This post outlines the content of each workshop with an outline of the questions we hope to answer and the concerns we hope to address:
Workshop 1
What will this look like in Classrooms?
Thursday 8th May 5:30 – 6:30
Staffroom
“A
typical day with Chromebooks … including hands on opportunities to explore how
the Chromebook works.”
Questions raised around this theme based on emails received and "post it" charts at the parent evening:
- What is the expected life of a Chromebook?
- What kind of device will parents need to access the portal?
- What access is there to the print server?
- What will teaching in maths look like – do they just learn off the web now?
- Will there be a keyboard skills component to teaching?
- Will there still be traditional reading, writing etc (don’t want devices to take over)?
- How will Chromebooks help to better cater for different ability levels?
- How will Communication skills be developed… this looks like less personal interaction with teacher and each other?
- How will Chromebooks support pure curriculum (numeracy literacy)?
- Will there be time wasted learning basic computer skills when my child should be focusing on foundation learning?
- Will there be training for parents on how to use the Chromebook?
- What about homework... Will I be expected to have Wifi/broadband at home?
- What charging facilities will be provided at school for these devices?
Workshop 2
How can we protect our learners?
Tuesday 13th May 5:30 – 6:30
Staffroom
“Including Discussion on Digital Citizenship,
Cyberbullying, Email Protocols etc.”
Questions raised around this theme based on emails received and "post it" charts at the parent evening:
- What is the school’s cyber bullying strategy?
- How will my child learn to filter all the crap on the web?
- What controls will there be to protect my child’s identity?
- Will I be able to see all my child’s online communications?
- How can I prevent them download software onto the Chromebook without my permission?
- I want to make sure my child will not be left behind if they choose to run and play in the weekends.
- How will we manage the increase of screen time?
- Will the school enable access to unmonitored social media like facebook or twitter?
- Will Chromebooks have unlimited access to Youtube, Google etc?
- Are we making our children innocent targets?
Tech Think Tank Meeting
Further Financial Considerations
Thursday Wednesday 14th May 6:00 – 7:00
Staffroom
Including
discussion on rental options, insurance considerations, sponsorship/donation of
individual machines.
Questions raised around this theme based on emails received and "post it" charts at the parent evening:
- My excess won’t cover it, why should I bear all the risk?
- It is irresponsible for the school to suggest retail finance… what other options are there for those that can't afford it?
- What other costs will there be? Can we have a full cost break down… bags, mice etc)?
NB: Most questions from the post its at the parent evening
have been answered either on the evening or through the supplementary FAQs (click here to access),
this session will predominantly be to discuss/explore other options as outlined in italics above.
Workshop 3
How can we ensure the safety of devices?
Thursday 15th May 5:30 – 6:30
Staffroom
“Including
discussion on care of devices, insurance considerations etc.”
Questions raised around this theme based on emails received and "post it" charts at the parent evening:
- Who will care for the safety of devices after school at sports practices etc?
- What if a drink bottle leaks onto the Chromebook?
- Potential for this to be lost / stolen / damaged?
- My excess won’t cover it, why should I bear all the risk?
- How will Chromebooks be stored/looked after before school?
- What about during assembly times or when classes go out for PE?
