“This service complements the school’s 1:1 computer program,” explained GLCPS Technology Coordinator Darlease Monteiro. “Now, students with no internet or unreliable access at home won’t have to leave the safety of their home to find alternative connections.”
The SmartSpot devices will provide safe and secure access to online learning, allowing GLCPS to set the same filters and protections as the school network, restricting access to websites that could pose a distraction to the learning process.
The grant is designed to help schools and districts pilot a mobile connectivity program so students can complete their school assignments at home, on the go, or on the school bus. Initially, Kajeet® planned to award 15 grants, and after seeing substantial need and many compelling applications, the company doubled the number of winners.
Currently, GLCPS assigns all students in grades 7-12 their own Chromebook to use throughout the school year. GLCPS plans to expand the program over the next few years to include all students in grades 5-12.
Along with the Kajeet® SmartSpot (Wi-Fi hotspot) devices, the company works with the schools all year long to assist and track student success. Of the 30 winners, four districts will pilot the Kajeet SmartBus solution, and 26, including GLCPS, will provide Kajeet® SmartSpot (Wi-Fi hotspot) devices to their students.