June 3, 2020

All Lindbergh students in grades 6-12 will receive new devices this August as part of the district’s plan to help students develop future-ready skills by providing equitable access to educational technology. This work follows a yearlong technology impact study that included teachers and students in grades 3-12. Elementary school students will receive devices beginning in fall 2021.

• Technology Impact Study: Final Results

Timeline and Cost

The cornerstone of Lindbergh’s blended learning model will be to put a district-provided device in the hands of every student in grades 3-12. The plan recommends iPads for elementary and middle school students, and Chromebooks for high school students. All devices will follow a four-year replacement cycle and any current devices not already in use will be repurposed throughout the district.

• Lindbergh High School
  • 2,250 Chromebooks, four-year lease
  • $223,231 per year
  • Students will receive devices in August 2020
    
    
• Middle Schools
  • 1,750 iPads (cases included), four-year lease
  • $214,468 per year
  • Students will receive devices in August 2020
    
    
• Elementary Schools
  • 1,738 iPads (cases included), four-year lease
  • $212,000 per year
  • Students will receive devices in August 2021

Technology Fee

As a district, we will help students learn how to protect their devices. However, we are realistic that accidents happen. That is why we are introducing an annual technology fee to protect families from costly repairs. The fee structure will be as follows:

• $20 - Annual technology fee (covers first accidental damage event)
• $10 - Second accidental damage event
• $20 - Third accidental damage event (continue to add $10 for each additional damage event)
• $100 - Replacement cost for lost or stolen device
• $0 - Manufacturer defects will be repaired or replaced at no cost to the student

Technology Support

Support for the increased volume of computers has been at the forefront of decision-making processes as well.  Lindbergh High School students will run a Help Desk, where they will provide both hardware and software support to students, teachers, and likely, even parents.  In addition, loaner devices will be available in schools for those times when students may have forgotten their device or it is in need of repairs.

What is Blended Learning?

Blended learning is a student-centered approach that empowers teachers to transform learning through technology. It allows students to learn anytime, anywhere and at any pace, while focusing on the development of future-ready skills like collaboration, creativity, communication and critical thinking. The goal is to maximize traditional classroom instruction by incorporating technology resources to make learning more engaging and relevant.

“Ultimately, strong blended learning practices empower learners to use their knowledge to enhance their skills in the 4 C’s: creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking,” said Chief Academic Officer Dr. Tara Sparks. “We measured growth of these skills during the impact study, using standards from the International Society for Technology Education, and saw positive changes in classroom practice for every single standard.”

“Students who use multiple platforms throughout their educational career gain flexibility and knowledge that will be required for their future success in the workforce,” Sparks said. “We know the future workforce will need to be nimble as technology continues to evolve, and this is one more way we can prepare students for success.”