As our world becomes increasingly electronic, it only makes sense to incorporate more technology into classrooms. Kids graduating from high school should be competent in a number of computer skills.
Typing
Using a word processing program
Using a spreadsheet
Creating a presentation
Uploading/downloading files
Transferring/organizing files
Searching the internet for information
Electronic communication-email, classroom groups
Today, GHAPS students use their Chromebooks to access electronic textbooks, view classroom assignments, create papers/presentations, watch assigned videos and communicate with teachers. Some students even use them for entertainment. Incorporating technology into education is paramount, but the process raises many questions.
How much screen time is ideal for students?
What learning activities if any, are best done without a computer?
How should access to controversial websites and information be handled?
What type of technology training should staff receive?
How should the relationship between schools and parents be structured in regards to technology?
Both staff and parents had lots to say in the Perception Survey comments regarding Chromebooks. Teachers typically made comments indicating they want more training on technology so they can be more effective serving students, but teachers are also concerned with students misusing technology during class time. Here are some teacher comments regarding technology.
“Supervision with technology / HS and MS students use certain technology to get around filters, students need more supervision from teachers and parents regarding internet activity.”
“The students are using Chromebooks during classroom instruction Ames and watching Netflix during class instruction.”
“Our iPads are glorified worksheets. We need better apps. – Bring back the copy center.”
Here is an interesting comment from a teacher who is also a parent of children in the district.
“I appreciate that teachers are attempting to be on the same page when presenting the homework, such as how it is linked to homework hotline. This is great, but still is difficult for a parent to navigate. I as a teacher spent 15 minutes looking for what my 8th grade child had to do for homework. This was due to the wide variety of ways teachers are posting their assignments to the homework hotline.”
How do you see what your children’s school assignments are and what they are working on? Do you have them log onto their Chromebooks and then browse around? The most common themes regarding Chromebooks from the Parent Perception Surveys were:
Why can’t I print materials?
Why can’t YouTube be blocked?
Why can’t we put restrictions on the Chromebook?
Most parent Chromebook concerns point to a single issue. Chromebooks are an encroachment on Parental Rights. Chromebooks cut parents out of the loop and make it difficult for parents to know what their children are working on. Kids can use their devices for both school work and entertainment, but it is the school who controls device security. Regardless of what parents want, Chromebooks provide students access to YouTube, Netflix, the Michigan e-Library and many other apps. Aside from security concerns, the school providing children access to YouTube and all the other time-wasting apps creates constant battles between parents and children.
Here are some comments from the Parent Perception Survey.
“Why are YouTube videos/songs such as: "Bouncing on my Dick" allowed to be viewed on the Chromebook? Found this on my kiddos history!! Key words should trigger blocks.”
“The classes are too involved with using the Chromebooks. There should be an actual text book especially for math. Students should have a classroom on how to properly type if they’re going to be using these things all the time.”
“I am tired of these Chromebooks, the kids end up spending too much time on them playing games and it's not easy tracking that or helping them with homework.”
“Why is all school work electronic?”
“What content is blocked? If kids can check out books with sexual content, is that able to happen on their device as well?”
– Answer YES - Currently any GHAPS student with Chromebook access can view pornographic books online through the Michigan e-Library.
We are living in an electronic age and there is no doubt kids should have exposure and education in regards to technology. The following questions should be answered so the use of technology can be optimized as it may not be beneficial to every situation.
How much has the investment into Chromebooks helped with student academic growth and student behavioral growth?
What skills are best learned with pen and paper?
What is the maximum/optimal amount of time children should spend on a device?
How can parents monitor what their children are doing on their devices?
What consequences are in place for children who misuse technology during class time?
What additional steps can GHAPS take to ensure children are not viewing sexually explicit and/or violent content on their devices?
It seems that at a minimum all Chromebooks should have a mirroring app installed that links to the parent’s smart phone. That way the parent can see exactly what their children are doing at any time.