The Engaged Learning Initiative (ELI) is a program that aims to expand the walls of the classroom by providing ubiquitous access to technology for students that in turn will increase learning engagement, collaborative learning and a digital skill set.
Students in grades 5-12* will receive a Chromebook for both in-school and at-home use at the start of every school year, beginning in the 2018-19 school year. (*Please note: Fifth-grade students will not follow the take home model; their Chromebooks will remain at school.) The expectation will be that students are to bring their (fully-charged) Chromebooks to school every day and to use them for all computer-based school assignments. There is no fee to families unless a student’s Chromebook is damaged, lost or stolen━the same policy for textbooks.
“This initiative will help level the field for a transformational learning experience. In addition to the endless opportunities for authentic learning [with digital tools], this program is the next piece to fulfilling a commitment to our district’s vision and mission to empower our learners for the future.” – Natalia LeMoyne, Coordinator For Instructional Technology
Updated distribution information
Middle school distribution schedule
Parents of middle schoolers, please pick-up your student’s Chromebook at FMS during one of the following scheduled dates (below). Please sign the agreement PRIOR to picking up a Chromebook. Please note: You also have the option to enroll in Device Insurance.
As noted above, all devices for middle school students will be distributed at FMS. Please contact gcsdtechnologydepartment @guilderlandschools.net with any questions that you might have.
We appreciate your assistance and patience as we work to provide all students with access to technology.
Monday, August 20
A – Z | 2 to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, August 21
A – Z | 2 to 6 p.m.
Please note: Students must come with a parent. (If not a parent, guardian must be authorized for pick-up).
High school distribution schedule
Parents of high schoolers in grades 9, 10 and 12 ONLY*, please pick-up your student’s Chromebook (at GHS) during one of the following scheduled dates (below). Please sign the agreement PRIOR to picking up a Chromebook. Please note: You also have the option to enroll in Device Insurance.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 23
2 to 6 p.m.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 24
8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29
2 to 6 p.m.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 30
8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
*Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, Chromebooks for the Grade 11 cohort will not be delivered in time for the summer distribution period. Devices will be delivered to students in their homeroom during the first few weeks of school.
For more information on the program, such as what parents and students need to do to secure a Chromebook, please refer to the Educational Technology Department’s website. (This website can also be accessed at the bottom of this page under “Additional Resources.”)
Vision Statement
The Engaged Learning Initiative (ELI) aims to improve student learning outcomes by providing each student with a Chromebook throughout the district.
By providing equal access to technology (in the form of a Chromebook), the ELI hopes to expand opportunities for creativity, communication and critical thinking that will prepare students to meet the developments, challenges and opportunities of their future.
Program Focus
The focus of the ELI is to provide current tools and resources to 21st century learners. Excellence in education requires that technology be seamlessly integrated throughout an educational program. Increasing access to technology is essential, and one of the learning tools of 21st century students is the Chromebook. The individual use of Chromebooks is a way to empower students to maximize their full potential and to prepare them for post-secondary education, as well as the modern workplace. According to studies and school reports, students who use a computing device in a one-to-one (1:1) education environment are more organized and engaged learners, attend school more regularly, advance their knowledge and understanding of technology, and become constructors and designers of information and ideas.
Program Goals
- Provide ubiquitous access to technology for students
- Increase learning engagement
- Increase collaborative learning
- Increase in digital skillset
- Increase of personal productivity and efficiency
- Expand the walls of the classroom to a more global learning experience
Additional Resources
- Visit the ELI Google Site for full information
- Parent and Student Training Hub
- Device Insurance Enrollment