Technology
Technology enhances the teaching and learning experiences of teachers and students, and District 99 is constantly focused on improving our systems to support the powerful learning activities at our district.
The district technology team handles all aspects of technology deployment throughout the district, including the student, financial and human resources information systems. The team seeks to maintain a technology infrastructure that is cost-effective, reliable and robust, and supports the rapidly growing information needs of our students, faculty and staff.
Need Help? Please Contact
- Assistant Superintendent for Learning Resources: Dr. Amanda Brode / abrode@csd99.org / 630-795-7131
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Chief Technology Officer: Philip Howard / phoward@csd99.org / 630-795-7133
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Information Security Manager: Tony Dotts / tdotts@csd99.org / 630-795-7135
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Information Systems Manager: Jim Struck / jstruck@csd99.org / 630-795-7132
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Network Systems Manager: Matt Mensik / mmensik@csd99.org / 630-795-7147
If you are a student or staff member who needs technical support, please visit your school's tech center or contact your building’s tech team.
North High: northcb@csd99.org or call 630-795-2720
South High: southcb@csd99.org or call 630-795-8556
1:1 Digital Learning
1:1 Digital Learning
District 99 uses instructional technology as one way of enhancing the mission to prepare and inspire all students for lifelong success by teaching the skills, knowledge and behaviors needed to be responsible citizens in the global community.
Excellence in education requires technology to seamlessly integrate throughout the educational environment. District 99 issues a Chromebook to every student (1:1), which provides students with 24/7 access to technology and empowers them to take ownership of their learning.
A Chromebook is like a laptop but is less expensive, lighter and faster. It starts up in less than ten seconds, connects to internet-based resources quickly, and provides six to eight hours of battery life. The district purchases the device; the annual student device fee helps offset a portion of the cost.
FAQ
What tips can you provide for parents to help manage 1:1 Learning outside of school?
Each student having his or her own dedicated computer both at school and at home is something that adults may have to help their student manage. Here are some tips and ideas that can help parents with this change to create effective learning time and space at home while online.
Talk to your Student
- Inquire about what they are doing online and have them show you.
- Ask them to show you how they use the computer for school work and for fun.
- Talk about social boundaries and sharing too much information online.
- Set expectations for appropriate use and the types of websites and social networks that are appropriate for use at home.
- Designate times and locations in the house for computer use.
- Require work to be done in an area where you can check on your student.
- Create times when the device can only be used for school work and if, or when, it can be used for recreational activities.
Communicate with the Teacher
- Contact your student’s teacher If you are unclear about computer requirements at home, about anything related to classroom activities.
- Track your student’s progress through Campus Parent.
- If your student’s teacher has an online presence, monitor the progress of the class.
Consider the “Paper Equivalent” in Difficult Computing Situations
- How would you handle the off-task or inappropriate activity if it happened with pencil and paper instead of on a computer?
- What are my expectations around technology and computing, and do they mirror those expectations for respect and proper behavior at home?
- Often the solution for “digital problems” is the same as it was for a similar “analog problem” or on paper.
Determine Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior
Discuss inappropriate behavior.
Hold your student accountable for poor decisions.
Limit recreational computer and/or phone time.
Have students forfeit device or reset wireless passwords at home until inappropriate behaviors change.
Will 1:1 Learning eliminate textbooks and their associated costs?
Not necessarily. There may be some textbooks that are available in an electronic format, and families may save money as a result. Interestingly, some electronic textbooks actually cost more than their paper counterpart. The publishing industry, along with availability and cost of electronic textbooks, is not under our control; we cannot predict the long term impact that our 1:1 Learning initiative will have on the cost of textbooks for our families. We continue to seek ways to embrace digital content and save costs.
Do parents have access to their student’s school accounts?
Parents can ask their son or daughter for their passwords, but parents will not have their own separate access.
How is internet content filtered on the Chromebooks?
When a student is using their Chromebook at District 99, these Internet site categories are blocked:
- Anonymous Proxies
- Unapproved AI Tools
- Chat/Messaging
- Gambling
- Games
- Hate
- Other Adult Content
- Pornography
- Social Networking
- Streaming Media
Note that even though "Social Networking" and "Streaming Media" are blocked for use within District 99, we do have the following sites open to students when on campus:
- YouTube
When the student is using their Chromebook outside District 99, these categories are blocked:
- Anonymous Proxies
- Unapproved AI Tools
- Gambling
- Hate
- Other Adult Content
- Pornography
As a parent, can I block additional sites from my student, in addition to the district blocked sites?
Yes, you can request access to the portal by contacting your school's technology support team. The portal will provide reports on browsing at home and allow you to block additional categories as well as set times when the Chromebook cannot be used.
Can students print from their Chromebook?
Students are encouraged to digitally publish and share their work with their teachers and peers when appropriate.
Students may use Google Cloud Print with their Chromebooks to print at home. Google Cloud Print can print to either a cloud-ready printer that can connect directly to the Internet or a classic printer that is plugged into a Windows or Mac computer with Internet access while running the Chrome browser.
We already own a mobile device for our student. Can he/she use their personal device instead of the District 99 Chromebook?
No. We understand that many of our students already have laptops or other devices at home. Chromebooks will be a key instructional tool for our students, just like a textbook or a calculator. Just as we require all students to purchase the same textbook for a course, the same principle applies for a 1:1 Learning device. Use of a standard District 99 issued device will allow us to monitor student use at school, manage and configure the devices effectively, and push out applications that students will use for coursework. Multiple device types can quickly get in the way of instruction when a teacher tries to support specific learning activities using random technology in their classroom.
How should students take care of their Chromebook?
General
- Students are expected to bring their Chromebooks to school every day, fully charged and ready for use.
- Students are responsible for the mindful care of the Chromebook they have been issued.
- District-owned Chromebooks should only be taken to Tech Support in your building for repair or maintenance. Do not repair or seek maintenance outside of District 99.
- Students should never leave their Chromebooks unattended.
- Food or drink must not be consumed near the Chromebook.
- Cords and cables must be inserted and removed with care.
- Chromebooks should not be used or stored near pets.
- Be cautious when using the power cord so that it is not a tripping hazard.
- Chromebooks must remain free of any writing, drawing, stickers, and labels.
- Heavy objects should never be placed on top of Chromebooks.
Carrying Chromebooks
- Never lift Chromebooks by the screen.
- Never carry Chromebooks with the screen open.
Screen Care
- The Chromebook touchscreen is fragile and can be damaged if subjected to heavy objects, rough treatment, cleaning solvents, and other liquids.
- The screens are particularly sensitive to damage from excessive pressure.
- Do not put pressure on the top of a Chromebook when it is closed.
- Make sure there is nothing on the keyboard before closing the lid (e.g. pens).
- Do not place anything in the protective case that will press against the cover.
- Do not store a Chromebook with the screen open.
- Only clean the screen with a soft, dry microfiber cloth or anti-static cloth.
Asset Tags
- All Chromebooks will be labeled with a District 99 asset tag and/or label.
- Asset tags may not be modified or tampered with in any way.
- Tampering with a District 99 asset tag or turning in a Chromebook without a District asset tag may result in a fine.
Using the Chromebook During the School Day
- When moving from class to class, simply close the Chromebook lid.
- When you get to your next class, you will be asked to enter your password again to access the Chromebook.
- At the end of the day, shut down your Chromebook and take it home to charge.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If your Chromebook is not responding, power it down, wait a few seconds and power it on again.
- To power the Chromebook down, press and hold the power key until the light goes off or select Shutdown from the status area.
What happens if the device is lost, damaged, or stolen?
The annual student 1:1 device fee covers the district provided insurance. A deductible will apply to necessary repairs. Total loss of the device will not be covered under insurance; replacement costs are the responsibility of the student/family. (See Chromebook Agreement for details.) Spare devices will be available as loaners should a student’s Chromebook be temporarily out of commission.
How are the Chromebook devices funded?
The district purchases the devices. The annual student 1:1 device fee helps offset a portion of the district cost. The total district cost is more than the expense of the device alone; in addition to the cost of the device, it includes other items such device management software, a protective case, and the district-provided insurance. Funding and procurement decisions are reviewed annually as part of the budget development cycle.
What if a family needs financial assistance?
Students whose families receive a fee waiver will receive a Chromebook on loan at no cost.
Can families opt out of a Chromebook?
No. All students are required to use a district issued Chromebook for their academic studies. These devices will be integral to classroom instruction, and without a device, students will be unable to fully participate in classroom activities and assignments. Just as textbooks are required for class today, a Chromebook will be required for use in class.
We don’t have access to the internet; how can we do our school work?
Students who do not have internet access at home may check out (free of charge) a Wi-Fi hotspot that provides internet access for educational purposes outside of school. Students should report to the Tech Center to check out a hotspot.
What will happen to the devices at the end of the school year?
Continuing students will keep the Chromebook over the summer. Students leaving the district will return their Chromebook. Upon student graduation, students will retain their Chromebook for personal use. Graduated students will receive instructions on how to login using a personal Gmail address.
Will steps be taken to prevent computer viruses from disrupting the learning process?
The Chromebook operating system is built in such a way that it is at extremely low risk for computer viruses. Updates automatically occur to address any vulnerabilities that arise immediately.
Information Security and Privacy
Information Security and Privacy
District 99 is entrusted with personal student information, and we take protecting this information seriously. In addition to following industry-standard security procedures internally and requiring a comparable level of security from our external providers, we also comply with all applicable privacy laws that govern our collecting, use, and sharing of student personal information.
The Information Security and Privacy Committee is charged with evaluating the district’s information security and privacy policies, risk management practices, related procedures, and operations. The committee will identify potential areas of vulnerability and risk and set the strategic direction for information privacy and security programs for the District.
IL Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA)
- Current Authorized Operators
- Data Privacy Laws
- Outside Applications Used by District 99
- Procedures for Inspecting, Correcting, or Deleting Covered Information Under SOPPA
- Data Breach Notification Process
Current Authorized Operators
- SOPPA regulates vendors (operators) who provide web-based sites, services, online and mobile applications that are used primarily for K to 12 purposes.
- Currently, SOPPA provides various prohibitions and responsibilities on these vendors, referred to in the law as “operators.” The law prohibits operators from engaging in targeted advertising to students, amassing a profile on students, selling or renting student information, or using student information except in limited ways. Additionally, operators must maintain certain security protocols when storing student data, delete student data when requested by the district, and maintain a public privacy policy.
- The law has been amended, effective July 1, 2021 not only to expand the responsibilities and prohibitions of operators, but also to place new responsibilities on school districts and on the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), as well as delineate the scope of parental rights.
- This 'What is SOPPA' video provides a nice overview of all the segments of this legislation.
Data Privacy Laws
District 99 implements and follows all applicable state and federal laws around data privacy. In addition to SOPPA (above), other notable protections include:
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- Governs information in a student’s education record, restricting access and use of student information.
- Provides parents with certain rights to their child’s education record, including the right to review their child’s education record and request to amend it if it is factually inaccurate.
- Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)
- Requires that we filter our network to prevent students from accessing harmful content, provide an internet safety curriculum, and monitor electronic communications as part of a program that provides us with federal discounts for internet access and other technology services.
- Schools are legally required to keep student data secure and safe
Outside Applications Used by District 99
- We require all third-party vendors (operators) with which we share covered information, to sign a Data Privacy Agreement with us, which outlines what data is potentially shared, the purpose for collecting the data, what subcontractors they use and additional information.
- You can see all current executed agreements here. As we secure Data Privacy Agreements and amass the information required by SOPPA, agreements will be added to the list.
- At the start of each school year, District 99 will notify all families of what types of student data are collected and shared by providing access to our currently executed Data Privacy Agreements.
- Our efforts to evaluate all applications for SOPPA compliance and secure Data Privacy Agreements are focused, ongoing and done in good faith. We continue to work toward full compliance with SOPPA regulations, understanding the importance and immensity of the task.
Procedures for Inspecting, Correcting, or Deleting Covered Information Under SOPPA
- Parents may request to inspect and review their student’s covered information. Requests for reviewing records must be made in writing and include the date of the request, the parent’s name, address, phone number, student’s name, and the name of the school from which the request is being made. Please use this online form to submit your request to inspect, copy or challenge covered information. Parents will be required to provide proof of identity and relationship to the student before access to the covered information is granted.
- The District shall provide an electronic copy of the records within 45 days of receiving a request for the covered information. If a parent requests a paper copy, the District will charge .35 cents per page. No parent will be denied a paper copy due to an inability to pay.
- A parent may make a request to review and receive copies of covered information no more than two requests per student per quarter.
- Parents may request corrections of factual inaccuracies contained in their student’s covered information. The District will review the request, determine if an inaccuracy exists, and if so, will make any necessary corrections within 90 days of the request. If the correction needs to be made by the Illinois State Board of Education or a District’s vendor, any necessary corrections will also be made within 90 days of the request and the District will notify the parent of any necessary corrections within 10 days after receiving confirmation of the corrections.
- If a parent requests the deletion of any covered information, the District will review the request to determine whether such a deletion would violate the law or result in the student being unable to articipate in the District’s curriculum.
- Parents may also consult the District’s procedures on reviewing and challenging student records if the covered information also constitutes student records.
Data Breach Notification Process
In the unlikely situation that an operator experiences a potential data breach, they must notify District 99 as soon as possible. After receiving notice of a potential breach, we will evaluate their report and if confirmed, provide notifications to parents. Information on past breaches will be publicly displayed below and contain the following information.
- Date or estimated date/range of the breach
- Description of covered information breached
- The number of students unless disclosure would violate the Personal Information Protection Act
- Contact information of the operator for questions
- Toll-free numbers, addresses, and websites of consumer reporting agencies and the FTC
The District will also notify parents and post information in the event the District’s data systems are breached.
Note: A notice of breach may be delayed if a law enforcement agency determines that the notification will interfere with a criminal investigation. If a breach impacts less than 10% of the student enrollment, by law, it does not need to be disclosed in the manner described above.