Educational Technology
What is Educational Technology?
Educational technology is the combined use of computer hardware, software, and educational theory and practice to facilitate learning. The abbreviation “EdTech” often refers to the industry of companies that create educational technology. Research on technology-mediated learning has been going on for decades. In 2020 United States EdTech companies raised over $2 billion in venture and private capital equity to develop products that improve access, equity, and inclusion.
The Weymouth Public Schools Educational Technology Department is tasked with evaluating the vast number of EdTech tools, resources, and teaching practices then makes adoption recommendations to district leaders. The Department is led by Brett Lindholm, Director of Educational Technology, and James Rekowski, the Coordinator of Technology Infrastructure. Three divisions collaborate to provide valuable service to Weymouth public school educators, students, and families. Systems administrators are responsible for the day to day operation of our network and the platforms Weymouth schools use like Google Workspace, Aspen, and Clever. Our technology integration specialists are licensed teachers who work directly with educators and students to facilitate blended learning practices in the classroom. Skilled technology support specialists diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair hardware and software problems. Our administrative assistant has broad knowledge of all areas, and assists everyone in the EdTech Department especially the Director and Coordinator.
Weymouth Public Schools has a 1:1 computing environment for all students at all grade levels. Our Kindergarten and Pre-K students are each personally assigned an iPad. Students in grades 1-12 are personally assigned a Chromebook.
Quick Links:
Training
Frequently Asked Questions
What students at WPS already have a Chromebook to use at home?
- Weymouth Schools is 1:1 for the entire district. Students in kindergarten and pre-K have personally assigned iPads.
- Students in grades 1-12 have Chromebooks.
- Please see our Chromebook 1:1 page and Q&A
All our Chromebooks have web filtering and comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) SEE AUP
Will devices be available for students without a device at home?
Every student is assigned a device that should be charged and brought back and forth to school every day. Equity includes opportunities outside the school day.
Are devices available to students who are not in our 1:1 program?
All WPS students are included in the 1:1 program.
Who can use Chromebooks issued by Weymouth public schools?
Anyone with a WPS email address (@weymouthps.org) can log in to our Chromebooks.
Do all WPS students have a google account?
All students.
Are there any restrictions on WPS Google accounts?
Yes, students in grades K-8 cannot send/receive Emails with anyone outside our organization who do not have “Weymouthps.org” Email addresses.
How do I create an email group through G-Mail?
Click here
What do I do if the camera or microphone is not working?
More than likely the camera needs to be allowed to be used in the Chrome browser before using it with Google Meet. Try the following steps below.
- Open Chrome Chrome
- At the top right, click More More and then Settings.
- At the bottom, click Advanced.
- Under “Privacy and security,” click Content settings.
- Click Camera or Microphone.
- Turn Ask before accessing on or off.
What if my Chromebook won’t turn on?
Try this before submitting a support ticket: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqUAGl-P7hM