‘Warrior Device Initiative’ to advance Alabaster students’ capabilities

Published 6:00 am Tuesday, July 7, 2020

FROM STAFF REPORTS

For the 2020-21 school year, Alabaster City Schools will implement the “Warrior Device Initiative (WDI),” a student-to-device program to assist students in gaining essential skills for college, career and life in the 21st century, as well as becoming good digital citizens.

“The Alabaster City Schools Board of Education continues their commitment of providing additional resources to our students and families. We are so thankful to our technology department for helping make this dream a reality,” said Dr. Wayne Vickers, superintendent of ACS.

The district has ordered 4,700 Chromebook devices, which are expected to arrive in early August. These new devices, along with the district’s current Chromebook devices, will be used for students in grades three through 12, for a one-to-one student-to-device deployment.

WDI will provide ACS students with individualized learning, enhanced educational opportunities, and access to real world technology skills.

“This initiative has been a strategic goal since we became a school system,” said Chief Technology Officer Anthony Kingston. “Initially, we had to invest funds in replacing and updating our core network and wireless infrastructure to support additional technology resources. Since those upgrades have taken place, our focus is now providing technology resources (specifically Chromebook computers) for our students’ individual use.”

In the fall, parents and students will have the opportunity to participate in a “parent device orientation” in which they will learn how to use and care for the Chromebook device, access online learning platforms (i.e., Google Classroom, Schoology, etc.) and be successful in a digital learning environment.

The district is also working to supply students in grades K-2 with devices that are age-appropriate to facilitate learning and student success. More details regarding this initiative will be announced soon.