” in other words, they are housed on servers run by Google. Those documents are then available to any computer connected to the Internet, which means that students and faculty can access their work anytime and anywhere on any device. If a student’s device is broken or lost, the documents are safely stored and accessible without making and restoring backups. Google Apps for Education and Chromebooks have also allowed for high levels of academic interaction on documents and projects.

• Wouldn't it be easier if all students had the same equipment vs. everyone bringing different devices of all sizes and operating systems from home?

  Students and teachers are using Google Apps for Education, so students do not need
  programs like Word or Excel. Since all of our applications are cloud-based, it does not matter what type of device a student uses, so long as as they have access to the Internet.
  
  We also want to be sensitive to the additional expense and allow students to bring an existing laptop which is preferable for some families.

• We cannot afford to purchase a Chromebook or laptop for our student(s).

  Please contact Jim Daly or your student’s advisor to discuss any concerns about affordability.

• Will Bosque provide loaners for students who forget their device?

  Yes. Bosque will have Chromebooks available for daily checkout and each Upper School classroom has several Chromebooks for use during a particular class.

• Would purchasing require an "upgrade" every year?

  No. A Chromebook is really just an Internet browser with a screen and keyboard. There is almost no software kept locally that would need to be upgraded or would start to slow the computer down.

• Are Chromebooks more likely to be broken?

  Our experience with Chromebooks shows slightly higher breakage rates than with traditional laptops and about the same rates as iPad programs. The low cost of the Chromebook does offset some of the concerns about breakage. A new Chromebook costs about the same as the repair of a laptop or iPad. With the BYOD program, families can decide for themselves if they want to purchase the least expensive device or spend more money for a more durable device. Families can also purchase cases, covers and breakage insurance if they desire. We want students and teachers to have ubiquitous access to applications and information and the fear of bringing an expensive device to school should not restrict the use of powerful technologies needed for 21st century learning.

• Would outsiders have access to my student’s school information? What types of security protect them? I worry about lack of security and outsider's access to all of my student's school information. I would be concerned about viruses and the ability to control network access. What about complaints that Google School has been found to be collecting data on student accounts despite its agreements not to do this?

  Society is grappling with these issues of access versus security and privacy. Greater access will mean a higher chance of data being stolen, but we believe the payoff in terms of elevated student work is worth the risk. Bosque intentionally uses off site hosts for our student information system and student data because we believe an organization with large numbers of highly trained network security experts is better able to protect information.
  
  

  The complaint that has been filed against Google involves a “Sync” feature that is turned on by default on Chromebooks. The Sync feature saves browsing history and bookmarks to “the cloud.” The feature allows users to access their history and bookmarks from any device connected to the Internet. Like all technology there is a trade off between convenience and privacy. Google has not sold or marketed any student browsing data.