Bensalem School District rolls out Chromebook initiative at Shafer and Snyder middle schools
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
Goodbye textbooks, hello technology.
Last month, parents and students flocked to the cafeteria of Robert K. Shafer Middle School to pick up brand spanking new Dell 3180 Chromebooks. This was part of the Bensalem School District’s exciting initiative to ensure its students are at the forefront of 21st century learning.
A number of teachers and board members, as well as Shafer principal Michael Stock, instructional technology coach Brian Allen and director of IT Bill Incollingo, were on hand to make sure the kids felt comfortable with their shiny new treasures before heading home.
More than 300 students from Shafer and Snyder middle schools received a Chromebook, which were free of charge for families aside from a service fee. The plan is to provide them to Bensalem High School students next year.
According to Allen, this is the first time each student will own a piece of technology provided by the district on a one-to-one level. They’re able to take the Chromebook home with them over the summer and keep it throughout middle school, high school and beyond. It only needs to be returned if the student moves away mid-way through their education.
“Learning doesn’t end,” Allen said.
This may be the first time students are responsible for their own personal Chromebook, but Allen said the kids of Bensalem are no strangers to technology. About three years ago, the district piloted “Schoology” in the middle schools, which allowed students to complete certain assignments and discussions remotely. Teachers also took advantage of the tool in the classroom, where students logged in to complete online tests and quizzes.
As one of the students’ first introductions to 21st century learning, Allen said “Schoology” was a major success. The Chromebook initiative is basically a follow up to that.
Now, instead of checking out tablets/laptops from the classroom and returning them at the end of the day, students can use their own and continue the lesson at home if they so choose. They also have the freedom to decorate and personalize their Chromebooks however they wish, though each has been pre-stamped with the district-wide logo.
The idea for a mass Chromebook rollout began about a year ago as the brainchild of Incollingo. As the director of IT, he saw firsthand the students’ desire to learn about and be immersed in technology. Naturally, there were some concerns when the project was initially broached to parents. Would their child be able to concentrate? What did this mean for the oh-so-familiar textbooks?
To help families and students feel as comfortable and informed as possible, the school district hosted several technology awareness nights where Incollingo and other staff members explained how the Chromebooks would be incorporated into everyday learning. Afterward, the idea was met with excitement and positivity.
Allen explained that while many aspects in the classroom will be adjusted, some old-school means of learning will remain intact. For now, the Chromebooks will be used in conjunction with physical textbooks, which won’t be totally obsolete for some time since a number aren’t yet available as eBooks.
However, students will be able to take advantage of Google Docs, no longer needing to haul around multiple notebooks in their bursting backpacks. They’ll also enjoy all-new virtual lessons and activities, which the district hopes will enhance the overall educational experience. ••
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
