FAQ

FAQ

What is the 1:1 Student Device Initiative at GPS?
  • Gobles Public Schools uses instructional technology as one way of enhancing the mission to prepare and inspire all students for lifelong success by teaching the skills, knowledge and behaviors students will need as responsible citizens in the global community.
  • Excellence in education requires that technology is seamlessly integrated throughout the education program.
  • Every student in the school district will have access to a Chromebook at the start of the school year.
Why is GPS going to a 1:1 Student Device Initiative?
  •  In an effort to increase access to 21st century skills and adhere to the wishes of the community with the passing of the Infrastructure and Technology Bond in May 2014, GPS has made it a goal to offer students a 24/7 accessibility to their learning through this “Student Device Initiative” (SDI).
  • The individual use of technology is a way to empower students to maximize their full potential and to prepare them for college and the workplace.
Will students be able to take the Chromebooks home?
  • Students in grades 9‐12 will be able to take their Chromebooks home with them each night.
  • Students in grades K‐8 will leave the Chromebooks at school in a charging cart within their classroom.
Why were Chromebooks selected?
The Chromebook needs little, if any maintenance. It is a web based device so there is no need for downloading or installing software and/or updates. The way a Chromebook operates reduces the need for technical support. Student work on the Chromebook automatically saves to the cloud and in particular the Google cloud. This makes it ideal considering GPS is a Google Apps for Education school district.
What is the Student Device Initiative User Fee?
  • The Student Device Initiative User Fee is a non-refundable, annual fee will be used as a District self-insurance placeholder to fund unforeseen damages.
  • This fee is only for students in grades 9-12, who are allowed to take their devices home.
  • This fee may be applied to lower grade-levels as we assess the program and look for lower grade-levels to take devices home.
  • The fee will be used to offset the cost of damages and full device replacement.
What if I can’t afford the Student Device Initiative Fee?
  • GPS realizes that there are families with financial needs and will accommodate the user fee per the Free/Reduced Lunch applications.
  • Accommodations outside of the Free/Reduced Lunch program can be made through the Principal’s office.
Will the Chromebook belong to the student?
No. The Chromebook will remain the property of GPS. Students will be assigned a Chromebook just like they would a textbook.
Will the students in grades 9-12 be able to take the Chromebook home over summer break?
No. The Chromebooks will be collected on the last day of school so that they can be cleaned, upgraded with new apps, and repaired if needed.
What happens if the student’s Chromebook stops working?
The GPS Technology Department will be responsible for all repairs on the Chromebooks. A request will be made to the technology help desk and they will be responsible for repairing the Chromebook. Depending on the issue, the student may be provided with a loaner Chromebook while their device is being repaired.


What happens if the student’s Chromebook is physically damaged?
Normal maintenance and repair issues will be covered by GPS. However, when damages are determined to have been caused by not following safety procedures outlined by the GPS Acceptable Use Policy and SDI Handbook, the student will be responsible for all charges associated with the repair or replacement of the Chromebook.