Technology FAQ
“Will my student’s use of the internet be monitored at school?“
CCS reserves the right to inspect and log any information transmitted over its networks. Various filtering solutions are utilized in order to protect students and faculty. Parents need to be aware that if they provide their child with a device with direct 3G/4G access, such as a smartphone with mobile hotspot capabilities, the school is unable to filter, log, or monitor the student’s usage. School policy is that all cellular devices must be turned off and in the student’s locker unless it is actively being used as a teaching aid at a teacher’s request. If students are found to be broadcasting a network connection from their cellular phones in order to circumvent CCS’s filtering, the device will be confiscated. The student’s parents will be notified and can retrieve the device from the school office and student usage may be restricted.
CCS reserves the right to inspect and log any information transmitted over its networks. Various filtering solutions are utilized in order to protect students and faculty. Parents need to be aware that if they provide their child with a device with direct 3G/4G access, such as a smartphone with mobile hotspot capabilities, the school is unable to filter, log, or monitor the student’s usage. School policy is that all cellular devices must be turned off and in the student’s locker unless it is actively being used as a teaching aid at a teacher’s request. If students are found to be broadcasting a network connection from their cellular phones in order to circumvent CCS’s filtering, the device will be confiscated. The student’s parents will be notified and can retrieve the device from the school office and student usage may be restricted.
“What policies and structures guide the student’s use of technology?”
In broad terms, the students’ use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) will only take place with a teacher’s authorization. In addition to this, students must read and sign the agreed protocols found in the ICT Acceptable Use Agreement. Our desire is that these principles will ultimately underpin your children’s use of technology in all contexts, not just at school.
In broad terms, the students’ use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) will only take place with a teacher’s authorization. In addition to this, students must read and sign the agreed protocols found in the ICT Acceptable Use Agreement. Our desire is that these principles will ultimately underpin your children’s use of technology in all contexts, not just at school.
“Will my child spend all day staring at a computer screen?”
It may be helpful to assure you that students will not spend their entire day in front of a digital screen. Technology is a tool in the learning process. Like all learning tools, it would be poor teaching practice if it was used exclusively at the expense of all other legitimate learning strategies. Some lessons and subjects will no doubt lend themselves more to technology than others, but in all instances CCS takes the view that learning should drive technology, not the other way round. In other words, teachers will be asking how best students can learn required content. If technology supports the learning in a particular area, and often it does, then it will used; if not, then other strategies will be utilized. Technology itself is not the answer to better learning outcomes, but it is an important tool in the process.
It may be helpful to assure you that students will not spend their entire day in front of a digital screen. Technology is a tool in the learning process. Like all learning tools, it would be poor teaching practice if it was used exclusively at the expense of all other legitimate learning strategies. Some lessons and subjects will no doubt lend themselves more to technology than others, but in all instances CCS takes the view that learning should drive technology, not the other way round. In other words, teachers will be asking how best students can learn required content. If technology supports the learning in a particular area, and often it does, then it will used; if not, then other strategies will be utilized. Technology itself is not the answer to better learning outcomes, but it is an important tool in the process.
“How will we know students will be on task and not just playing games or using social media on their devices?”
The honest reality is that technology does provide the potential for multiple distractions. All of us face the challenge of developing selfcontrol in avoiding these distractions; in fact, you could make a case that this is a vital skill for the 21st Century workplace. The school will be proactive in providing age-appropriate boundaries combined with the development of wisdom with technology. School and home both have a role to play in helping young people to selfregulate in these areas.
The honest reality is that technology does provide the potential for multiple distractions. All of us face the challenge of developing selfcontrol in avoiding these distractions; in fact, you could make a case that this is a vital skill for the 21st Century workplace. The school will be proactive in providing age-appropriate boundaries combined with the development of wisdom with technology. School and home both have a role to play in helping young people to selfregulate in these areas.
“Do you have all the answers to the issues that will arise?”
No! It would be both arrogant and naïve to claim that we have all the answers to the potential problems that integrating technology in the classroom creates. What we will claim is that we are consulting widely, researching critically, and thinking carefully about how best we can utilise the benefits of technology in the context of CCS. We anticipate needing to refine, review, and reformulate many of our practices and policies as we adjust to an everchanging landscape with technology. We appreciate your understanding, support, prayers, and patience as we do so.
No! It would be both arrogant and naïve to claim that we have all the answers to the potential problems that integrating technology in the classroom creates. What we will claim is that we are consulting widely, researching critically, and thinking carefully about how best we can utilise the benefits of technology in the context of CCS. We anticipate needing to refine, review, and reformulate many of our practices and policies as we adjust to an everchanging landscape with technology. We appreciate your understanding, support, prayers, and patience as we do so.
Google Apps for Education FAQ
“What are the benefits of Google Apps?“
Google Apps can be accessed from any computer and any browser, though portable Chromebooks are often utilized in the classroom. This enables potential access to email, calendars, and documents from school or at home. Online storage means that no flash drives are required since documents and files are stored in Google Drive’s cloud storage. Students can easily collaborate with each other from other classes, working together on group projects. During collaborative work teachers can monitor progress of each child and provide instant written feedback visible to the group or to the individual. Teachers can also easily share lessons online for easy student access.
Google Apps can be accessed from any computer and any browser, though portable Chromebooks are often utilized in the classroom. This enables potential access to email, calendars, and documents from school or at home. Online storage means that no flash drives are required since documents and files are stored in Google Drive’s cloud storage. Students can easily collaborate with each other from other classes, working together on group projects. During collaborative work teachers can monitor progress of each child and provide instant written feedback visible to the group or to the individual. Teachers can also easily share lessons online for easy student access.
“Who receives a Google account?“
Students in grades 7-12 will be given a unique password-protected Crosshill Christian email, such as: [email protected] (last two numbers are their birth year). Students in elementary grades will have access to technology but do not have personal Google accounts.
Students in grades 7-12 will be given a unique password-protected Crosshill Christian email, such as: [email protected] (last two numbers are their birth year). Students in elementary grades will have access to technology but do not have personal Google accounts.
“What’s included in a student Google account?“
Students will have access to the full suite of Google Apps, including Google Docs, Sheets, Forms, Slides, and Gmail. Student Gmail accounts will be restricted to only send and receive email with fellow students and teachers who have a Crosshill Christian Gmail account. These email communications are monitored and recorded and can be accessed by parents by simply logging into their child’s account. Parents are encouraged to explore Google Apps with their children by logging in together and accessing their school work stored in Google Apps.
Students will have access to the full suite of Google Apps, including Google Docs, Sheets, Forms, Slides, and Gmail. Student Gmail accounts will be restricted to only send and receive email with fellow students and teachers who have a Crosshill Christian Gmail account. These email communications are monitored and recorded and can be accessed by parents by simply logging into their child’s account. Parents are encouraged to explore Google Apps with their children by logging in together and accessing their school work stored in Google Apps.
“Will student info will be shared with Google?“
Google Apps for Education runs on an internet domain owned by Crosshill Christian School and is intended for educational use only. There will be no advertisements. No external email addresses can contact student accounts, and vice versa. All email communication and comments within collaborative work are monitored. All email communication is archived and the school’s ICT Acceptable Use Policy will be enforced. Work uploaded to Google Drive remains the property of the creator; it is not copied or kept by Google if it is removed by the creator. All student records will continue to be maintained on a secure Sycamore server. No student records will be transferred to Google Apps for Education.
Google Apps for Education runs on an internet domain owned by Crosshill Christian School and is intended for educational use only. There will be no advertisements. No external email addresses can contact student accounts, and vice versa. All email communication and comments within collaborative work are monitored. All email communication is archived and the school’s ICT Acceptable Use Policy will be enforced. Work uploaded to Google Drive remains the property of the creator; it is not copied or kept by Google if it is removed by the creator. All student records will continue to be maintained on a secure Sycamore server. No student records will be transferred to Google Apps for Education.
“What is required in order for my student to have a Google account?“
The school must have a Google Apps Permission Form signed by parents on file, and students must also sign the ICT Acceptable Use Agreement annually.
The school must have a Google Apps Permission Form signed by parents on file, and students must also sign the ICT Acceptable Use Agreement annually.
“What happens once they graduate?“
When a student graduates from CCS, their Google Apps for Education account will remain open for one calendar month from the last day of school. Notification emails will be sent to both the student’s account and any emails on file for the student’s parents. After this one month period, the accounts will be closed. Emails will be archived and retained for one year from the date of account closure. All other information stored within the account (Google Drive documents, etc.) will be deleted.
When a student graduates from CCS, their Google Apps for Education account will remain open for one calendar month from the last day of school. Notification emails will be sent to both the student’s account and any emails on file for the student’s parents. After this one month period, the accounts will be closed. Emails will be archived and retained for one year from the date of account closure. All other information stored within the account (Google Drive documents, etc.) will be deleted.
“What if they transfer to another school?“
When a student transfers from CCS to another school, their account will be suspended following their last day at CCS. Suspended accounts are not closed, but held for one year in the event that a student returns to CCS. Following one year from the student’s last day of school at CCS, their account will be closed and the information expunged. During the time of suspension, any requests for information from the account (Google Drive documents, emails, etc.) can be submitted in writing to the school office.
When a student transfers from CCS to another school, their account will be suspended following their last day at CCS. Suspended accounts are not closed, but held for one year in the event that a student returns to CCS. Following one year from the student’s last day of school at CCS, their account will be closed and the information expunged. During the time of suspension, any requests for information from the account (Google Drive documents, emails, etc.) can be submitted in writing to the school office.
BYOD Program FAQ (Juniors/Seniors)
“What is the BYOD Program?“
BYOD is a Bring Your Own Device Program. When students have their own machine, they are far more likely to respect it well and look after it, as they feel a sense of ownership towards it. It allows a far more seamless transition between school and home if students are completing their work in different environments on the same device. It also supports families by allowing them to choose the type of device and what is an appropriate price range for the technology they would like to purchase.
BYOD is a Bring Your Own Device Program. When students have their own machine, they are far more likely to respect it well and look after it, as they feel a sense of ownership towards it. It allows a far more seamless transition between school and home if students are completing their work in different environments on the same device. It also supports families by allowing them to choose the type of device and what is an appropriate price range for the technology they would like to purchase.
“What students are in the BYOD Program?“
Only juniors and seniors are required to bring their own technology device to school each day for their learning needs. Students in other grades will be provided a device when required.
Only juniors and seniors are required to bring their own technology device to school each day for their learning needs. Students in other grades will be provided a device when required.
“Why do juniors/seniors need to bring their own device?“
Devices that are owned by the school are shared with a large population and their availability is more limited. Courses taken by juniors and seniors will be dependent on this technology at times, and thus must always be available. It also makes sense to allow families to choose the device for their students as they near transition beyond high school. This enables you to consider your personal circumstances, budget and needs and acquire the device that is most appropriate. Students will also be more successful as they transition after graduation with a device they are familiar with. There are several other reasons why CCS has created a learning culture that is more integrated with technology, especially in the upper classes. As a college preparatory school, we want to give our students the opportunity to learn with the use of a device, much in the same way as they will in college. Many students move on to college, and are faced with learning with a device in the classroom for the first time. We desire that our students enter college comfortable with navigating this opportunity in an efficient and appropriate manner. Graduates who pursue other paths will also most likely benefit from technology-integrated training. Furthermore, we also have seen that technology provides a significant opportunity for both teachers and students in providing the most robust, current and 21st century learning possible. As the learning environment changes, students will need to have regular access to online resources and online submission of student work.
Devices that are owned by the school are shared with a large population and their availability is more limited. Courses taken by juniors and seniors will be dependent on this technology at times, and thus must always be available. It also makes sense to allow families to choose the device for their students as they near transition beyond high school. This enables you to consider your personal circumstances, budget and needs and acquire the device that is most appropriate. Students will also be more successful as they transition after graduation with a device they are familiar with. There are several other reasons why CCS has created a learning culture that is more integrated with technology, especially in the upper classes. As a college preparatory school, we want to give our students the opportunity to learn with the use of a device, much in the same way as they will in college. Many students move on to college, and are faced with learning with a device in the classroom for the first time. We desire that our students enter college comfortable with navigating this opportunity in an efficient and appropriate manner. Graduates who pursue other paths will also most likely benefit from technology-integrated training. Furthermore, we also have seen that technology provides a significant opportunity for both teachers and students in providing the most robust, current and 21st century learning possible. As the learning environment changes, students will need to have regular access to online resources and online submission of student work.
“What device should I purchase?“
Making a decision about the most appropriate device to provide for your child can be difficult where technology is changing at such a rapid pace. We recommend purchasing a Chromebook as it is very affordable, has a long battery life, weighs very little, and provides all of the learning opportunities the school will utilize. We understand that other devices may be preferred for various reasons, especially if a device has already been purchased. Minimum requirements include a full keyboard, wifi access, and sufficient battery life to not need charging during a single school day. Please contact the school office if unsure whether a device will be sufficient.
Making a decision about the most appropriate device to provide for your child can be difficult where technology is changing at such a rapid pace. We recommend purchasing a Chromebook as it is very affordable, has a long battery life, weighs very little, and provides all of the learning opportunities the school will utilize. We understand that other devices may be preferred for various reasons, especially if a device has already been purchased. Minimum requirements include a full keyboard, wifi access, and sufficient battery life to not need charging during a single school day. Please contact the school office if unsure whether a device will be sufficient.
“How will this be used in my student’s class?“
The BYOD program takes place in classes with varied levels of integration. One class may only use the devices for notes and peer collaboration, while others may base a large portion of the curriculum through online learning resources. We work with our faculty to decide what level of integration is appropriate for each circumstance.
The BYOD program takes place in classes with varied levels of integration. One class may only use the devices for notes and peer collaboration, while others may base a large portion of the curriculum through online learning resources. We work with our faculty to decide what level of integration is appropriate for each circumstance.
“What if their device breaks or they leave it at home?“
We have a limited number of devices on hand that can be loaned out for short durations. As we believe that incorporating technology should be done to enhance learning outcomes, it would be counterintuitive to say that students without it will not have additional challenges. That is not to say they still won’t be able to achieve; however, it may mean that their learning takes on a different flavor in the short term.
We have a limited number of devices on hand that can be loaned out for short durations. As we believe that incorporating technology should be done to enhance learning outcomes, it would be counterintuitive to say that students without it will not have additional challenges. That is not to say they still won’t be able to achieve; however, it may mean that their learning takes on a different flavor in the short term.
“How will their device be protected?“
Students will be responsible for their machines at all times at school. Their devices will either be used by them within a lesson context or stored in their own personal locker or backpack. Lockers with combination locks are available for all students.
Students will be responsible for their machines at all times at school. Their devices will either be used by them within a lesson context or stored in their own personal locker or backpack. Lockers with combination locks are available for all students.
“Who is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the device?“
Because the device remains their own property, students are ultimately be responsible for the maintenance and follow-up of any issues with their device. In this context, it would be important to consider the warranty on any device purchased. The school IT staff will offer assistance as appropriate; however, the ultimate responsibility will rest with the owner.
Because the device remains their own property, students are ultimately be responsible for the maintenance and follow-up of any issues with their device. In this context, it would be important to consider the warranty on any device purchased. The school IT staff will offer assistance as appropriate; however, the ultimate responsibility will rest with the owner.
“Won’t this make my student’s school bag heavier?“
It would be wise to consider weight and size when choosing a device for your student. The typical compact Chromebook weights 2-4 lbs.
It would be wise to consider weight and size when choosing a device for your student. The typical compact Chromebook weights 2-4 lbs.
“Will students be able to recharge their device during the day?“
It will be best for students to work on the understanding that they will not be able to charge their device at school during the day. There may be the rare exception to this rule but, generally speaking, power cords/chargers can be a hazard and they add extra weight to school bags. For this reason, battery life is also important in choosing technology. Most Chromebooks have at least 6 hours of battery life, with many having 8, 10, or even 15 hours of battery life. Students will need to cultivate the habit of charging their device overnight.
It will be best for students to work on the understanding that they will not be able to charge their device at school during the day. There may be the rare exception to this rule but, generally speaking, power cords/chargers can be a hazard and they add extra weight to school bags. For this reason, battery life is also important in choosing technology. Most Chromebooks have at least 6 hours of battery life, with many having 8, 10, or even 15 hours of battery life. Students will need to cultivate the habit of charging their device overnight.
“What options exist to create usage boundaries?“
There are plenty of resources available online, both free and paid, that parents can use to monitor and restrict their child’s usage of their device. Families who choose to purchase a Chromebook may have the widest variety of options for monitoring their child’s usage. For an additional fee, the school can create certain usage restrictions if necessary.
There are plenty of resources available online, both free and paid, that parents can use to monitor and restrict their child’s usage of their device. Families who choose to purchase a Chromebook may have the widest variety of options for monitoring their child’s usage. For an additional fee, the school can create certain usage restrictions if necessary.
