Technology

BYOD, or "Bring Your Own Device," provides a 1:1 student-to-device environment in every classroom. This allows teachers opportunities to create activities leveraging the power of Internet tools and resources to differentiate instruction and personalize learning for every student. Students develop information literacy skills and positive work habits when working with technology, such as managing distractions, practicing responsible online communication, and demonstrating digital citizenship and cybersafety.

Chromebooks are lightweight, cost effective devices available from a variety of manufacturers at different price points. They are at low risk for viruses, have an operating system that automatically updates, and are easily configured to access our school network. With their 6-8 hour battery life and 10-second startup time, teachers are able to design blended learning activities with transitions that seamlessly move between different styles of learning throughout the school day. Having a common platform also increases teacher efficiency in the classroom by streamlining troubleshooting and content integration.

For these reasons, we highly recommend Chromebooks for student use, but other personally owned devices are also acceptable. For information on other devices, review our Minimum Requirements. Please note that other devices may have issues connecting to the district network.

When every student has a device, it changes the way teachers and students think about digital resources. Chromebooks integrate seamlessly with Google Apps for Education, one of our primary platforms for communication and collaboration at RCHS, as well as Canvas, our integrated online learning management system, to facilitate communications and provide an organized online environment for students to access resources, participate in online discussions, submit assignments, and take tests. Students work individually and collaboratively on interactive projects using Internet websites, databases, and online tools for inquiry, simulations, fact-gathering, and media production. Students also access a variety of other content-specific online resources, including MathXL, Reading Plus, and Turnitin to submit documents for teachers to review and grade. Chromebooks provide students access to these tools in and out of the classroom throughout the day.

Teachers have adapted their practices to take advantage of these resources, reporting that students are more engaged and classroom practices more effective. Students agree that having dedicated access to a computer has helped them be more successful. Individual devices greatly improve a teacher's ability to address each student's individual needs and better personalize student learning. However, technology will never replace the true relationship and connection that occurs between teacher and student, and students use the devices only when appropriate to do so. Students do not spend an entire day in front of a screen.

Students are responsible for bringing their fully charged device to school with them each day. Chromebooks should be able to go the entire day on a single full charge, but students should still carry charging blocks and cords should additional charging be necessary. Please note that many classrooms are not equipped with multiple outlets for in-class charging, so it is important that devices be charged at home.

At school, students are expected to use their devices in accordance with all school and district policies. For more information, please review the Student Code of Conduct policies regarding technology use and personal devices.

Students and their parents are primarily responsible for maintenance and upkeep of devices, another reason why Chromebooks are recommended, as the software updates automatically and they are at a low risk for viruses. Devices purchased through the GovConnection DCSD Parent Purchase Program come with three years of extended Accidental Damage Protection. The school is not responsible for any maintenance, loss or damage of devices.

Students can receive support for their personally owned devices in the Learning Commons with assistance from Learning Commons staff. If a student does not have a device when required for class, he or she may check out a Chromebook from the Learning Commons for that particular period. Students must provide their picture IDs to borrow Learning Commons Chromebooks and must return them at the end of that class period.

• Chromebook – District Purchases
• Chromebook FAQs
• Chromebook Help Resources
• Google Chrome Webstore

• Comcast Internet Essentials: Comcast offers affordable home Internet options for eligible households. 

• Common Sense Media: Trusted ratings for books, movies, television, apps and games created with families in mind.