Ensuring our students can effectively and efficiently use technology in their learning and quest for information is essential for them to be successful students – and successful adults. That’s why in 2017 Groveport Madison Schools launched the “Cruisers with Chromebooks” program. Through this program, a loaner Chromebook computer is assigned to each student in grades K-12. In fact, students in sixth through twelfth grade are expected to take their Chromebook computers home throughout the week and during breaks.
According to some of the latest research, children enrolled in school districts where there is a high correlation of computers to students enjoy many advantages. They include:
- Having ready access to a computer helps students personalize their learning, allowing them to learn at their own pace.
- Students typically express positive attitudes and greater confidence in their ability to use technology effectively.
- They are found to be more engaged, motivated, and persistent when 1:1 technology is deployed throughout their school.
- Students' technology and problem-solving skills are improved, and their ownership of their learning typically increases.
- Through the use of email, Google Docs and other shared or monitored applications, student-teacher communications often improve. It’s also been found that parental engagement increases as parents can see more of what their children are learning.
Nearly 80 percent of the District’s curriculum and textbooks are available in an electronic format and can be accessed at home or school 24 hours a day. In addition, many of the applications can be used “offline,” when the student doesn’t have Internet access at home or elsewhere.
With Groveport Madison Schools being a “G-Suite” (formerly Google for Education) member district, students can use free educational apps from Google, including Google Sheets, Google Drive, Google Calendar, and Google Sites, as well as YouTube. Our students also have access to educational software already available in our schools, including Study Island.
Students use his/her Chromebook computer to complete homework and other assignments, conduct research and take school and state assessments. To help keep track of the computers, they have been etched with the school district’s logo and a serial number on the outside case. Tracking and Internet filtering software have also been installed on Chromebooks. Before the computers are assigned to the student, the child’s parent/guardian must sign an agreement that outlines the terms of use and accept responsibility for the loss or damage to the computer.