Chromebooks
What is a Chromebook?
A Chromebook is a mobile computer that runs on Google's Chrome Operating System. These machines are designed to be used primarily while connected to the internet.
Before a Chromebook is issued for use at home, students and parents or guardians must have acknowledged the Safe and Acceptable Use Policy and User Agreement on the Parent Portal student verification form.
Students are expected to abide by the following rules and behavioral expectations both at home and within the school:
USE OF EQUIPMENT (Hardware and Software)
Students must have the Chromebook permission verified by a parent/guardian through the on-line student verification through the Power Parent Portal.
School Chromebooks are to be used for research, educational and school related business only.
The use of the Chromebook must not violate the existing Safe and Acceptable Use Policy.
Students may not destroy, deface, or alter Chromebook equipment or files not belonging to the student.
THE NETWORK
The DDSB Ignite Mobile Network has filtering in place to block inappropriate websites and content. All devices are filtered, including the Chromebooks, when connected to it on campus.
Chromebooks connected to the internet outside of the DDSB Network (off campus), such as at home or in public places, are not filtered by DDSB. In these instances, it is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to ensure their student is using the device appropriately.
PRIVACY
It is a violation to share your Chromebook or your password with anyone else, or to access any account belonging to other students, faculty, or staff.
RESPONSIBILITIES
By agreeing to, students and parents or guardians agree to:
Submit their Chromebook to school authorities upon request. Such a request may be made in order to check browser histories and caches, as well as to ensure Chromebooks do not contain any unapproved software or files.
Accept monitoring of student usage of the Chromebooks at any time, when requested by school Personnel (teachers or administration). Students and parents need to be aware that files created using the Chromebook or stored on school servers are not private.
Charge their Chromebook overnight each night to ensure that they are fully charged for classes the next day. Just as students are expected to be prepared for class by having all required materials, students will have a charged Chromebook available to them at the start of each day.
Protect the Chromebook from damage and theft. If the Chromebook is lost or stolen when outside of school grounds, it should be reported to the school immediately.
If the damage is intentional, willful or purposeful, the parents or guardians will pay the full replacement cost of the Chromebook and/or AC power adaptor. Estimated replacement cost for a Chromebook are listed below.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
As a learner I will:
1.Never leave my Chromebook both unattended and unsecured.
2.Make sure the Chromebook is not subject to careless or intentional damage.
3.Ensure that my Chromebook is charged every evening and ready for use the next day.
4.Not decorate the Chromebook with permanent markings and not allow it to be subject to graffiti/defacing.
5. Not install or download software not approved by administration or teachers.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS/HINTS & TIPS FOR PARENTS
1.What are my responsibilities as a parent/guardian in terms of replacement of the Chromebook if it is damaged, lost or stolen?
If the Chromebook is lost or damaged due to willful behaviour or negligence, the student/parent/guardian will be responsible for the replacement cost as estimated below. The School regards the Chromebook as all other materials that are checked out to a student (e.g. library materials, sports equipment, etc.). If the Chromebook is stolen a formal police report may be required and a copy presented to the school to determine if the costs will be covered by insurance.
3. What if we don't have Wi-Fi at home?
A Chromebook's use is maximized with Wi-Fi, but it can be used in an offline mode should Wi-Fi not be available. It will automatically connect to Wi-Fi and upload work upon entering a DDSB campus. The DDSB is exploring options to notify students of available free Wi-Fi locations in some areas of the district. Students may also have the ability to borrow a Wi-Fi access point through the school library.
