IN Murrysville Winter 2019 | Page 37

Franklin Regional Senior High School Introduces 1:1 Chromebook Program for All Students F ranklin Regional School District launched its new one to one (1:1) Chromebook Program for students attending Franklin Regional Senior High School (FRSH) in grades 9-12, starting with the 2019-2020 school year. The District’s Technology Department spent the summer months cleaning, formatting, and programming 1,300 Chromebooks to be ready for the beginning of the school year. Each student received a Chromebook computer in August to be used in the classroom as well as at home for educational purposes. Teachers will use these devices for instruction and assignments, and the Chromebooks will become an embedded part of the classroom environment. The mission of the 1:1 Chromebook initiative in the Franklin Regional School District focuses on using the device as a tool to provide students with effective and engaging instruction based on the educational standards and curriculum of the District. Digital content, strategies, and resources embedded in the classes will provide support for planning instruction with technology, not teaching the technology itself. “The primary goal is always effective, engaging instruction,” said Mr. Schrecengost, Technology Supervisor. “The focus of the 1:1 Chromebook Program at FRSH is to provide tools and resources for the 21st-Century learner. Excellence in education requires that technology is integrated seamlessly throughout the educational curricula. Increasing access to technology is essential in building upon college and career readiness skills. The individual use of Chromebooks is a way to empower students to maximize their full potential and to prepare them for their post-secondary education and the workplace.” The Chromebook allows students to access eSchool, Moodle, Google Apps for Education, educational web- based tools, as well as many other useful sites. The Chromebook is an educational tool not intended for gaming, social networking, or high-end computing. The 1:1 Program provides the following impact on a student’s high school experience: Transformative Learning: Through a 1:1 learning environment, FR students and teachers can implement transformative uses of technology and enhance student engagement with content. Through this tool, the District hopes to promote self-directed, lifelong learners. 21st-Century Skills: FR wants to ensure that students regularly engage in 21st-Century skills, including communication, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, which will prepare them for a successful future. Equity of Access: FR is also bridging the digital divide by providing all students with access to technology tools and resources for any time, anywhere learning. “Learning is a result of the continuous dynamic interaction among students, educators, parents, and our extended community,” said Dr. Gennaro R. Piraino, Jr., Superintendent of Schools. “Technology immersion does not diminish the vital role of the teacher. On the contrary, it transforms the teacher from a director of learning to a facilitator of learning. Effective teaching and learning with Chromebooks integrates technology into the curriculum anytime and anywhere.” “Several safeguards and security measures are configured on the Chromebooks to block inappropriate content. The District reserves the right to approve all apps before installation,” said Mr. Schrecengost. “Information regarding the 1:1 Chromebook Program is posted on the District’s website under the Technology Services Department.” Architectural rendering of the Intermediate School’s Student Entry and playground area. MURRYSVILLE ❘ WINTER 2019 35