Over 450 laptops distributed to select students

Chromebooks were loaned to IB and SIS students as part of a technology initiative.

Curtis has started the largest technological initiative in its over 100 year history. This new initiative involves distributing  the Samsung Chromebook to nearly 500 Curtis IB and SIS students. “If technology is not in the hands of students, it is not effective,” said Principal Aurelia Curtis. With Dr. Curtis, Ms. Korten, Assistant Principal and Digital Ready School Leader, applied for a small grant from an organization called Digital Ready. Several faculty members were then sent to training over the summer to familiarize themselves with the Chromebooks.

According to Dr. Curtis, the devices should let students see why technology is important in the work that they do.

Chromebooks run solely on the Internet and their own downloaded apps, including Google programs and drives. Dr. Curtis emphasized this and the importance of learning through technology. “For many of you, Google is just a search tool . . . for us, we’ve discovered a world that will truly help us put technology in the hands of the learner.”

On September 29, September 30, and October 2, students received their Chromebooks at an hour long information assembly. Ms. Korten explained the uses of the Chromebooks and how the devices would be integrated into the students’ classes. During the presentation a video by Google was also shown to further explain uses of the Chromebooks. It showed students that they can connect to the web anytime, anywhere.

The Chromebooks have batteries that last for eight hours, an entire school day, when fully charged, and “enable schools to be more efficient in terms of class time, IT work, and budget,” according to the video.

At the end of the presentation, students and parents lined up to receive the Chromebooks and pay the $40 fee for insurance and protective hard-cover cases. Insurance was paid for by parents but purchased through Curtis High School, meaning that should anything happen to the Chromebook devices, all insurance claims must be made through the school. Students were also informed of user names and passwords for their new school accounts. For protection of students’ identities, Google signed an agreement with the DOE stating that students’ last names would not be released.

In the classroom, integration of the Chromebooks is meant to “fully engage students and create a learning environment that fosters critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity,” according to a letter from Dr. Curtis that was sent to students’ homes.

One way this will be achieved is through Google Classroom, a brand new initiative that began on August 12. According to Ms. Korten, “It’s a nice environment to communicate with kids.”

IB math teacher Ms. Francis explained how students would be able to edit their own documents online and receive instant feedback on their work from teachers. Mr. Basso, IB history teacher, discussed how students’ access to online documents could even reduce the need to buy books.

Anvitha Bollarpanda, an IB senior, expressed enthusiasm over the Chromebooks. “I’m excited because we’re going to graduate and it’s a chance to experience it this year,” she said.

Within five years, it is hoped that all Curtis students will use a Chromebook or some other school-provided device, a change that will propel Curtis further towards effective learning through technology.