ChromeBook   Usage Policy

 

Notre Dame High School

Acadia Parish

 

About the NDHS Chromebook Program  

The focus of the Chromebook Program is to prepare students for their futures in a world of digital technology and information. As we navigate the 21st century, excellence in education requires that technology be seamlessly integrated throughout the educational program. Increasing access to technology is essential for the future. The primary learning tool of these 21st century students at NDHS is the Chromebook. The individual use of Chromebooks is a way to empower students to learn at their full potential and to prepare them for the real world of college and the workplace. Chromebooks encourage students to solve problems and think critically by stimulating analytical thinking. Technology immersion does not diminish the vital role of the teacher. To the contrary, it transforms the teacher from a director of learning to a facilitator of learning. Learning with Chromebooks integrates technology into the curriculum anytime, and anyplace. Learning results from the continuous dynamic interaction among students, educators, parents, and the extended community. The policies, procedures and information contained in this document apply to all Chromebooks used at NDHS, and include any other device the Administration considers to fall under the umbrella of this policy. Administrators and teachers may set additional requirements for computer use at their school sites or in their classrooms.

 

1. RECEIVING YOUR ChromeBook & ChromeBook Provisioning

1.1 ChromeBooks will be distributed each fall during “ChromeBook Training.” Parents and students must agree to abide by the Notre Dame High School ChromeBook Policy and the Acceptable Use Policy before the ChromeBook can be issued to the student.

1.2  Your ChromeBook will be provisioned through the Notre Dame Google Classroom Management Console and filtered by NDHS.  At no time are you, the student, allowed to remove your device from this management system.

1.3  Your ChromeBook will be issued with a unique security identification tag and label.  At no time should either of these be removed or defaced.

 

2.   TAKING CARE OF YOUR ChromeBook

2.1 General Precautions

• Although the ChromeBook is your personal property, you are required to follow this policy and the NDHS Acceptable Use Policy for Technology.
• Only use a clean, soft cloth to clean the screen, no cleansers of any type.
• Cords and cables must be inserted carefully into the ChromeBook to prevent damage.
• ChromeBooks should be shut down when not in use to conserve battery life.
• ChromeBooks should only be stored in temperatures between 30 – 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
• ChromeBooks must remain free of any writing, drawings, stickers, or labels other than original identification labels.
• ChromeBooks must never be left in an unlocked car or in any unsupervised area.
• You are responsible for keeping the ChromeBook’s battery adequately charged each day.
• You may not use “skins” to “personalize” your ChromeBook.

2.2 Carrying ChromeBooks

• The protective shell case of the  ChromeBook has sufficient padding to shield the ChromeBook from normal treatment and provides suitable protection of  the device within the school.
• Avoid carrying ChromeBook in book bags carrying other objects (such as binders and books), placing too much pressure and weight on the ChromeBook screen can cause damage.

2.3 Screen Care

• The ChromeBook screens can be damaged if subjected to rough treatment. The screens are particularly sensitive to damage from excessive pressure on the screen.
• Do not lean on the top of the ChromeBook when it is closed.  
• Clean the screen with a soft, dry cloth or anti-static cloth.
• Do not “bump” the ChromeBook against lockers, walls, car doors, floors, etc. as it will eventually break the screen

3. USING YOUR CHROMEBOOK AT SCHOOL

ChromeBooks are intended for use at school each day. In addition to teacher expectations for ChromeBook use, school messages, announcements, calendars and schedules may be accessed using the ChromeBook. Students are responsible for bringing their own ChromeBook to all classes, unless specifically instructed not to do so by their teacher.  At no time are students allowed to use a Chromebook belonging to another student.

3.1 ChromeBooks Left at Home

If a student does not have their ChromeBook, they are responsible for getting the course work completed as if they had their device (Rentals will be available at a cost of $5/day). Teachers will treat ChromeBooks as textbooks, with any corresponding failure to remember them having the same consequence as a book not brought to class.

 

3.2 ChromeBooks Undergoing Repair

Notre Dame High School is not responsible for the repair of your personal ChromeBook.  While your ChromeBook is out for repair, you may request a loaner (for no more than 2 weeks)  through the Technology Office. You will be asked to provide documentation of repair status and you will assume liability for the loaner ChromeBook.

3.3 Charging your ChromeBook’s Battery

ChromeBooks must be brought to school each day in a fully charged condition. Students need to charge their ChromeBooks each evening. Repeat violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action. In rare cases where the use of the ChromeBook during the school day has caused batteries to become discharged, students may be able to connect their ChromeBooks to a power station located in either the Library or Field House.

3.4 Screensavers

Inappropriate media may not be used as a screensaver. Presence of guns, weapons, pornographic materials, inappropriate language, alcohol, drug, gang related symbols or pictures will result in disciplinary actions.

3.5 Sound, Music, Games, or Programs

• Sound must be muted at all times unless permission is obtained from the teacher at which time personal earbuds are to be used.
• Games, Music/Video streaming are not allowed on the ChromeBook.

3.6 Home Internet Access

• Students are allowed to set up wireless networks on their ChromeBooks. This will assist them with ChromeBook use while at home.
• If students are not sure how to set up a network, they should consult with their teacher or the Technology Office.

 

 

4. MANAGING YOUR FILES & SAVING YOUR WORK

4.1  File storage

All Files should be saved to your personal Google Cloud provided with your “@ndpios.com” email address. ChromeBook malfunctions are not an acceptable excuse for not submitting work. With your Chrome login, you can access your schoolwork from any computer that has Internet access.

4.2  Network Connectivity

Notre Dame High School makes no guarantee that their network will be up and running 100% of the time. In the rare case that the network is down, the school will not be responsible for inaccessible files.

 

5. SOFTWARE ON CHROMEBOOKS

5.1  Originally Installed Software

• The software/Apps originally installed by Notre Dame High School must remain on the ChromeBook in usable condition and be easily accessible at all times. From time to time the school may add software applications for use in a particular course.
• Students are not allowed to load extra software/Apps on their ChromeBooks.

5.2   Inspection – Students may be selected at random to provide their ChromeBook/Google for Education Accounts for inspection.

5.3 If technical difficulties occur, the ChromeBook may  be restored from backup by the Technology Office. The school does not accept responsibility for the loss of any software or documents deleted due to re-imaging.

 

     6. MONITORING/FILTERING  OF CHROMEBOOKS

6.1  Monitoring Software

• All Chromebooks are constantly monitored in real time – monitoring software sends alerts of questionable usage to the Administrative Console
• At no time should there be any expectation of privacy.

6.2   Filtering Software

• Two Content filtering policies are in place to limit what is available to students .
  • In-School policy (restricted for school use)
  • At Home policy (less restricted – ie. Netflix, Pandora, Instagram etc. are available)