Lee County parents receive guidelines for new school Chromebooks

FORT MYERS, Fla. Parents discussed safety protocols for new Chromebooks issued to Lee County students Friday morning.

Dozens of Chromebooks valued at $300 were distributed to students for the 2017-2018 school year in an effort to keep kids focused on their studies while also taking advantage of technology’s benefits.

“I think it’s great because less books means less in the backpack,” parent David Jalving said.

The school-issued computers will block websites like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, according to the district.

“If there is something that goes through that is inappropriate like a game site, we have the ability to blacklist that site,” said Jim Short, the assistant director of technology support for the district.

A sexting scandal involving sixth graders emailing explicit videos on Lee County School District laptops occurred in September 2016.

Students will have to sign an agreement pledging to use the laptops appropriately, while parents should monitor their child’s online activity. The meeting provided parents with user guidelines for the Chromebooks.

The meeting took place at 9 a.m. at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School at 4750 Winkler Ave. Students were given a tour of the school while the meeting took place.

Lee County public schools start again Aug. 10.

WINK News reporter Kristen Sanchez was at the meeting Friday morning:

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