Chromebooks land in hands of Dist. 204 middle schoolers
A new technological teaching tool is now in the hands of middle school students in Indian Prairie Unit District 204, who are the first in the district to each receive their own digital computing device.
The district on Thursday handed out an HP Chromebook to about half of its 7,000 middle school students; the other half will receive theirs on Friday, said Al Davenport, director of instructional technology.
The Chromebooks cost about $220 each and are designed to allow students to complete more work digitally using Google Apps for Education. Along with programs to create documents and presentations, browse the internet and conduct research, the suite includes video editing software called WeVideo that will allow teachers to record lessons for students to view anytime.
“A lot of the workflow is exchanged electronically,” Davenport said. “The Chromebook for us is really just another teaching tool.”
Parents of middle school students were changed $40 more during registration to help pay for the Chromebooks, which the students can use during class and at home. Kids quickly master the workings of the devices, but have to be taught to stay on task, avoid online bullying behavior and otherwise be respectful of the resource they've been given.
“We're really putting a focus on teaching kids how they can use technology responsibly,” Davenport said, “so they can use it to build a positive digital footprint.”
High school students will be the next in the district covering parts of Naperville, Aurora, Bolingbrook and Plainfield to receive an individual computer of some sort. Davenport said groups of students at Metea, Neuqua and Waubonsie valley high schools are testing a variety of Chromebooks and laptops to determine the best fit.
Elementary students will test personal technology next year and be given their own device in fall 2018.
As the new devices go into use, the district has been working with the Naperville Public Library to host parent education sessions and principals also will plan technology nights. About 460 already have attended for a crash course in Chromebook use.
“It's been a really good way to get out to our parents,” Davenport said, “and talk about where the district is headed with technology.”