TECHNOLOGY
Joshua Mattison
Director of Operations
jmattison@tps.k12.mi.us
Caroline Moore
IT User Support Technician
cmoore@tps.k12.mi.us
517-423-2167
The Technology team at Tecumseh Public Schools strives to ensure that students have access to the latest reliable and relevant technology in their classrooms, media centers, and at home . We have an abundance of technology resources for our students to use in and out of the classroom. Our goal is to provide easy to use, reliable technology, that enhances both the learning process and the students experience, in a way that is both natural and effective for the teacher.
We are proud to provide a 1:1 technology take home program using Google Chromebooks. Students may use the Chromebooks for research, project work, take online courses, and submit paperless homework.
TPS has also implemented Google Apps for Education. There has been an outpouring of shared ideas and teaching methods across the district, which has resulted in a more collaborative educational culture. Using Google Docs, Chromebooks, and Gmail has allowed students to share information in real-time, making it easier to work on shared projects. Google Apps has fundamentally changed how students are learning and how teachers are instructing. The collaborative working and learning environment has moved outside the walls of the classroom.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding student Chromebook usage. If you have a question that isn't addressed here, or need further clarification, please email the Technology Department.
What happens if a Chromebook needs repaired?
Students should report issues to the main office of their building. The main office will contact the Technology Department for the cost of repairs. Payments must be submitted through MySchoolBucks to initiate the repair. Most repairs can be completed in 24-48 hours.
How do I make a repair payment?
Yes. The repair fee must be paid before the Chromebook is returned to your student.
How do I make a repair payment?
All repair fees are accepted through MySchoolBucks. Upon logging in, you will see a checkbox listing for technology repairs.
What if my student’s Chromebook is lost or stolen?
Please contact your building administrator as soon as possible. A police report may need to filed depending on the situation.
Is my child’s Chromebook web filtered?
Yes, we utilize the premier web filtering solution on Chromebooks called GoGuardian. This filter provides 24-hour web filtering at school and at home. Teachers and administrators can monitor students in real-time at school for extra accountability.
What if my child can’t stay on task?
With GoGuardian, there is a solution called the penalty box. When a student account is in the penalty box, they can only access content (as set by administrator) relevant to their class work and collaboration.
What happens if my child tries to access inappropriate content?
Building administration and the technology office monitor activity through GoGuardian. We understand that students sometime make mistakes. Open communication with your child and parents/guardians is route we take in this scenario. Frequent issues in this area may result in the student account being placed in the penalty box for the duration of the school year.
What kind of sites are blocked?
We use the best filtering software available for our students' safety online. Netflix and other types of streaming sites that may have mature content are blocked. Music streaming sites are also restricted. Please remember the school cannot control your student's activities on their personal cell phone. We recommend sharing your internet usage expectations with your student and having frequent conversations about appropriate technology use at school and at home.