The School District of Jenkintown has a Chromebook 1:1 initiative for students in grades 1-12. The District implemented Google Apps for Education in 2011 and decided that the Chromebook would be the best device as it works seamlessly with the G-Suite ecosystem.
G-Suite web-based program for word processing, spreadsheets and presentation tools. The use of Google Apps for Education eliminates costs for commercial software and licensing fees. Google Apps for Education runs on an Internet domain purchased and owned by The School District of Jenkintown and is intended for educational use only. This service is available through an agreement between Google and the District.
This driving purpose of the Chromebook 1:1 is to increase student engagement, further involve students in active learning, and provide a reliable device for 21st century skills such as collaboration, communication, and problem solving, along with content expertise. To integrate this technology into curriculum and instruction and to promote differentiated instruction to meet the needs of students, the 1:1 initiative will focus on academic achievement, student engagement, and customized learning opportunities.
Today, we live in a technology and media-driven environment, marked by access to an abundance of information, rapid changes in technology tools and the ability to collaborate and make individual contributions on an unprecedented scale. Effective citizens and workers must be able to exhibit a range of functional and critical thinking skills, such as: information literacy, media literacy, ICT literacy (Information, Communications and Technology).
Today’s life and work environments require far more than thinking skills and content knowledge. The ability to navigate the complex life and work environments in the globally competitive information age requires students to pay rigorous attention to developing adequate life and career skills, such as: flexibility and adaptability, initiative and self-direction, social and cross-cultural skills, productivity and accountability, leadership and responsibility.