1:1 Technology Program

Research demonstrates that, when strategically integrated into daily instruction, technology is a proven tool to increase student engagement, promote critical thinking and extend learning beyond the classroom walls. The division believes using technology to improve and maximize the impact of student work supports the division's mission of ensuring all students acquire the skills and knowledge needed to make productive contributions in the world.

While YCSD has earned national recognition as a leader in the use of BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology) to support classroom instruction, the shift to emergency remote learning due to COVID-19 school closures identified significant gaps in equitable access to technology among students. Therefore, in 2020, the County School Board and the York County Board of Supervisors approved funding to launch a 1:1 Technology Program for all students in grades K-12.

Enhancing classroom instruction through the integrated use of technology also eliminates the need to schedule computer lab time and ensure computer use happens as it does in workplaces and universities - when it needs to rather than when it can.

Devices

A committee of division staff identified three device models that will be issued to all participating students, based on the student's grade level, beginning with the 2020-21 school year. Teachers will integrate use of these devices as part of their regular classroom instruction and for student work completed at home.

The appropriate device will be provided to students, for use at school and home throughout the school year, once a $50 technology fee is received. Families who wish to provide a personally owned device for their students, for use at school and home, are encouraged to do so.

For the best learning experiences, devices should meet the minimum expectations provided above (Apple laptops should be on MacOS 10.13+ and meet/exceed the Windows 300e specifications). Families will also have the option to purchase the same model of device as the division, as well as insurance, through the division's vendor at a reduced cost. This option will be available as early as next week.

Students enrolled in some courses of study, particularly CTE-related courses such as coding, would require more robust devices. For specialty classes, CTE would continue to provide the equipment for those courses that require these more robust machines.

Funding/Budget

The division is using a combination of one-time/restricted use funds and state revenues for the majority of the program's five-year budget. The committee has also established an annual Student Technology Fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the division select multiple devices across grade levels rather than one standard device?
The division currently has a limited supply of iPads and Chromebooks, therefore using those devices in the elementary grades reduced start up-costs for the 1:1 Technology Program. Additionally, the committee considered age-appropriate needs and effective instructional use in making the device selections. For example, using the iPad tablet device versus a traditional keyboard device is more appropriate in grades K and 1. Chromebooks have been expanded for use in grades 2-5 to allow longer use which aligns to the Chromebook lifespan.

Will every student be required to participate in the 1:1 Technology Program?
As teachers will be integrating use of devices into both classroom instruction and home use, all students will need to participate in the program, by either paying the technology fee, purchasing a device through the division, or bringing an appropriate personal device to school.

Can students share a device with a sibling?
All students will need an individual device beginning with the 2020-21 school year as device use will be integrated into both classroom instruction, testing, and home use.

Can a student use a different device than those specified for their grade level (i.e. Can students use iPads or Chromebooks when they move up in grade level or use devices other than those specified above)?
It is preferred that students use a device/computing platform that meets or exceeds the minimum specifications for those devices selected for each grade level as they will have the greatest compatibility with YCSD instructional software and applications. This not only ensures that a teacher's efforts are focused on instruction and engaging students in learning, it also ensures students have similar user experiences without some students having a poor experience because their machine did not meet the proper specifications or have access to the right software tools.

Why is there an annual fee for students?
While the division is funding the majority of the 1:1 Technology Program through state and federal funds, recurring annual costs such as technical support and device updates will be covered through the annual fees.

What if a family cannot afford to purchase devices or pay the annual fee?
A waiver of fees or a payment schedule may be considered under certain circumstances. All requests must be made in writing to the building principal.

Will students be expected to bring the devices to and from school daily?
Students in grades 2-12 will be allowed to bring their devices to and from school daily. Students in grades K-1 will only bring devices home when circumstances necessitate (e.g. potential closure due to weather).

What are the student expectations for care and use of devices?
Students and families will be responsible for the device issued to them, just as they are for other school-provided items such as textbooks, calculators, athletics equipment or library books. Students and families will be provided a Technology Handbook outlining use and care, among other topics, prior to receiving a device.

What happens if a device is broken, damaged or lost?
School owned devices will be warrantied and maintained by the school. If the device is damaged a loaner device will be issued to the student while their device is repaired. For personal devices, the division recommends that the devices be covered by a warranty that offers accidental damage.