Contents

1 Why is Hudson implementing a 1:1 Technology program?
2 What will the program look like?
3 Will students be on their devices all day every day?
4 Will a range of non-primary devices be available?
5 How is the district paying for all this and is it sustainable?
6 Will we continue to have computer labs?
7 Will my student be expected to use the device in school?
8 Will having Wi-Fi and internet at home be useful?
9 What if a student doesn"t have access to any technology or WiFi outside of school?
10 Will our students be working and talking together as much in school?
11 I worry that it is not healthy for my child to have so much screen time. Does this mean he/she will have even more at home with their devices?
12 Where in school can the devices be used or not used?
13 Is the Internet filtered at school?
14 How can I filter Internet content at home if I do not have a program in place?
15 Why Chromebooks for middle and high school students?
16 What are other things I need to know about the distribution of Chromebooks?
17 What is a families" liability for the device?
18 Why are students in grades 11 and 12 for the schools years 2017-2019 not being provided a Chromebook?
19 What will students do if they leave their device at home or if the device needs to be charged?
20 What will happen if the device is out for repairs?
21 My child is in one of the grades slated to receive a Chromebook. Can my child bring a family owned device?

Frequently asked questions regarding Hudson"s 1:1 Technology program

  1. Why is Hudson implementing a 1:1 Technology program?

    1. A personal mobile device offers students anytime, anywhere access to rich educational resources and provides our students learning experiences that align with the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks while building technology literacy skills. We believe that students need access to technology on a daily basis. Consistent access to a mobile device ensures that students are provided opportunities to use technology to create, collaborate, communicate and curate information. A 1:1 model enables teachers to regularly guide students in the ethical and safe use of technology and to use digital resources to personalize and self-direct learning. This digital learning model promotes equitable access for all students. It is important that we provide authentic and enriching learning experiences through the use of digital tools that students will be expected to use effectively and efficiently for research, innovation and problem-solving in future educational opportunities and careers.

  2. What will the program look like?

    1. As currently planned, the program will start in the fall of 2017 with students in grades 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10 having access to a district-owned Dell Chromebook for their exclusive use. The Chromebooks issued to grade 4 students will remain in the classroom; students in grades 5-7 and 8-10 will transfer their Chromebook between home and school. Students in grades 11-12 will have the opportunity to bring a suitable family-owned device. Students in grades K-2 will be introduced to using iPads in their classrooms.
    2. In the fall of 2018 this year"s current grade 6 students will have access to a district-owned Chromebook.
    3. n the fall 2019 grade 3 students will have access to a district-owned Chromebook in their classroom.
  3. Will students be on their devices all day every day?

    1. No. Teachers will decide when devices are used or not and will balance appropriate use of the device as they would any educational resource.

  4. Will a range of non-primary devices be available?

    1. Yes. Schools will have some desktops, laptops, and iPads for students to use when needed.

  5. How is the district paying for all this and is it sustainable?

    1. Funding for the 1:1 Technology program is being funded through the district"s technology budget.

  6. Will we continue to have computer labs?

    1. Yes, we will continue to have computer labs because of specialized curriculum is offered through the Engineering/Technology/Business/Library-Media and the Science departments.

  7. Will my student be expected to use the device in school?

    1. Yes, classroom instruction will be designed with these tools in mind. If students are issued a district-owned Chromebook, they are expected to bring the device fully charged every day to each class.

  8. Will having Wi-Fi and internet at home be useful?

    1. Yes, having WiFi and internet at home will be convenient for assignments that need it, but without it assignments can still be completed at school, the public library, or other locations with wireless internet access. While using the device in other locations besides school, students are expected to adhere to the district"s Internet AUP and safety guidelines.

  9. What if a student doesn"t have access to any technology or WiFi outside of school?

    1. We are working to build community capacity and information resources to allow students and families to permanently resolve their access issues.
    2. The Hudson Public Library provides public WiFi access.
    3. Comcast offers the Internet Essentials program for families who qualify. Brochures are available at each school for your convenience or you please visit the following website for more information: https://www.xfinity.com/support/internet/comcast-broadband-opportunity-program/
  10. Will our students be working and talking together as much in school?

    1. We value relationships and expect that our students will work and talk together as much or more than they currently do without the devices.

  11. I worry that it is not healthy for my child to have so much screen time. Does this mean he/she will have even more at home with their devices?

    1. Using computers and tablets is already a common part of homework, especially for the upper grades and this is an opportunity to exchange time they spend consuming media for time spent learning and creating. A healthy balance needs to be established for the amount of screen time our children/students spend online. For more information please visit https://www.screenagersmovie.com/. The Screenagers website offers many helpful resources for parents and guardians.

  12. Where in school can the devices be used or not used?

    1. School Administrators and staff members will clearly articulate where and when the device can be used, and where it is off-limits. In each school areas like the gym, locker rooms, bus, etc., may be "device-free" access areas. The cafeteria at Quinn Middle School is device free.

  13. Is the Internet filtered at school?

    1. Yes, all Internet access through our network infrastructure (WiFi) is filtered. Also, through the Chromebook management console, we will also set some parameters for safe Internet searching.

  14. How can I filter Internet content at home if I do not have a program in place?

    1. Visit www.openDNS.com for a free option for content filtering at home.

  15. Why Chromebooks for middle and high school students?

    1. As students get older, more of what they produce to demonstrate understanding is text-based so a device with a built-in keyboard may be a better fit.
    2. The district became a G Suite for Education (Google Apps for Education) district over five years ago. We have been working with students during these past five years in using the various software apps which are part of G Suite for Education.
  16. What are other things I need to know about the distribution of Chromebooks?

    1. Students in grades 4-5 and 7-10 (2017-2018 school year) cannot bring their own device to school instead of using a district device. Managing and configuring the device for school use requires features only available with devices purchased by the district.
    2. To keep the focus of the devices on learning the district will install the apps required by the teachers or direct the students to do so through a district app page.
  17. What is a families" liability for the device?

    1. The district provides a four-year basic maintenance and four-year accidental coverage for the device. The accidental coverage covers one damage per year.
    2. Like all district property in the custody of a student, families will be expected to reimburse the district for repairing or replacing the device if it gets damaged or lost.
    3. If the Chromebook has damage to the device that is not covered by the district"s coverage, students/parents will be responsible for reimbursing the district for repair costs.
    4. If the device is lost, the family is responsible for the full cost of replacing the device.
    5. Parents will have the opportunity to purchase additional coverage. This is optional and available through a third party insurer such as Securranty, Worth Ave Group, and GoCare. You can also contact your insurance agent about including it in their homeowners or renters insurance. Additional insurance rates vary from company to company. You should compare the costs.
  18. Why are students in grades 11 and 12 for the schools years 2017-2019 not being provided a Chromebook?

    1. The district has decided to use a phased in approach in providing students with a device. Students in grades 11 and 12 for the 2017-2019 school years are not included in this plan.
    2. Students in grades 11 and 12 during the 2017-2019 school years will have access to other technology (classroom computers and stationary/mobile computer labs) during class time. These spaces will be reserved by classroom teachers.
    3. Students in grades 11 and 12 during the 2017-2019 school years are encouraged to bring their own device. Students and parents must complete the HPS Protocol for the Use of 1:1 Devices-BYOD document before the device can be brought into school.
    4. Possible guidelines for selecting a suitable device:
      1. Recommended that the device can access Google tools, have screens and keyboards, long enough battery life, and are secure and up-to-date with virus protection.
      2. aptop/netbook/chromebook/tablet
      3. 9.7"or better color screen
      4. 802.11 n/ac Wifi cable device
      5. App or full featured browser capable of accessing Google drive, docs, sheets, slides, classroom, gmail, pdfs, YouTube or other major sites
      6. Chrome browser
      7. Protected from malware and viruses
  19. What will students do if they leave their device at home or if the device needs to be charged?

    1. Students who leave their device at home may be determined to be unprepared for class by the teacher and will have to get by as best they can without it. The district will not provide devices for students who leave their device at home.

    2. Students are also expected to come to school with their device fully charged each day. There will not be charging stations available for students to charge their devices.

  20. What will happen if the device is out for repairs?

    1. The district will have a few loaner devices available for students to use until the device is repaired.
  21. My child is in one of the grades slated to receive a Chromebook. Can my child bring a family owned device?

    1. Students in grades 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10 are expected to complete the required paperwork and be issued a district provided Chromebook. Managing and configuring the device for school use requires features only available with devices purchased by the district. Some applications would not be available on family owned devices.