The Gilmer School System’s 1:1 Chromebook Initiative is set to be fully installed at Clear Creek Middle and Gilmer High schools next month.
Soon all students in grades 6-12 will have access to a Chromebook with the ability to check one out and take home.
Chromebooks are laptop computers that rely on online cloud storage where information can be accessed as long as one has an internet connection.
Gilmer schools use Chromebooks as a teaching tool. Teachers and students can communicate through the device, and work can be assigned and completed online.
In addition to the Chromebooks, the Gilmer School System has made strides to provide internet access to students who do not have the internet at home.
Spearheading the cause is GHS freshman Cassie Pritchett, who is member of the State Superintendent of Schools’ Student Advisory Council. As part of that role, she is required to complete a service project benefiting her school system.
Pritchett started researching methods of providing internet access to those in need last October. She selected a device made by Kajeet, which offers an off-campus wireless broadband hot spot so Chrombooks can connect to the internet.
“Kajeet was the most appealing choice because the devices only work with Chromebooks that the school provides, and they only access school-related websites,” Pritchett explained. “This prevents abuse of the devices and only students that truly need them will check them out.”
The Kajeet device operates on Verizon’s and Sprint LTE’s wireless network. The one selected by Gilmer schools costs $100 apiece and plans are to purchase 20. Each device also requires a data plan.
To cover the cost of the Kajeet devices, Ellijay Telephone Company donated $2,500 to the school system.
ETC’s chief operating officer Jason Smith revealed why the project appealed to them and why they got involved.
“This was presented to us and we thought it was unique,” Smith said. “Obviously, this centers around broadband, and we know there are situations sometimes where families cannot afford a broadband connection even if it’s available. We liked the idea that it was a filtered internet (to be used strictly for school work), and thought that was a great idea.”
Pritchett noted the devices will be purchased “very soon” with the target of mid to late March for their availability.
“This project means a lot to me,” Pritchett said. “I have always wanted to see my peers thrive and be the best they can be. I believe that they should not be held back by any financial deficit, so if I can help, I will in any way possible.”
There are 2,171 total students at CCMS and GHS, according to the latest FTE count taken Oct. 1, 2019. With only 10 devices per school, GHS principal Carla Foley said the tentative plan is to check out devices to students on a daily basis.
Even students without internet access at home can use Chromebooks. They still function without the presence of internet, but remote documents are not accessible. Work can be completed and saved and then uploaded later when internet access is available.