Q. What are the benefits of a 1:1 device program?  

• 1:1 offers us the ability to complete daily formative assessments (ex: exit slips) in easy and efficient ways
• It provides enrichment and/or interventions for each student.
• 1:1 offers collaboration tools that will allow our PLCs to operate more effectively and effectively
• Technology offers a huge student engagement piece not always found in other types of learning
• Teaching materials when appropriate will be digital, so learning can happen anytime and anywhere.  
• The 1:1 program allows all students to access and use curriculum 24/7.

Q. Why can’t we keep the device at school with a Grade 5-12 1:1 implementation and the student use their personal device at home?

• Student availability to home-owned devices is unequal in some cases
• If specific applications are deployed on the devices, students will need access to this digital curriculum at home
• Using a school-assigned device provides efficiency with classroom instruction on using a device outside of the classroom  
• Home devices will not have access to district content filtering if implemented

Q. What are the benefits of integrating technology with student learning?

• Technology integration is a key factor in providing all students with personalized learning experiences.
• Technology integration helps develop and nurture 21st century skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity.
• Students will experience, connect and interact with the world in ways that traditional textbooks and curriculum alone can't provide.

Q. How will the district filter content on the 1:1 devices?

• The District has installed/integrated a District web content filter at the Education Service Centers building.
• 1:1 Chromebooks are purchased and enrolled into the Westonka Google Domain (@277apps.org).
• Enrollment enables application and device management which configures the device to communicate to the internet via the District web content filter for all internet browsing/traffic.
• Filter allows us to manage what website these devices are able to access/view per CIPA (Child Internet Protection Act) and District approved sites.
• This configuration applies to all internet browsing at school and home.

Q. Is the Westonka Public Schools going to replace textbooks with digital content?

• The district is currently transitioning from sole dependency on textbooks to a digital environment that allows access to a much greater range of educational materials and experiences. Printed materials will still be used but over time, more digital textbooks and other resources will be adopted.

Q. How is the district’s technology initiative being funded?

• The district is funding its technology initiative through a combination of capital and general education funds

Q. Who can I contact if I have questions?

• You can email your questions to District Operations Specialist, Jared Chapman at chapmanj@westonka.k12.mn.us

Q. How are teachers going to be trained on the use of technology devices?

• The district provides training opportunities for teaching staff through our EDGE21 Online courses, staff development days and grade level team and PLC (Professional Learning Community) meetings. 

Q. Will the district’s technology infrastructure be able to handle the increase of mobile wireless devices that will be added to each building site?

• The district is constantly evaluating and upgrading to its technology infrastructure to support the growing technology needs of students and staff.  

Q. What is the district’s plan if a device gets damaged, lost or stolen?

• Each device will come with a sturdy case to withstand day-to-day use. The district provides an optional insurance program and an in-house repair service to replace devices that are damaged.  Students will be expected to handle their device with care and safeguard it from harm.  Devices which are lost or stolen should be reported to the Assistant Principal.