CSArts-SGV introduced a new Chromebook policy this school year, assigning each student a school Chromebook to use in and out of the classroom. According to Principal Mrs. Read, the change was largely prompted by the cost of maintaining Chromebook carts in every classroom. With the school continuing to grow, purchasing and repairing enough devices for each classroom would become increasingly expensive.
“We needed to relieve those funds for other things like hiring new teachers,” Read said.
The new system also addresses technology access outside of school. Previously, students without computers at home could have difficulty completing homework or projects. By assigning Chromebooks directly to students, the school hopes to provide more equitable access to technology. It also places more responsibility on students to take care of their assigned device. The decision followed discussions and several committee meetings among school administrators and teachers throughout the previous school year.
“The main concern at the beginning of the year was making sure students bring their Chromebooks fully charged. Admin has done an amazing job reminding students through StudentSquare announcements and keeping them in check. Their hard work alleviated stress, especially as a conservatory educator, where class starts at 2:45pm. The policy is working and going smoother than expected,” Mr. Blair said.
Read added that school-issued Chromebooks give teachers control over the classroom’s digital environment through tools like GoGuardian to limit distractions and improve online safety. While the system is expected to remain in place, the school is still deciding how the policy will work in future years.
“I don’t think it will be a one year and done,” Read said. “It might be next year, we have the next iteration of whatever’s going to be even better.”
Cheers for Chuseok