Jackson Local Schools
TECHNOLOGY ADVOCATE COMMITTEE
Frequently Asked Questions
Teacher Devices
Q: I’m an Intervention Specialist, when do I get a device?
A: (K-8) You will receive a device in the year that the grade level you serve becomes one-to-one.
(9-12) All IS will receive a device to support your grade level/content area and your Teacher of Record list. If you choose to complete the ten
POLARIS courses or get Google certified you will receive a device.
Q: I teach phys ed, music, fine arts, world language, C/T, etc., does any of this apply to me?
A: This is a District initiative and all teachers will find a variety of uses for the new platform. Teachers in these categories are encouraged to gain
their Google Certification or choose to complete the ten POLARIS courses to receive a device. Teachers in special categories will be included in
Phase 2 and 3.
Q: Will my new device hook up to my smartboard and projector?
A: No. The WINbook is for teachers to have a device to use for POLARIS training and our transition to a 1:1 environment. These are not intended as
a replacement for teacher’s desktop computers. Desktop computers will remain in your classrooms so that Smartboards and projectors can
continue to be used.
Q: My device isn’t working, what should I do?
A: Restart it first. (See “Caring for Chromebooks” course in POLARIS.) If that doesn’t work, take it to your library for help.
Student Devices
Q: What if a student forgets his/her device?
A: Students who fail to bring their Chromebook, may forfeit use of a Chromebook for the day and may face additional disciplinary action. (Loaners
are only provided for broken devices that have been turned in.)
Q: What if a student breaks his/her device?
A: Students are required to report to their teacher immediately if their device is broken. The students will then be directed to their building library
to turn in the broken device and to obtain a loaner device.
Q: Kdg and 1st grade- are we getting laptops or something else?
A: We will need to pilot some devices and there may be different devices available for different purposes.
Q: Will we still use a BYOD network?
A: Yes. We plan to continue to support the BYOD network. (When a district owned device has been assigned to a student, they are to use that device
for classroom use.)
Q: Will I have extra electrical outlets in my room?
A: No.
Q: What if students don’t come with their devices charged?
A: Students are required to charge their devices at home each night. Students who fail to bring their Chromebook fully charged, may forfeit use of a
Chromebook for the day and may face additional disciplinary action. (Loaners are only provided for broken devices that have been turned in.)
Q: Will students use their own devices for testing?
A: Students will use the district purchased Chromebooks for testing.
Q: Are Chromebooks good for testing?
A: Yes. Here is info for AIR: http://oh.portal.airast.org/ocba/browsers/
POLARIS/Blended Learning
Q: How will I be prepared for the 1:1 initiative?
A: There are 10 courses in POLARIS you will need to complete to be prepared to deliver instruction online. All teachers are welcome to take the
courses in POLARIS at any time; however, all teachers in Phase 1 of the rollout will be supported with district professional development in these
courses. As each Phase is rolled out, those teachers will also receive district provided professional development.
Q: Do I have to get Google Certified?
A: An alternative to becoming Google Educator Certified is to complete the “JLSD105: Bearworks (Google Suite)” course in POLARIS. There are many
advantages to achieving your Google Certification, and it is still strongly encouraged as it will enhance the tools available to you to deliver
meaningful instruction.
Q: Do I have to use POLARIS (Schoology) next year? Can I use Google Classroom instead?
A: While POLARIS is our district’s primary learning management system, you may continue to use Google Classroom alongside POLARIS.
Q: Why is it called POLARIS?
A: The Tech Advocates wanted to give a “Jackson” brand to our Learning Management System (LMS), which is Schoology. POLARIS is an acronym for
Personalized Online Learning Academy and Resource Information System.
Q: What if I don’t know what my schedule is next year?
A: As in any year, schedules continue to be determined based upon District needs. If you are part of the rollout, you will be included.
Q: When does training need to be completed?
A: POLARIS coursework should be completed by the Fall of 2017 for Phase 1. Additional phases will be completed according to a timeline yet to be
determined.
Q: Will this affect how I assess students and use the gradebook?
A: POLARIS offers a wide variety of different types of assessments including those most commonly found on State tests. POLARIS and SunGard share
an integration that easily connects the two platforms.
Q: Will parents be able to access my lessons and have the same view as their children?
A: We are continuing to investigate the possibilities of this and will consider implementation at a later date.
Q: What if I have students who don’t have internet access at home?
A: We can provide a device for those that do not have internet at home that can be checked out at the school library. Students who do not have
internet access because they have not turned in their AUP need to be encouraged to get it turned in.
Other
Q: Is the internet going to be fast and reliable?
A: Yes. We have the tools in place to monitor usage and if additional speed is necessary we will address those needs