In Grade 9, all students receive a WRDSB-owned Google Chromebook for their time at the WRDSB. This program puts digital resources in the hands of students. It gives them the chance to incorporate technology in every class, and provides the tools all students need to achieve success.

Staff continue to use technology to support improved learning and instruction. This includes a range of digital tools and the use of blended and online learning approaches in classrooms across the WRDSB.

The Chromebook initiative is just one project where technology is being used as an effective way to support learning in new ways.

WRDSB aims to empower students to gain the skills they need to be successful in the global community by:

  • Using technology to provide opportunities for students to learn and grow in a variety of skill areas including:
    • Communication
    • Collaboration
    • Creation
    • Digital citizenship
    • Critical thinking
    • Character education
  • Using Chromebooks to allow teachers to adjust instruction to meet the varied learning styles of students
  • Allowing students to take control of their own learning at their own pace with mobile technology
  • Providing equitable access to digital resources

The use of Chromebooks supports WRDSB student success and engagement. These devices allow them to share their work and invite collaboration while promoting creativity and critical thinking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Google Workspace for Education?

Google currently offers school boards a hosted solution for their email, calendar, and file storage through Google Workspace – an integrated communication and collaboration solution. Additionally, users are able to complement the core suite of Google applications to meet their needs, with access to several more Google services.

What are the expectations of students?

  • Each student who receives a Chromebook should expect to:
  • Use it in each of their classes, unless otherwise instructed
  • Bring the device to school each day fully charged
  • Care for the device as if it is their own
  • Keep the cardboard boxes that the Chromebook came in and take them home. Some schools are making cases or bags available for purchase. However, these will not be automatically provided with each Chromebook.

Students will also be able to take their Chromebook home over the weekends, on holidays and through the summer.

Upon graduation or leaving the WRDSB, all Chromebooks must be returned to the school.

What happens if a Chromebook is broken, damaged or lost?

When a device is broken, damaged or lost it should be reported to the student’s Vice Principal.

Lost or damaged Chromebooks will be handled in the following ways:

  • A student’s first damaged Chromebook will be replaced for a charge of $50 to the student
    • To replace a second broken device, there will be another $50 charge
  • If the damage is deemed to be intentional or malicious, the student will be charged the full replacement cost (currently $357)
  • The third and subsequently broken devices would require a full replacement cost. The student would not be able to keep the damaged device.
  • The damaged device would be returned to the school and a replacement device of similar age – or as close as possible to the age – as the one that has been damaged would be provided.
  • Lost devices are handled in the same way as any other piece of WRDSB equipment that is lost. In general, the student will be charged the full replacement cost.
  • Collection of any funds to cover the replacement of a device will be managed through School-Day. This is an online cashless system for use by parents, caregivers, teachers and office administrative staff.

What is the process for Chromebook distribution?

For WRDSB Students at the start of the school year

  • All students in Grade 9 in all WRDSB secondary schools will receive a Chromebook.
  • Each school may vary in their process for the distribution of Chromebooks to their students.

Students who come to WRDSB after the start of the school year

Eligible students who arrive at a school after the start of the school year will also receive a device. This happens once they have been activated within the Student Information System, and the in-school technician is informed through the school’s Guidance Department.

Students who leave or move to another WRDSB school

Students who received a Chromebook but subsequently move away will either:

  • Keep the Chromebook if they are moving to another WRDSB school.
  • Return the Chromebook to Guidance (as with any textbook) if they are moving out of the WRDSB. Guidance will then deliver the Chromebook to the in-school technician.
  • Return the Chromebook at the end of their final school year if they are a student who will be graduating (as with any other equipment or textbooks).
Looking for information about Chromebooks for elementary students? Visit Chromebooks for Grade 6 to 8 Students.