What does 1:1 mean?

1:1 is shorthand for one-to-one. This means there will be one device for each student to use for learning. Students will have access to the device at school, and in some schools and grade levels, students will also be able to take their device home. Individual schools will provide more information about grade levels that are bringing devices home.

It is also important to note that going 1:1 is really not about a device, but rather the learning opportunities it affords students. Having access to devices on a regular basis allows teachers to support a more personalized and learner-centered environment that leads to Portrait of Graduate outcomes.

Why the decision to go with a 1:1 model?

The FCPS Strategic Plan includes 1:1 as a component of the Student Success goal. Providing a device to our students moves the district significantly closer to achieving that goal. We also know that a properly implemented 1:1 program can have a significant impact on student success because it increases a teacher's ability to personalize student learning.

What kind of professional development will there be for teachers to make sure they know how to integrate these devices effectively?

FCPS Instructional Services and School-Based Technology Specialists (SBTS) will provide professional development to school teachers and staff through both online and face-to-face job embedded training. FCPS is currently developing an online professional learning program for teachers that will support their individual  needs and allow them to participate in professional learning when it works best for them. SBTS work closely with teachers in our schools on a regular basis to support in the planning and facilitation of instruction. They will provide teachers with just in time training and support as needed to use technology with students in a purposeful and instructionally appropriate manner.

How will teachers keep me informed about the work my student is doing if it exists in a mainly digital environment? How will I know how they are doing if I don't get papers home each week?

Teachers will continue to use the online grade book (SIS) at the middle school and high school level.  All teachers at all levels are expected to use FCPS 24/7 (Blackboard) as the primary digital tool for communicating with parents about what is going on in their classroom. All parents in FCPS have access to both SIS and FCPS 24/7 Blackboard. Student work can also be shared digitally in a number of ways depending on the tools used   to create it. Teachers will be able to answer specific questions about student work and we encourage parents  to continue to use email as a way to quickly connect with his or her child's teacher if you have concerns or questions.

Where is the research I can read to support this?  

Project Red Research Overview

Revolutionizing Education Through Technology- The Project RED Roadmap for Transformation- ISTE Book

What schools are involved?

Phase One will include the Chantilly Pyramid and the high schools in FCPS that have qualified for the Virginia eLearning Backpack grant. Those schools are:

• Elementary: Brookfield, Greenbriar East, Greenbriar West, Lees Corner, Oak Hill, Poplar Tree
• Middle: Franklin, Rocky Run
• High: Chantilly, Lee, Mt. Vernon, Annandale, Falls Church, Stuart, Fairfax Adult

NEW: FCPSOn will be implemented at all high schools during the 2019-2020 school year. 

What is digital citizenship?

Digital citizenship is described as the norms of appropriate and responsible behavior when using technology. It includes having an understanding of the positive and negative impact technology use can have on yourself or others. It helps teachers, technology leaders, and parents talk about what all users should know regarding appropriate technology use. Read all about how FCPS and RRMS support digital citizenship on the FCPS website. 

How are students protected from inappropriate content?

During the school day, students access filtered internet content through our secure wi-fi network. Each device that is sent home with students is pre-loaded with district-approved filtering software that blocks keyword content and inappropriate websites, including some social media sites, while in use at school, home, and anywhere that has wireless internet access. Teachers and librarians have access to rich digital citizenship lessons and resources to support them in creating a safe, responsible, and ethical online learning environment. Students also have access to a variety of resources to assist them in learning how to navigate the online world. Both parents and students are required to sign a device loan/acceptable use agreement before a student will receive a device. Improper use of the device and/or technology will result in strict consequences such as discipline, detention, and/or  limited use of the device as determined by the district's Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document. Parents and students are required to read and accept the Acceptable Use Policy for Student Network Access within the SR&R document.

What resources are available to parents and students to promote good digital citizenship online?

The FCPS Website has many resources to support parents.  Parents have access to a Customizable Device Contract and Family Media Agreement that will support them as they talk with their children about internet use and set rules that are right for their family. A handout with links to parental controls and recommendations for the most frequently used apps is also provided. In addition, many tips sheets, advice videos and more are available on this site for parents. Links to reputable outside sources are supplied for both students and parents to use. In addition, students are provided digital citizenship instruction embedded within their curriculum. This ensures that the skills and information they are learning are relevant and put into practice in an authentic scenario.

How will I be sure my student does not have too much screen time? Will they be using the device all day long?

Student devices are in no way meant to take the place of a good teacher and good instruction. Students will have access to devices throughout the day and at home as needed, but it is not expected that they are using them all day for every learning experience. Teachers will participate in professional development that supports them in designing and facilitating purposeful use of technology to support learning outcomes and student needs.

Students will be supported in finding balance between the use of technology and face-to-face conversations for instructional and recreational purposes. Screen time is not one-dimensional and the amount of screen time that is right for each child varies.  Check here for guidance and more information about screen time.

How will students still practice handwriting and traditional writing practices?

FCPS does not intend for these devices to be used at all times of the day. Student skills that don't require technology are still an important part of the FCPS Program of Study.

In cases where students are allowed to bring devices home, what happens if the device is lost, stolen or damaged while it is away from school?

As with any other instructional material, the student is responsible for his or her device. Teachers will work with students on responsible use of their laptop. Each device comes with a protective bag for safekeeping. Students are required to report a lost or stolen device immediately to their Tech Staff/Student Help Desk. Parents should call the Fairfax County non-emergency number, 703-691- 2131, to file a police report if the device is stolen while away from school. If a device is damaged, students should report this to their Tech Staff/Student Help Desk and follow designated procedures in place within the school.

How is support provided for the device?

The cost of device maintenance is covered by FCPS's contract with technology vendors. Tech support is provided at school for the device and teachers can explain to your student what to do should their device need repair. Do not take a school issued device to a retail store for repair or support. Tech Staff will coordinate repair of the device.

What if a student doesn't have access to the Internet at home?

FCPS recognizes that students may not have access to the Internet away from school, so we do provide a Community Internet Access Map of places that provide free access to our students.

Additionally, all Fairfax County public libraries offer free Internet. FCPS also has an Access4All team that provides additional information on where families might access internet away from school.

What if a student moves or transfers during the school year?

Each device is the property of FCPS. If a student moves or changes schools during the school year, the student will need to return the device to the school. All devices are returned to the school at the end of each school year.

Does a student need to have a printer to print out assignments?

Printers are not necessary. Assignments will be shared with teachers and among students using Google Apps for Education and FCPS 24/7 Learning (Blackboard), the district's online teaching and learning platform. Printing options are available in all schools and students should get information about printing in their building from their teachers or tech staff.  Computers may also be provided in the school library for  students to print a document if the need arises.

What will the students do with the devices?

Examples of how students will use the device include:

1. Researching FCPS approved online research databases
2. Accessing digital content  and student resources such as Online Textbooks, FCPS 24-7 Learning, and eCart
3. Accessing contemporary digital tools to explore and exchange ideas such as using video and audio capabilities to support learning, create content, and share ideas
4. Creating original works, collaborate with peers and teachers, peer edit, and give and receive feedback using Google Apps
5. Communicating through FCPS 24/7 blogs, fcpsschools.net email, and recorded presentations
6. Collaborating with peers and experts in the field on authentic projects and real world problems to create new and innovative solutions and ideas

Supporting planning and reflection of student-created goals and teacher-directed learning outcomes