Words: Sasha Allen
Photo: Adithi Soogoor
Online learning is difficult for everyone, but for students and staff across the county who do not have access to a device at home, it is nearly impossible. In order to give everyone the same opportunity to participate in online classes, the Howard County Public School System constructed a plan that would allow them to provide those in need with Chromebooks.
The county collected data regarding how many HCPSS students and staff would need provided technology through an online survey that was sent to all students and parents in the county.
On Wednesday, April 8, there were technology pick-up stations for highschoolers at numerous schools throughout the county, including Centennial High School. All of the social distancing guidelines were followed, and everyone was required to stand 6 feet apart.
Despite these precautions, the pick-up stations presented health concerns in regard to COVID-19. For the elementary and middle schoolers who still need Chromebooks, the distribution process was modified.
“To better enforce social distancing and safeguard the health of staff, students, and families, HCPSS will ship all technology devices through FedEx directly to the students who need to borrow them,” stated the HCPSS website.
The same process will now be used for staff members who may need access to technology. Although the process is safer, it is taking more time to deliver the computers. According to HCPSS, the delay is caused by the number of requests as well as backlog through FedEx.
By giving all students access to technology, HCPSS is trying to continue learning for everyone across the county as they are stuck inside their homes.
For more information on technology distribution, visit hcpss.org.
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