All Dist. 54 junior high students to receive Chromebooks
District 54 has long offered students and staff access to technology through computers, iPads, interactive whiteboards and more. However, we know that in our ever-changing world, we must continue to evolve by embedding digital learning in all content areas of our current curriculum.
As a district, we are constantly evaluating new technology. In the fall of 2015, District 54 convened the Junior High Digital Learning Task Force, consisting of 107 junior high teachers and administrators, and charged them with exploring a 1:1 learning environment using Chromebook computers and the Google Apps for Education platform. Several task force members volunteered to pilot a class set of Chromebooks this winter and spring. Staff and students in the pilot program have reported that the Chromebooks and Google Apps are excellent resources for student collaboration and engagement.
Based on the feedback we received from the pilot program, the District 54 School Board approved a plan at its March 17 meeting to purchase Chromebooks for every junior high school student beginning with the 2016-17 school year. This plan will provide access to information, learning resources, and the digital tools that we believe will foster an environment of critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity.
Implementation of this initiative can be done within the financial parameters of the district's current technology replacement cycle budget because the Chromebook is significantly less expensive than the iPad or the PC laptops the district currently uses and the Google Apps platform is free.
Adopting this technology will enable District 54 to enhance the delivery of our curriculum and student mastery of essential learning outcomes, while better equipping students with the digital learning skills needed for success in high school and beyond. However, we are not abandoning books. District 54 is committed to cultivating "blended learning environments," where teachers use an appropriate mix of print and digital resources to support student learning.
This digital learning environment will also facilitate differentiated instruction. Students needing extra support can spend time on resources that are designed to meet their unique learning needs, while others may focus on resources designed to enhance and extend their learning.
District 54 is excited to partner with our students and parents as we continue to explore the potential instructional benefits of the 1:1 Chromebook initiative.