The Chromebook initiative is a joint partnership between the school, students, and their parents. The devices will be subject to the same Acceptable Use Policy restrictions and discipline procedures applied to all other technology infractions. The system’s filter will block inappropriate content at school and at home.

Chromebooks represent a relatively new space in technology. This space is between mobile options such as the iPad and the portable space anchored by laptops. The Chromebook needs little, if any maintenance. It is a completely web-based device so there is no need for downloading or installing. The way a Chromebook operates reduces the need for technical support. Student work on the Chromebook automatically saves to the cloud and in particular the Google cloud.

OCS has structured professional development around the effective integration of technology. Teachers have received training on a variety of topics including LMS platforms and G Suite for Education. OCS has also strengthened its wireless infrastructure over the past several years in order to accommodate a 1:1 program.

Chromebooks that are issued as part of the 1:1 program are the property of Oneonta City Schools. However, each 6th-12th grade student will be issued a Chromebook by the school district and will have access to that device 24/7.

Students and stakeholders must adhere to Oneonta City Schools’ policies governing the use of technology. This also includes potential damage. Students will be responsible for paying a nominal fee based upon the type of damage. The district will be responsible for purchasing apps and digital content resources. Through the G Suite Administrative Console, applications and system updates will be pushed out for students.

Oneonta City Schools believes that an Internet-connected device will be a required resource for our students as they enroll in college and or enter the professional arena. With this belief in mind, the district believes that students should learn how to effectively manage a device. Students are responsible for the Chromebook’s general care and content accessed through the device.

The Chromebook operating system, Chrome OS, updates itself automatically. Students do not need to manually update their Chromebooks. Chromebooks use the principle of “defense in depth” to provide multiple layers of protection against viruses and malware, including data encryption and verified boot.

By logging in with their school email account Chromebooks seamlessly integrate with G Suite for Education, a suite of productivity and collaboration tools. This suite includes Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drawings, Classroom, Forms and much more. Students are responsible for the web apps and extensions they install on their Chromebooks. Inappropriate material will result in disciplinary action.

The need for consistent access is a priority, and technology is mentioned throughout the College and Career Ready Standards. Student Literacy in 21st Century Skills is vital to achieving expectations established by these standards. In addition to the traditional view of literacy, our students must be information, media and visually literate. Constant access allows for these important contemporary literacies to flourish in classrooms.

It will be up to each member of the OCS faculty to determine how to incorporate Chromebooks into his or her curriculum. OCS teachers will participate in ongoing training related to the integration of technology into classroom instruction.

We hope that our 1:1 Chromebook Initiative will help students develop and maintain good digital citizenship that will last a lifetime. Any rules that you have about computer use or Internet access should apply equally to your child’s Chromebook use. However, please keep in mind that more class content will be digital and accessed via the Chromebook. This may require extended screen time to meet course requirements.

OCS will provide a charger.  Beginning 2020-21 the school will no longer provide a protective cases for students. Students and parents should refer to section 2 of the Chromebook Policies, Procedures, and Information Handbook for specific information on taking care of the Chromebook.

-Maintain communication with your child or children about what they are currently working in their classes.

-Contact the school or OCS Technology Department.

Helpful Links

General Chromebook Information
ASUS Chromebook C202SA
ASUS Chromebook C204
Chromebook Keyboard Shortcuts

Internet Safety
Common Sense Media
NetSmartz

At Home Filtering
Open DNS Filtering
Net Nanny