Student Chromebooks & iPads (1:1 Devices)

Rocky Hill Public Schools Board of Education remains steadfast in its focus on continuously improving the quality of teaching and learning in Rocky Hill Public Schools. Part of that focus includes the 1:1 Student Device Program, which is a key component in the district’s overall vision for instructional technology in the 21st Century. The 1:1 Student Device Program has proven to be an essential piece in delivering curriculum and instruction not only in school, but in recent remote learning situations never before experienced in the PreK - 12 setting.

The 1:1 Student Device Program was initially launched as the 1:1 Chromebook Initiative in 2015. Chromebooks were distributed in grades 7 and 8. By the fall of 2019, Chromebooks were distributed in grades 3-12. Grades 7-12 were permitted to take them home, while grades 3-6 used them in school and did not take them home. In grades preK-2, 1:1 devices were not distributed, however students in these grades shared devices including Chromebooks and iPads.
 
With the unprecedented closing of school buildings and major shift to a remote interim learning model during the spring of 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the district swiftly expanded the 1:1 program to include all grades prek-12. By the spring of 2020, Chromebooks were distributed in grades 2-12 and iPads in kindergarten and grade 1. It has since been determined that students in grade 1 would benefit more from using Chromebooks. Currently, the 1:1 Student Device Program provides Chromebooks in grades 1-12 and iPads in grades pre-k and kindergarten. For students who are in a grade where Chromebooks are assigned, if that individual student requires the use of an iPad, one is provided, and vice versa.

The 1:1 Student Device Program truly supports the realization of the Rocky Hill Public Schools’ vision for all students and staff, which is to employ technology as a tool to access, analyze, present, and utilize information.  It also supports the Connecticut Core Standards’ call for students to develop digital media and technology skills. It encourages students to engage in problem-based learning and helps them to realize that teaching and learning can occur anytime, anyplace and facilitates the following both in-person and remotely:

• Access to digital educational resources 

• Availability beyond the school day

• Individualized learning

• Creativity and innovation

• Critical thinking and problem solving

• Communication and collaboration

• Technology literacy skills

• College and career readiness