TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY
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After the past year dealing with COVID and new requirements for safety concern , BISD transitioned to online learning using chromebooks . This year , BISD decided to go fully online on all campuses , which involved giving brand new chromebooks and chargers to every student .
“ Due to COVID and the desire to provide a safe learning environment for all students , moving to a 1:1 district allowed students the ability to access assignments on their own device rather than having to share a computer with other students in a lab setting and to help lessen the reliance on paper and pencil tasks ,” Superintendent Dr . Keri Hampton said .
In 2020 , 1,023 Chromebooks and 734 Ipads were purchased by using Instructional Allotment funds to help get the district to allow every student a chance to have a device for use .
In 2021 , 800 Chromebooks were purchased during the summer by using ESSER federal funding to help update Chromebooks across the district . The district currently uses a phase-in process that allows older devices to be replaced when new devices are purchased each year . This allows the student devices to be within 5 years old so that they have a plan for the replacement of older devices .
On top of that , 250 Hot spots were purchased to help students gain wifi access away from school . They are available on every campus to
across the district
By Madeline Terry
students and can be checked out by the media specialist in the media center .
Media specialists are our BISD trained librarians from every campus . Not only do they do their job as librarians , they also provide important insight for teachers and students with questions they may have .
“ I do all kinds of things such as assisting with book findings , figuring out technology issues and questions , reading to the children , helping in the cafeteria and helping load children on the bus ,” said Heather Cox , the BES media specialist .
The media specialists are equipped with extra chargers , chromebooks , and even a limited number of hotspots to give out to students with connection issues at home .
“ Each day in the Media Center is ever changing . From technology to books , we have something for everyone ,” BJH media specialist Misty Lightfoot said . “ As a Media Specialist , I get to help troubleshoot chromebooks ( and on occasion issue fines for damages ), and interact with all students and get to know them . Each day holds new adventures .”
The media center has also worked hard to include more advanced technology , such as 3D printers , a green screen , and a cricut .
“ This year we are really trying to up our tech game for students ,” said Melissa Hughes , BHS and district wide media specialist .