More than 1,000 Warwick Public School students have already signed up to receive a free laptop computer for the upcoming school year at the Chromebook Carnival this Saturday from 8:30 to 3:30 at the Gorton Administration Building gymnasium. 

Students in grades 6, 10, 11 and 12 will receive an Acer Chromebook N7 with an 11-inch screen. Warwick School District’s Director of Technology Douglas Alexander said in an interview that the programs began last year with junior high students in grades 7 and 8.

“The whole program really is focused on equality and giving all the students the tools they need for an education,” Alexander said. “Think of them as the ultimate textbook.”

Alexander credited the program, a 1:1 ratio of computers to students, as the brainchild of Superintendent Philip Thornton. He said “blended learning,” where students use technology as well as traditional teacher lectured learning, is gaining momentum across the country.

“The idea is shifting education towards student-centered and skill-based learning rather than teacher-centered and fact-content based.” He added, “We’re also teaching foundational technology skills. These are the skills students will be taking into the workplace, preparing them for an adapting workplace.”

Funded though grants and both local and federal funding, each of the 2,300 laptops purchased cost $205. Alexander said the cost is down about $25 from what was spent for last year’s 1,800 laptops, despite upgrading to a sturdier and faster model.

This year’s model is designed for student life with a spill resistant keyboard and a military grade impact resistant body. It has a 10 to 13-hour battery life, which WPS said should be charged nightly to prevent any issues during the school day.

“The problem is not buying the systems but integrating them.” Two additional Technology Integrators were added to the previously sole staff. They will help teachers and students get the most from the technology, which includes the new 170 interactive whiteboards installed in classrooms throughout WPS.

Teachers are working to learn how to maintain “classroom control” and teach instead of baby-sit 20 children with screens, said Alexander. He said so far the response from last year’s teachers and students is that of a weary enthusiasm. He expects assistance from grade 9 students entering high school who are already prepped with the last year’s Chromebooks.

“Given the right playlist, we can point them in the direction for them to go in. That means coaching teachers on classroom control and not directing the students in lock step,” Alexander explained. The highlight of computer learning is allowing students to move at their own pace but are provided immediate feedback. He contrasts that to handing in homework and waiting a few days before getting it back.

That’s not to say supplying students with laptops doesn’t come with problems. WPS said it is a fine line between monitoring student’s usage for safety as mandated by Children’s Internet Protection Act but also respect and allowing a student’s privacy.

Devices are monitored only during school hours and while on school property as WPS is required by the CIPA to filter and block harmful content. Also, WPS collects and monitors information on student’s site history, web searches, YouTube video’s watched and attempted block pages.

 “We are splitting the difference between our responsibility and when they go home to their family," Alexander said.

He said monitors pick up on keywords for self-harm and plans to confront the issue of cyber-bullying this year.

 The department is not yet sure whether students will be able to keep the laptops upon graduation, although it is being considered. Seniors will be given a slightly used Chromebook, previously used in math classrooms, and it does seem likely they’ll be able to keep them. 

Alexander said he gives the life of a student-used laptop around three years, but is excited new affordable technology is making it possible for the schools to hand them out on a scale like the city of Warwick. 

Parents and guardians of students interested in receiving a Chromebook must sign for the afternoon session online and fill out an agreement form and optional insurance. A follow-up day for those unable to attend will be scheduled for a later date not yet determined.  

Other Carnival services are signups for free or reduced lunch, MySchoolBucks (a phone application for parents to pay for school lunches and more), and the new family notification app. Homes without access to internet may qualify for a low-cost option provided by Cox Communications, with more information available at the Carnival. 

Accepting a Chromebook is not mandatory, but bringing a compatible device to school every day is, with temporary computers available in cases of theft or repairs. Students that opt out must bring their own computer that would need to be checked with IT to ensure it meets school requirements.