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  2. Digital Learning FAQ's

Digital Learning FAQ's

General FAQ's

  • Our digital learning plan equips students for success in a digital world by integrating technology into teaching and learning. Students will use online tools for research, collaboration, and innovative assignments, while developing digital citizenship skills (online safety, ethical use, respectful communication, and media evaluation). This blended learning approach, tailored by grade level, aims to:

    • Support personalized, innovative teaching.
    • Provide consistent technology access.
    • Empower teachers with digital tools.
    • Build a robust technology system.

    The plan enhances learning by developing essential technology skills, preparing students for future careers, and accommodating diverse learning styles. Key components include:

    • Digital Citizenship Bootcamp: Mandatory lessons on responsible technology use before device access.
    • Enhanced Research Skills: Updated library curriculum focusing on effective searching, resource location, online navigation, source evaluation, and information synthesis.
    • Schoology Access: Online platform for accessing student work and grades.
    • Keyboarding Instruction: Direct instruction and practice to develop typing proficiency, starting in second grade.
    • Digital Resources: Access to approved digital tools for research, writing, reading, assessment, problem-solving, creative projects, communication, collaboration, and coding.

  • How Will the School Keep Students Safe Online?

    All devices connected to the Wilton Public Schools network will be monitored by our district staff. Any websites not related to schoolwork will be blocked. Wilton Public Schools meets all filtering rules set by Connecticut through the Connecticut Education Network (CEN) and uses the Gaggle filtering system. Wilton also follows the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and uses the state’s filtering system.

    Here’s how we ensure digital safety:

    • District staff monitors all devices connected to the school network.
    • Non-educational websites are blocked.
    • We use state-approved filtering systems (via Gaggle).
    • We follow the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
    • The district controls all apps on iPads and Chromebooks, and students can’t change these settings.
    • Teachers will regularly check student work on devices to make sure they’re focused.

    Can My Student Access Their Work on Different Devices?

    Yes. Students use their school Google accounts for all their work. This means they can access it from any device they log into. Students can easily switch between their school device and a computer at home if needed.

    What Happens if My Student’s Device Runs Out of Battery?

    Students are expected to come to class with their devices charged. The library offers charging stations for students before, after, or between classes.

    How Will the School Limit Screen Time During the Day?

    While Chromebooks will be a key part of classroom learning, teachers will have students put them away when they’re not needed. Teachers will also plan lessons to spread out screen time throughout the day. Some schools will also limit device use in certain areas, like cafeterias and gyms.

Wilton High School (BYOD)

  • Who needs to buy devices?

    All students at Wilton High School will need to have a device that meets the qualifications outlined in the program guidelines. Those who do not currently have a device or are not receiving one through the school will need to purchase one.

    Will the school provide my student with a device?

    Students with a special situation who are unable to afford a device can apply for one to be provided to them. The requirements for eligibility are outlined in the application.

    Do devices need specific software or meet certain requirements?

    Devices must run on a current operating system and be able to connect to the internet. They are not required to have any additional software. Software used in classes will be provided to students by the instructor.

    Do iPads or cell phones count as devices?

    No, iPads and cellphones will not be supported under this program and their use in classrooms will be restricted.

    Can the device be a Mac? Or does it have to be PC?

    The curriculum at Wilton High School will focus on instruction using the recommended PC devices running Windows operating system. It is highly encouraged that students use a PC but Mac’s will still be allowed for this program for students that are already proficient in using them. Please note that Mac’s may not run certain programs used in classes.

    How does my student get their device?

    The Wilton Public Schools will be providing all students kindergarten through 8th grade with devices for the program. While Miller-Driscoll students will be using class sets of devices, Cider Mill and Middlebrook students will be assigned their own individual chromebook for use in school and, for the upper grades, at home. After completing initial digital literacy classes during the first week of school, students will go to their Library Learning Commons with their class to sign the Acceptable Use Policy and receive their device. Library staff will be checking out devices and chargers to the students through our new library resource manager. After the student receives their device, the device becomes their responsibility to maintain as they use it throughout the year. If they need technical assistance with their device, the student should bring it to the Library Learning Commons Student Help Desk. At the end of the year, the device should be returned to the Library Learning Commons.

Middlebrook

  • What is the policy regarding maintenance and repairs?

    Regular maintenance and repairs will be covered by the district. Should a student have a hardware or technical issue with their device, they should bring it to the Library Learning Commons to receive further assistance. The Student Help Desk can help with minor issues like connecting to the internet which issues with the device’s functionality will be covered by Library staff. Should the device need to be sent out for repair, the student will receive a replacement device. If the device is damaged, broken, or lost by the student, parents will be billed for cost of replacing the device. To prevent damages to the device, it is recommended that students purchase a waterproof case. To prevent the device from being lost, the Library Learning Commons will provide stickers for students to write their name and contact information on the device.

    Will students be required to take their devices home?

    Yes, in grades 6-8, students will be required to take their devices home to complete school work. In Grades 4-5, devices may be taken home based on teacher discretion and homework requirements. The devices will have specific applications on them that students might need to complete assignments and keep up with coursework. If you are worried about your student damaging the device, it is recommended that you purchase a waterproof case to protect the device during travel.

    What does my student do if their device is out of battery and needs to be charged?

    Students are required to have their device charged before it is needed in class. The Library Learning Commons offers charging options for students before, after, or between classes. Additional charging stations will be available where/as needed.

    Can my student use the device we already have at home if it has Google?

    The chromebooks provided to students will have applications that go beyond the use of Google. The applications, licensed by the district, cannot be pushed to any other devices not owned by the district. Simply accessing Google classroom or other G-suite applications can be done on a home device but they should have their chromebook with them in case an assignment calls for use of other applications.

Cider Mills

  • How does my student get their device?

    The Wilton Public Schools will be providing all students kindergarten through 8th grade with devices for the program. While Miller-Driscoll students will be using class sets of devices, Cider Mill and Middlebrook students will be assigned their own individual chromebook for use in school and, for the upper grades, at home. After completing initial digital literacy classes during the first week of school, students will go to their Library Learning Commons with their class to sign the Acceptable Use Policy and receive their device. Library staff will be checking out devices and chargers to the students through our new library resource manager. After the student receives their device, the device becomes their responsibility to maintain as they use it throughout the year. If they need technical assistance with their device, the student should bring it to the Library Learning Commons Student Help Desk. At the end of the year, the device should be returned to the Library Learning Commons.

    What is the policy regarding maintenance and repairs?

    Regular maintenance and repairs will be covered by the district. Should a student have a hardware or technical issue with their device, they should bring it to the Library Learning Commons to receive further assistance. The Student Help Desk can help with minor issues like connecting to the internet which issues with the device’s functionality will be covered by Library staff. Should the device need to be sent out for repair, the student will receive a replacement device. If the device is damaged, broken, or lost by the student, parents will be billed for cost of replacing the device. To prevent damages to the device, it is recommended that students purchase a waterproof case. To prevent the device from being lost, the Library Learning Commons will provide stickers for students to write their name and contact information on the device.

    Will students be taking their devices home?

    Students in 3rd grade will not be taking devices home. Students in grades 4 and 5 will have the opportunity to take the devices home at the teacher's discretion. Most likely, devices will not go home until at least a couple months into the school year if at all.

    What does my student do if their device is out of battery and needs to be charged?

    Students are required to have their device charged before it is needed in class. The Library Learning Commons offers charging options for students before, after, or between classes. Additional charging stations will be available where/as needed. Charging in classroom is limited but available.

    Can my student use the device we already have at home if it has Google?

    The chromebooks provided to students will have applications that go beyond the use of Google. The applications, licensed by the district, cannot be pushed to any other devices not owned by the district. Simply accessing Google classroom or other G-suite applications can be done on a home device but they should use their chromebook as the primary device if an assignment calls for use of other applications. Chromebooks will always be the device used in school but should a student need to get online at home they will have the option to use either their chromebook or home device.

Milller Driscoll

  • What device will my student be using?

    Students in pre-K will have access to iPads. Kindergarten will be using iPads in the classroom. There will be full class sets of iPads to be utilized by the students in school. Kindergarten students will also have access to Chromebooks in school. All students in 1st and 2nd grade will begin using chromebooks with each class having a full cart for student use in school.

    Can my student bring their device home?

    No. The classroom sets are to remain in the classrooms.

    What is the policy regarding maintenance and repairs?

    Device use will be monitored in the classroom. Should an issue arise, the student should reach out to their teacher for help. The students will be signing an acceptable use policy at the beginning of the year recognizing that they are responsible for the device when using it in the classroom. Misuse or mistreatment of the device may result in the temporary removal of device privileges and/or fees for damaged devices.