Technology

The Information Technology Department is committed to ensuring consistently operating technology that supports classroom instruction in all of our schools.
 

“Cruisers with Chromebooks”

Ensuring our students can effectively and efficiently use technology in their learning and quest for information is essential for their success as students – and as 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 recent research, children enrolled in school districts with a high ratio 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 email, Google Docs, and other shared or monitored applications, student-teacher communication often improves. 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.

As a “G-Suite” (formerly Google for Education) member district, Groveport Madison Schools allows students to use free educational apps from Google, including Google Sheets, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Google Sites, and YouTube. Our students also have access to educational software already available in our schools, including Study Island.

Students use their 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 computers are assigned to the student, the child’s parent/guardian must sign an agreement outlining the terms of use and accept responsibility for any loss or damage to the computer.