One-to-One FAQs

What is One-to-One?
Why One-to-One?
How is this being funded?
How were Chromebooks chosen as PCR-3's device?
How and when will students receive their devices?
What support will be given to students?
How will students use the devices in and out of the classroom to enrich their learning?
How will we ensure a safe environment?
What is a Chromebook?
Are Chromebooks safe?
What are the specifications for a Chromebook device?
What items will students be receiving?
Will the district be collecting a mobile device insurance fee?
What if a parent or guardian chooses not to purchase the mobile device insurance fee?
What happens if my child accidentally damages the Chromebook or needs serviced?
What happens if the Chromebook is stolen?
How is one student's Chromebook identified from another student's?
Will students be able to take their Chromebooks home?
What if a parent or guardian does not want the device coming home?
What happens if my child forgets to bring his or her Chromebook to school?
How often does the Chromebook need to be charged?
Can students access the internet at home using their own internet provider?
What if we do not have Internet access at home?
Can students personalize their Chromebook?
What is the best way to clean the screen?
Where should students store their Chromebooks when they are not in class (PE, lunch, practice, etc.)?
Can I purchase my Chromebook when I graduate?
Do Chromebooks support Microsoft Office products?
Can students print from a Chromebook?
Will students be able to download and install software on their Chromebook?
Will students be able to keep Chromebooks over the summer?


What is One-to-One? The term one-to-one refers to programs that provide all students in a school with their own mobile-computing device. Beginning with the 2017-18 school year, every 6th-12th grade student will receive a Chromebook. This is part of our district's technology plan to increase the computer-to-student ratio, allowing more opportunities for students to work with digital devices, and expand their learning beyond the four walls of our schools.

Why One-to-One? The one-to-one program is designed to create a connected environment that provides enriched and engaging learning opportunities for our students. This program is a result of collaboration and research started in 2014 by our district's Technology Steering Committee, made up of Platte County R-3 Teachers and Administrators. One-to-one provides opportunities to personalize learning for individual students. We envision students using their devices to keep organized, manage their work, communicate, collaborate, and be creative.

How is this being funded? This program is being funded through a combination of strategies. Some current expenditures will be reduced as a result of going one-to-one -- maintaining computer labs and classroom student stations become unnecessary, and textbook purchasing will dwindle over time as free, open-source content becomes available. Revenue increases from the growth in our tax base will also provide some funding for one-to-one. Using out-of-the-box strategies prevents us from seeking additional funding from taxpayers.

How were Chromebooks chosen as PCR-3's device? A group of high school and middle school teachers were selected to test three different devices (the Chromebook, the Windows Tablet, and the iPad) during the Spring of 2015. Devices were distributed to each teacher for use by both students and teachers in the classroom. At the end of a four-month period, feedback was gathered regarding functional use, accessible programs, battery life, and ease of use with or without a keyboard. The feedback was compiled, and the test group then voted on the preferred device. The vote was split between the Chromebook and the iPad. Ultimately, the Chromebook was selected as the more cost-effective solution.

How and when will students receive their devices? For students in grades 6-9, devices with be handed out by each student's seminar/Pirate Time/homeroom teacher during an orientation day planned for late August. The orientation will cover digital citizenship, proper care of the Chromebook, insurance, and the process for troubleshooting. For PCHS students in grades 10-12, the device pickup will be part of student schedule pickup. Students new to the district will receive their devices within the first few days of school.

What support will be given to students?

Not only will the devices be used in classes as an instructional tool, support for the devices will be provided via a "technology help desk" elective class at PCHS or the technology department. The help desk class will provide the first layer of support for any technical issues with the Chromebooks at PCHS. The help desk teacher, along with a mentor technician, will help students learn technical and customer-relationship skills. Depending on building location, the first tier of device support will come from either this student help desk or district staff assigned to provide assistance. Problems beyond the scope of the class or assigned staff will be handled by the Platte County R-3 technology department.

How will students use the devices in and out of the classroom to enrich their learning? One-to-one will allow students to differentiate their own learning. They will be able to use the Chromebook for investigation that can go beyond the classroom walls through virtual experiences and collaboration that can span the globe. There will be times when students will use the device intensely, and other times when they will be needed less. One-to-one will give that extra support in addition to their classroom teacher.

How will we ensure a safe environment? The same protections will be in place on these student devices as any other technology devices in the district. This includes filtering, bandwidth control, and a process for district approval of apps. These measures, along with training for both students and staff in cyber-security and proper online conduct, will help students and staff have meaningful, positive experiences using the new technology.

What is a Chromebook? A Chromebook is a laptop running Chrome OS as its operating system. The devices are designed to be used primarily while connected to the Internet, with most applications and documents living in the cloud. Click here for an introduction to the Chromebook.

Are Chromebooks safe?Yes, Chromebooks are safe. Click here for a video explaining the safety of this device.

What are the specifications for a Chromebook device?

Please click here to view specifications.

What items will students be receiving? The Chromebook, charger and case. These items will need to be turned back in at the end of each school year or when a student withdraws from the District.

Will the District be collecting a mobile device insurance fee? Yes. The enrollment fee for insurance is $30, The deductible is $40 for accidental damage claims. If device is lost or stolen, the deductible is $100. For information on the insurance program, click here. For a guide on enrolling for insurance, click here.

What if a parent or guardian chooses not to purchase the mobile device insurance fee? The student will be required to turn the device in before leaving school everyday.

What happens if my child accidentally damages the Chromebook or needs serviced? For PCHS students, take the device to the Technology Student help desk located near the Library to address the issue. For PCMS or Barry students, take the device to the appropriate staff member.

What happens if the Chromebook is stolen? Please file a police report as soon as possible, and let your school know.

How is one student's Chromebook identified from another student's? There will be an identification label with the student's name and username on the device. This sticker shall remain on at all times and must not be tampered with.

Will students be able to take their Chromebooks home? Students who have paid the insurance fee are able to take their Chromebooks home.

What if a parent or guardian does not want the device coming home? The student should make sure the device is secure in his/her locker.

What happens if my child forgets to bring his or her Chromebook to school? There will be a very limited number of devices the students can use. The student is required to bring their device everyday.

How often does the Chromebook need to be charged? Charge the device every night and bring it to school with a full battery, if you need to charge it throughout the day there will be a limited supply of power strips in the classrooms students can use.

Can students access the internet at home using their own internet provider? Yes. Internet use will be filtered at home like it would be at school.

What if we do not have Internet access at home? The student can go to any location that has free, public WiFi, such as the library.

Can students personalize their Chromebook? The device must be returned to the district in the same condition it was given (i.e. no decorations, stickers, etc.).

What is the best way to clean the screen? Use a microfiber cloth, like the one used to clean eyeglasses.

Where should students store their Chromebooks when they are not in class (PE, lunch, practice, etc.)? Student should securely store their Chromebook in their locker when not it use.

Can I purchase my Chromebook when I graduate? No, the Chromebooks will be passed down to incoming students.

Do Chromebooks support Microsoft Office products? No, they only support Chrome Apps and Google office productivity tools (Sheets, Docs, Slides, etc.).

Can students print from a Chromebook? There will be a printer available in the Library if students need to print.

Will students be able to download and install software on their Chromebook? No, they only support Chrome Apps and extensions.

Will students be able to keep Chromebooks over the summer? Generally, Chomebooks will be turned in before school ends.