March 29, 2024
Local News

D-428 plans to let students keep Chromebooks for summer

DeKALB – Students of DeKalb School District 428 will have the opportunity to keep the Google Chromebooks they are issued for schoolwork over the summer.

Although the optional plan would not require board approval, it was introduced during Tuesday’s board meeting by Ben Bayle, District 428 chief officer of technology.

The Curriculum and Instruction and Technology Departments will send out information on the change after spring break. Students in grades five through 11 would have the option to keep their devices, but parents still can choose to turn in their device to the main office at the end of the year.

Bayle said some of the advantages of this offer is that students can continue their educational pursuits and fill out applications for college and career opportunities, and it will reduce the hours of building administration as well as the Curriculum and Instruction and Technology teams.

“The district is looking for a way to enhance the curriculum and boost education over the summer,” Bayle said.

If a device is in disrepair before students leave for summer break, it must be turned over for repair, Bayle said. Students would not get back the device back or receive one on loan during the summer in this circumstance.

Chromebooks still would be district property and still would be filtered for content.

Board member Kerry Mellott was skeptical of the plan because it could increase the amount of screen time for students by giving them another mobile device to occupy their time.