Technology

In the 2019-20 school year, Oakwood Schools launched a phased 1:1 program, assigning devices to students with an option to own the device through annual payments. Fifth and ninth-grade students received Chromebooks with a $40 annual payment, which they would use for four years. The district prepared to expand this program each year to include new groups of students.

Acceleration of the 1:1 Program
To enhance safety by reducing shared device use, the district accelerated the program to provide all students, K-12, with their own device. While fifth and ninth-grade students will continue to receive new devices, students in other grades will be assigned devices based on expected usefulness and fee payments. For example, 7th-grade students pay $80 for a two-year device, while K-4 students pay $20 annually for a device used through 4th grade, with the district collecting devices afterward.

Device Payments and Options
The student payment of $40 per year includes up to three repairs. For students in grades 5-12, payments accumulate to $160, after which the student keeps the device. Families at Oakwood High School can opt to bring their own qualifying device by completing a waiver form, though district-issued Chromebooks are recommended.

Higher education and most professions now expect students to be proficient in using computers for classroom requirements and job tasks. Gaining these skills early allows students to focus on their studies and succeed in an increasingly digital world.

Technology also enhances learning by allowing teachers to personalize instruction, provide timely feedback, and encourage collaboration and inquiry-based learning—research-backed methods for improving education. Additionally, many educational resources now require students to have devices for full access.

We understand students and families have questions regarding the 1:1 device program. We've created an FAQ Page to guide you through some of the most common questions and answers.

Visit our 1:1 FAQ Page

There are valid reasons for high school students to choose a waiver device, such as needing specialized software, but for most students, a district-issued device is the best option. The district-selected device offers uniformity in the classroom, value through cost-sharing, and dedicated support. The $40 yearly fee ($20 for K-4) covers repairs and ensures settings and programs are properly managed on school devices, while support for waiver devices is limited.

For those considering a waiver device, it must meet specific requirements (e.g., battery life, screen size, and age) to be eligible. However, the district-selected device typically offers better value due to mass purchasing and support services.

Waiver Device Requirements:

• Keyboard, Wi-Fi, 7-hour battery life
• 4GB RAM for Chromebooks, 8GB for laptops
• 11”-15” screen size (9”- 13” is acceptable if the screen is at a 4:3 book ratio)
• Less than 4 years old
• Avoid dedicated tablets (e.g., iPads)

Thank you for partnering with us in your child’s education. Together, Oakwood families and staff are providing a world-class experience through our 1:1 program. Here are some strategies to keep internet use safe and productive at home.

DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP
Talk to your student about digital citizenship—it’s key to their success. Our teachers set clear expectations in class, and you can do the same at home. Discuss:

• Where and when they can use devices
• Appropriate websites and what to do if they encounter something inappropriate
• Privacy (keeping personal info safe)
• Permission and respect when sharing online
• Etiquette (being kind and respectful online)

MONITORING
Teachers monitor device use at school, and you can do the same at home. Set expectations, such as:

• Using devices in common areas
• Putting devices away at bedtime (outside of the bedroom)
• Spot-checking their web history together

FILTERING
No filter is perfect, but it helps protect students. The school filter works on the district's network. Your home network will not filter content unless you set up a filter in your home. Potential options include OpenDNS, Bark Home, or features from your internet provider.

Your student issued Chromebook is a powerful tool. Students who are issued Chromebooks are asked to abide by the following expectations in order to utilize their device for learning most effectively.

• I must follow the classroom rules as set by my teacher
• I must treat my device with care
• I must have a fully charged device at the start of each school day
• I must report damaged, lost, or stolen devices to the technology department immediately
• I must not open, or attempt to repair the device myself or via any other means than through the school
• I must not take a loaner device home unless my device is being repaired
• I must not have any liquid in the same bag or backpack pocket as my device
• I must not hold or carry my device by the screen
• I may not use my device in any of the school building’s locker rooms or restrooms

Students must abide by the expectations listed above and understand that school rules concerning appropriate student behavior such as respect for others, bullying, sharing of information, cheating, and decency extend to student devices as well.

Request to change from a waiver device to a school-issued device.

Submit Device Switch Form

OHS Students
Families of OHS students who wish to switch their student’s device from a school-issued device to a waiver device may do so by filling out the form linked below.

Students who wish to transition should complete this form within the first month of the school year in order for the fee for the current year to be waived. Please remember that students with waiver devices are responsible for all repairs.

OHS Device Switch Form