Knob Noster

Public SchoolsOVERVIEW OF K-12 PERSONAL

STUDENT DEVICE PROGRAM

The “Why” Behind

the 1:1 Program K-12

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education expects students to complete the

annual academic assessment electronically on a computer. Therefore, development of competency by

Third Grade is very important so that technology skills are not a barrier for students.

Throughout the Missouri Learning Standards, our state’s expectations for student learning, are technology

skills and competencies which are expected of students. These expectations are embedded and aligned in

order to produce graduates who are prepared for competition in a global economy where communication

and transfer of information around the world are essential for success.

For more information, visit: https://dese.mo.gov/college-career-readiness/curriculum/missouri-learning-

standards

Program Overview

Knob Noster Public Schools provides a learning environment which leverages technology to produce a superior education system which prepares our students to succeed in a global society. Our goal is to empower students to be successful and impactful citizens through:

Development of competent, responsible, respectful digital citizenship skillsets.

Demonstrating creative and critical thinking, constructing knowledge, and expanding learning experiences.

Developing innovative products and processes.

Communicating and connecting with peers, experts and others around the world.

Developing cultural understanding and global awareness.

Gathering, evaluating, sharing, and using information to solve problems, make informed decisions, and pose critical questions.

Understanding human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology.

Demonstrating an understanding of technological concepts, systems and operations.

Program Overview

The district provides each and every student with a

mobile device to equip students for anytime-

anywhere learning. Every classroom has a Smart

Board or interactive projector. Also available for

classroom use are document, digital, and video

cameras. Knob Noster Public Schools also provides

multiple computer labs in each building for staff and

student use.

For more information on 1:1 learning:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d59eG1_Tt-

Q&feature=youtu.be

Introduction to ISTE

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is the creator and steward of the definitive

education technology standards around the world.

The mission of ISTE is to empower learners to flourish in a connected world by cultivating a passionate

professional learning community, linking educators and partners, leveraging knowledge and expertise,

advocating for strategic policies, and continually improving learning and teaching.

The ISTE Standards work together to support educators, students and leaders with clear guidelines for the

skills and knowledge necessary to move away from the factory model. These are not the typical boxes

educators need to check. They provide a framework for rethinking education, adapting to a constantly

changing technological landscape and preparing students to enter an increasingly global economy.

http://www.iste.org/about/iste-story

ISTE:

Standards for Students

Promote future-ready learning with the ISTE

Standards for Students

Today’s students must be prepared to thrive in a

constantly evolving technological landscape. Zip codes

and borders no longer determine the learning

opportunities, skills and careers that students can

access. The ISTE Standards for Students are designed

to empower student voice and ensure that learning is a

student-driven process of exploration, creativity and

discovery no matter where they or their teachers are in

the thoughtful integration of ed tech.

ISTE:

Standards for Teachers

The most important challenge the U.S. educational

system faces is not preparing students to do well on

high stakes tests, but rather fostering 21st century

skills and knowledge in learners so that they are

prepared to participate in our global, knowledge-based

civilization. This challenge requires both that teachers

understand what types of knowledge and skills are

required in leading edge workplaces (e.g., decision

making under uncertainty, just-in-time learning,

information filtering), and that teachers are

themselves adept in generic higher order cognitive,

affective, and social skills such as systems thinking,

creativity, and collaboration.

Responsible Usage Policy

All district technology users are required to review,

sign, and abide by the Knob Noster Public Schools

Responsible Use Policy, which outlines in detail

the expectations for use of district technology.

The RUP may be accessed on the district website

at: www.knr8.net

Technology Usage Fee

Beginning January 1, 2017 Knob Noster

Public Schools will no longer charge a

technology usage fee in exchange for

use of district technology, including

student personal devices. The Board of

Education reserves the right to re-instate

a fee if, in the future, funds are needed

to help sustain the program. It is

unlikely this will occur.

Technology Infrastructure

Currently, Knob Noster Public Schools is finalizing

several updates to the technology infrastructure

serving all four campuses. These updates are

scheduled for completion in January.

These updates include new wireless access points

covering all learning spaces within our buildings.

In addition, the district has expanded its internet

access to offer up to a gigabit capacity for our

network.

Altogether, these updates will provide ubiquitous

access to the internet for all users.

Filtering and Security

There was a time when content filtering was just about

blocking inappropriate content. Times have changed. Today,

filters need to provide safe, fast access to valuable educational

resources and connections. To accomplish this, Knob Noster

Public Schools utilizes Lightspeed products, which are

singularly focused on education.

The Lightspeed Systems Web Filter meets the growing 21st-

century learning needs for today’s schools with a focus on

safe access rather than just blocking. It provides all the

controls, policies and reporting you need and expect from a

Web Filter, along with some key differences that make it the

right solution for Knob Noster Public Schools.

Filtering and Security

What does this mean? It means our IT Department adds customized filters that not only block

universally unacceptable content, but IT can also add customizable filters to allow age or content

appropriate access to information and communication as students progress through school. This includes

Google, YouTube, Social Media, browsers, and all other areas of the web.

Important note for parents: The content filtering follows the device no matter where it goes. Whether at

school on our network, at home, at McDonald’s, or on an airplane, access on the device is channeled

back through our network filtering to ensure our students are protected.

For more information on Lightspeed products, visit: www.lightspeedsystems.com

Digital Citizenship Curriculum

Navigating cyberbullying, privacy, safety, and other digital dilemmas are a real challenge for parents and teachers. But technology also provides incredible opportunities for students to learn, connect, create, and collaborate in ways never before imagined.

Knob Noster Public Schools uses and encourages patents to use Common Sense Media resources to build a positive culture of digital citizenship at home and at school. Knob Noster Public Schools supports the safe and responsible use of technology with Common Sense Education's K-12 Digital Citizenship Curriculum. Techers embed this curriculum into daily instruction to help students build skills around critical thinking, ethical discussion, and decision making.

The Common Sense curriculum includes comprehensive resources for students, like lesson plans, student digital interactives, and assessments, as well as professional development for teachers and materials for parents to use at home with the family.

Common Sense Media continues to expand its resources for parents, students, and educators. For more information, visit: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/

Student Software Programs

Google is a household name, and the schoolhouse is no exception. Knob Noster Public Schools is a Google based school and Google Aps for Education is ever-present throughout our programs. All students are issued their personal Gmail account and from there learning opportunities abound.

Productivity tools such as Google Drive (for cloud computing), Google Docs and Forms, for processing and gathering data, to advanced analytical tools for monitoring publications, google offers digital-age tools for digital-age learners.

Likewise, Google Classroom serves as mission control for teachers, and offers unlimited blended learning opportunities. Want to take a field trip? Well Google has that covered as well through Google Expeditions which offer virtual reality learning experiences, all at the click of a mouse.

In addition to Google applications, a variety of age-appropriate software and programs are provided to and utilized by student throughout Knob Noster Public Schools. Programs and applications are regularly added to the program to ensure personalized and specialized learning for all students.

Age-appropriate permissions allow students to seek out applications and other digital tools and content which will help them in their learning. Should students wish to purchase items, students may add their purchases to their personal, transferrable, accounts.

District Computer Labs

and Technology Resources

Throughout Knob Noster Public Schools, students have access to a variety of additional technology resources,

including computer labs, art labs, Project Lead the Way and Robotics Labs, maker space areas, projectors, interactive

white boards, and a host of other learning tools.

Student Personal Devices

Knob Noster Public Schools has aligned the 1:1

program to provide age-appropriate devices for

students to access their digital curriculum materials

and online learning environment, to provide tools for

student collaboration and notetaking, and to provide

opportunities for multimedia creation and digital

publication.

This allows Knob Noster students to gain age-

appropriate 21st Century skills while preparing all

students to demonstrate mastery of the Missouri

Learning Standards.

Kindergarten – Second Grade

Personal iPad Tablets

In general, Knob Noster Public Schools has segregated students

into two groups. Students in Second Grade and below are aligned

to a touch sensitive device which relies on visual prompts.

Students in grades K-2 receive an Apple iPad which operates on

the latest iOS software. iOS software is common in iPhones and

iPads, making it convenient for many parents (who already use

these devices) to assist students as they learn to use their first

devices.

Various versions of the Apple iPad are provided to students in

grades Kindergarten through Second Grade.

Third Grade through Twelfth Grade

Personal Laptop Computers

From third grade forward, the district shifts to a laptop platform with a hard keyboard and a Windows 10

Professional Platform, another common industry software which is familiar to many parents.

As students progress in their learning, it becomes more critical to align to efficient word-processing and

data entry/manipulation.

Windows 10 Pro has all the features of Windows 10 Home, plus important functionality for encryption,

remote log-in, creating virtual machines, and more. Windows 10 Pro provides fast start-ups, a familiar yet

expanded Start menu, and great new ways to get stuff done, plus innovative features like an all-new

browser built for online action and Cortana, the more personal digital assistant.

Third Grade through Twelfth Grade

Personal Laptop Computers

The laptop provided to students in grades Three

through Eight is: The Lenovo N22 80S6.

The laptop provided to students in grades Nine

through Twelve is: The Acer Aspire.

Teacher Training and

Professional Development

The Knob Noster Public Schools instructional staff engages

in continuous professional development each year. For

2017, the professional development focus will shift, in part,

to providing specialized technology training for all

instructional staff.

Dedicated educators are lifelong learners. With that in

mind, Google offers free, online training for the classroom

that helps educators do what they do best, even better.

Google certification is available to all teachers within Knob

Noster public Schools, and the district will continue to seek

new ways to incentivize and reward employees for

completing ongoing technology training.

Parent Training and Support

Knob Noster Public Schools employs a

Technology Integration Specialist who is

available to students, teachers, and parents to

assist with technology issues that are related to

district expectations for student technology use.

Along with instructional expectations, support

is available to parents to assist with safety and

other issues related to digital citizenship.

Technology Department Support

Knob Noster Public Schools has an IT staff of five

professionals who are on-call daily to assist

teachers and students with their technology needs.

Through an online service request, problems and

troubleshooting can be reported and in many cases

addressed, all through the internet. Likewise, our

technicians routinely visit all district buildings to

respond to the needs of our students and teachers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Instruction

Will the student’s use traditional textbooks?

Many classes will still use traditional textbooks. Computer devices are an instructional tool, a vehicle for the student to have greater access to learning resources with the most current up-to-date information. Our goal is to maintain the high academic achievement levels with integration of 21st Century technology.

Is there a recommended list of apps/software students should have?

The devices will have installed instructional apps that each teacher requires and the apps will be updated as needed.

Can students add their own accounts on the device?

Not at this time.

Can students purchase their own apps to add their account?

Students will have a variety of educational apps and appropriate entertainment apps available. Depending on the age-appropriate permissions, students may be able to purchase their own products but will be required to maintain them within their personal account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Device

Is participation mandatory? Does my student have to have a device?

Yes, like a textbook, the device is part of the student’s learning tools. Exceptions for exemption may be directed to the Building Principal, stating specific reasons for the exemption request.

My child already has a mobile device/ laptop. Can he/she use that one?

All students will be given tablets that have the apps/ software needed to support their learning. If a students chooses to also bring their own device it is at the discretion of the teacher whether the student will be permitted to use their personal mobile device and/or phone. Personal devices are not insured and pose a high risk of theft or loss, therefore we do not recommended students bring/use personal devices. Are there accessories students need to purchase with the tablet?

None are required. A personal set of headphones is recommended, however there are a small number of headphones which can be checked out.

What if my child forgets their device at home?

The device is just like any other required textbook or material for school. Students are expected to bring their charged tablet to school every day. If the student forgets the device, there are small number of computers available for use. However, the student may be considered unprepared for class and subject to consequences.

What if the device or a program on the device isn’t working?

If this happens, students are expected to let their teacher know they are having challenges as soon as they are aware. If the teacher is not able to troubleshoot the device, the student will fill out a maintenance ticket online or visit the tech office, when appropriate. Elementary teachers will collect the device and submit a ticket for the student. Students will be able to check out a loaner device until their device is repaired.

What if the device is lost or stolen?

Just like a textbook or athletic uniform, the student and parents are responsible for the full replacement cost of a lost item. Stolen items should be reported to law enforcement and the school district.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cost and Fees

Are there fees involved?

As of January 1, 2017, Knob Noster Public Schools will no longer charge technology usage fees.

However, the Board of Education reserves the right to implement a fee in the future, if needed.

This is unlikely to occur.

Will there be a fee if my child breaks the device?

There may be a fee charged for damages that are a result of negligence or habitual misuse or

mis-care for a device, which is true of all district property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Connectivity

If I have internet access at home, will my student be able to use the tablet on my network?

Yes, if you have a wireless router your child will be able to connect at home. The device will be configured so the

school’s filtering software will monitor access from any network.

What if we don’t have internet access?

Many programs on a Windows Tablet or iPad do not require Internet. If students need the Internet for research,

students will have the opportunity to use the school network before and after school. There are other free internet

opportunities that students can seek out in the community. If a student does not have access, parents should

communicate with the teachers so the teachers are aware and can help with a solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Safety

Who will monitor my student’s Internet access at home?

Parents are responsible for monitoring the use of the technology by students while at home. Internet access is filtered the same way at home as it is at school. Like all other aspects of parenting, rules and expectations for device use at home remains 100% at the discretion of the parent. Parents are encouraged to speak with their children and set clear expectations and rules for use at home.

Will my child have an e-mail account?

Yes. Your child will have a Gmail account through the school.

Will my child be able to download software/ apps to their device?

Yes, depending on age-appropriate permissions.

Can my child get on Facebook and Twitter at home and at school?

Yes, depending on age-appropriate permissions. Elementary students are not permitted to access social media at this time.

What are the “Secured Designated Areas” mentioned in the policies and procedures?

The student’s locked hallway locker, the Help Desk storage area, or other areas designated specifically by a staff member for a specific class/event will be “Secure Designated Areas.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Miscellaneous

May I use my child’s device?

Your child’s need for the device is first priority; however, it can provide an extended learning

opportunity to you as well. District computers are not to be used for non-educational purposes.

How will damage, repair, and loss/ theft of device be handled?

Please refer to the Device Policy Handbook. In the event of theft, immediately contact the building principal and file

a police report. Lost devices will require a reimbursement of the device cost minus depreciation.