Supporting Students with Technology Use at Home
The 1:1 Chromebook program is an amazing opportunity for Edmonds students to engage with learning in a meaningful, modern context that helps prepare them for life beyond K-12 education. However, some students require some extra support when it comes to making appropriate choices with their technology use.
Click on the link below for information on parent access to Canvas, Google classroom, Skyward and home filtering and monitoring for Chromebooks.
Parent Access to Online Student Systems
The following are some strategies that you can use to help your student be responsible with their Chromebook at home:
Have your student work in a common area rather than their bedroom
As teachers will tell you, being near to a student is often the best deterrent from off-task behavior. Having your student work where they are visible lets them know you are interested in the choices they are making, and are supportive of their success in school.
Share their Google Drive to check on work progress
If you have your own device like a smartphone, computer, or tablet, and a Google (Gmail) account, you can access your student’s Google Drive to look at the work they have been doing at school (including comments from teachers and peers). This also allows you to see them work in real time on documents and check their progress with homework.
Become a Parent Member of Google Classroom or Canvas
Depending on your student’s grade, their teacher(s) will be using either Google Classroom or Canvas to manage online work. Contact their teacher(s) to request access to these systems as a parent observer. This way, you can keep track of upcoming homework, overdue assignments, and teacher feedback.
Check their Internet history if you suspect inappropriate use
Parents can have access to all their student’s browsing records through the Securly Parent Portal. To set this up, complete the custom form in Skyward. Contact your school’s office if you need assistance.
Restrict their Chromebook usage to set boundaries
While the Chromebook is a learning resource, the district completely respects your role as a parent and will support any decisions you wish to make regarding your child’s access to technology. For example, if you wish to set time limits on their usage, or remove the device from their possession when they are not engaged in homework, this can help to remind them that technology is a tool, rather than a toy.
Turn off your home WiFi at appropriate times
Many of the Chromebook features require an Internet connection to function. When offline, the Chromebook can access the Google Docs office suite and not much more. Turning off your home WiFi at night can prevent late night YouTube sessions, or chatting with friends at inappropriate times.