Why?
We’ve learned that having a clear and repeatable process is essential for a smooth device check-out. Consider everything that students and parents need to do before they receive the device: forms that need to be signed, communication about digital citizenship, information about insurance, initial device setup and login, etc. How will you ensure that each step has been completed?
How?
- Make sure that your process is repeatable for new students or families that can’t attend the event.
- Have multiple pathways that students and parents can take – consider a “Fast Pass” for families that have completed their paperwork and/or digital citizenship requirements ahead of time.
- Consider creating a visual / map of the steps to help with flow of traffic.
- Plan for all situations where someone might get stuck- What if they are missing a form? What if they speak a different language? What if they don’t know their student ID? Have a document that explains what to do in different scenarios.
Why?
You will need a plan for device check-in far sooner than you expect! You might have a student switch schools a few weeks into the school year, and you don’t want to scramble together a process to retrieve the device in the hectic days following rollout! Creating the plan for check-in before implementing check-out will also help you avoid the “I wish I would have” reflection months later.
How?
- Make the costs of any missing or damaged parts very clear from the beginning.
- Involve your students in the check-in process. Use a checklist to ensure that steps in the process haven’t been skipped.
- Work closely with IT to determine if devices should be sorted as they are collected. It is a lot easier to sort during collection than later!
Why?
A rollout committee needs to include all stakeholders; administrators, IT, teachers, etc. One of the key members should be the “Party Planner”- a parent or a random staff member who is not involved in the procedures and can just focus on event logistics for the day.
How?
- Work backwards from your rollout date goal. What needs to happen with IT, teachers, parents, etc. before then? What obstacles could push the date back?
- This event should be a celebration. How can you make it fun for attendees? How can you make it stress-free? Consider babysitting support, food, and games.
Resources:
Watch the video: “What Does a Rollout Celebration Look Like? Find out How Armstrong Middle School Got the Party Started!”.
Watch the video: “Leveling the Playing Field for Students with Always Available Access”.
Watch the video: “Students are the Key to a Successful Rollout!”.
Why?
The rollout is an exciting and inspiring event for students to receive their devices and show the community what they have done to earn them. Documenting the event is the perfect way to get the community excited about the new learning opportunities that are being launched.
How?
- Create a mind map of the shots needed ahead of time.
- Involve students in the image and video capturing process.
- Make sure you have media releases signed!
Resources:
Watch the video: “Students as Storytellers: Who is Telling Your School’s Story?”.
Read “Capturing the Excitement of a Technology Rollout” on the Digital Promise blog.