1:1 Computing Frequently Answered Questions (v.4 AP)
Q: Why do we need 1:1 Learning?
A: In order to fully engage and challenge today’s learners, the school environment must reflect the complexity of the modern world. A dynamic interaction must take place between the facilitator (or teacher) and the learner (the student). Students at BHS will experience a dynamic learning environment on a daily basis and, in turn, become lifelong learners and active, knowledgeable, creative citizens. One-to-one learning allows each student to experience a learning environment that is rich in digital media, with instant access to resources the world over, and supports critical thinking skills. 1:1 learning actively engages all students in the learning process.
Q: How can a school district such as Upper Adams afford such an expensive initiative?
A: Our patented statement is, “How can we afford not to do this for our students?” But sometimes that type of answer just doesn’t cut it. The fact is that this will cost the district money. By reducing the amount of money we spend on textbooks, paper and other materials, we have begun to make room for this initiative in our general operating budget. We have also looked at other areas where a reduction in costs can be made. This is very difficult because we run a pretty “tight ship.” We also anticipate using money from the “Classrooms for the Future” (CFF) initiative offered through the Pennsylvania Department of Education and funded through Governor Rendell’s budget. Other school districts in our area have received funding for technology through this initiative, and we believe, from reliable information we have received, that we will be eligible for funding as well.
In 1999, the community and school board supported a brand new initiative in Adams County: full-day kindergarten. Providing a full day of instruction and learning experiences in the classroom environment was new to our area, but we saw how beneficial it would be. Nearly ten years later, few would argue the positive impact this has had on our community and, most importantly, our students. In fact, many other school districts have realized the benefits of the full-day kindergarten program and have visited Upper Adams to learn how to institute it correctly. For Upper Adams, the 1:1 Learning Initiative is the “full-day kindergarten” of this decade. Like full-day kindergarten, it is not inexpensive. Like full-day kindergarten, it takes a commitment on the part of our community to embrace the concept and see its worth. Like full-day kindergarten, 1:1 Learning provides our students with added resources and an enhanced learning environment. In order to prepare our students to become 21st Century citizens, we need to take this step of faith and provide our high schoolers with the proper tools. This 1:1 initiative will do just that.
Q: How much is this going to cost?
A: UASD is currently working on what our infrastructure needs will be and what software will be installed on the computers. This will affect cost and must be studied carefully. We anticipate that, in the long run, there will be many “trade offs” in cost per student. Less paper and fewer textbook purchases, supplies, etc. will create a shift in how we spend our resources. When we get closer to our “rollout” date, we will be better able to pinpoint cost. We will also be applying and looking into multiple grant opportunities to help offset the cost of the program.
Q: Will students be able to take the computers home?
A: Yes. Students will be able to take their computers home to work on assignments and projects and to encourage continuous communication with teachers and classmates regarding those assignments and projects.
Q: What if a student can’t get the Internet at home?
A: Through surveys done throughout the district, we have found that the majority of our students do have Internet access at home. But for those who need it, BHS is looking into software that can download Internet information before the student leaves the building. There will also be other wireless opportunities for students after school. The parking area in front of the high school will have a wireless signal that the computers can use. We will also attempt to provide access in other places throughout the district.
Q: My child has a computer at home why do I need another one?
A: 1:1 Learning Environments work best when the school owns the computer but the student has it for educational use 24 hours a day. Having the district own the computer allows the district to control what the computer is used for, both as a reward and as a motivation for maturity and responsible use of the tool. Teachers and support staff need to know that the computer has the expected software loaded and working, so that they can fully embrace a change in the learning environment that pervasive computing technology offers them.
Q: When will students be issued their computers?
A: We currently anticipate “rollout” to be sometime during the first marking period (mid Sept. – mid Nov.) of the 2008-2009 school year, pending approval of a budget found to be acceptable by the Upper Adams School Board.
Q. What if a student’s computer is lost or stolen?
A. In the research that we have done as we prepare 1:1, we have found that this has not been a major issue. As stated earlier, students tend to take great care with their computers. All students will be required to “purchase” insurance for their computer through the school. We anticipate the cost being approx. $45 - $55 per student. A “Sliding Scale” will be created, and students will be eligible to apply for reduced prices for insurance. This will be determined in much the same way as we determine free and reduced lunch eligibility. And, just like a homeowner’s policy, certain “deductibles” will be the responsibility of the student.
Q: How will we fix computers that are having problems or are broken?
A: Many of the problems can be fixed with in-house staff. Students will be provided with a loaner computer for the duration of the repairs. The loaner computer will be loaded with the student's saved material so that the student will not experience a lag in use. If it is necessary to send the computer out for repairs, the student will still be issued a loaner, but the cost of the repairs will be covered under the Apple Warranty or by the student's insurance policy. In the event of purposeful breakage, the student will have to deal with consequences under our discipline policy and may be fully responsible for the repairs, including replacement costs.
Q: How do we monitor the appropriate use?
A: Teachers will be monitoring appropriate use of the computers in the same way that they monitor appropriate use of books, magazines, language, etc. As always the teacher needs to be aware of what students are doing on the computer and handle each case as any other problem would be handled. The Acceptable Usage Policy will help with identifying inappropriateness and what the consequences will be. Also, the district has a “firewall” that will block most inappropriate sites on the Internet. This “firewall” will “travel” with the computer, so even when not on campus, the computers are protected.
Q: What are the consequences for misuse of the computer?
A: Students at other schools that have embraced 1:1 learning environments have found so much reward in the change that they take incredibly good care of their computers and respect the rules articulated in the Acceptable Usage Policy. Adults should realize that today's students are already extremely adept with the use of technology, and so when the school environment embraces their use of technology as a means for them to express themselves, the students recognize the respect and intent being afforded them. Some students will explore in areas that require discussions with them, but the 1:1 Learning Program that Apple is helping us create takes this into account and provides clear guidance to all participants.
Q: What if the student forgets their computer?
A: Few schools engaged in 1:1 learning have reported this as a problem. Truly, the students so value the opportunity that the change affords them, and the fact that they keep their "entire life" on their computer, means they rarely forget them. But should it happen, the way we structure the program includes spare laptops kept in the Library, so students have immediate access to all the same tools and network access to any data they've backed up to our file servers. This will most likely be handled in much the same way as a forgotten textbook or homework assignment.
Q: Why are you getting Apple computers when the whole world uses Microsoft products?
A: Apple products run Microsoft Office, so students using Excel, Word and PowerPoint are learning the same software skills regardless of operating system choice. But our initiative is about helping students develop 21st Century Skills, where creativity and expression help them engage in their coursework and demonstrate mastery of the curriculum. Apple has consistently refined their computers, their software, and the services we need to help us, as educators, create exciting and authentic learning opportunities for our students.
Q: Will this laptop interface with the home PC?
A: Most major programs run both on PC’s and Macintoshes, so this is unlikely to be of concern. Even where the programs are different between the two, the data being worked with is even more cross-platform. Few schools experience a problem with this. The Macintosh networks with other computers and the Internet in the same way as PC’s, so the two can connect and share files quite naturally. Likewise, the Macintosh ships with most printer drivers already installed, so printing at home is rarely, if ever, a problem.
Q: Can students hook up their own digital cameras, printers, iPods, or other devices?
A: Connecting these devices to an Apple computer is usually very simple, and the functionality expected is likely to be exactly what you'll get. We have the ability to restrict what is connected to the computer and may use this capability if a student uses it inappropriately. This will need to be addressed through the Acceptable Usage Policy and possibly on a case-by-case basis.
Q: What if the battery dies throughout the day?
A: What usually happens in 1:1 Learning Environments is that school leaders establish a culture of expecting students to come to school with a charged battery. In such a culture, the students take care of this just like they take care of prepping their backpacks with their planners, textbooks, homework, and other essentials. Once students realize that school is different... even fun... they take great care of their computers, including ensuring a fully charged battery at the start of each day.
Q: How will we make sure that the infrastructure will support what is happening in the classroom?
A: One of the reasons we chose Apple to help us with 1:1 Learning is that they have experience doing this with over 700 other schools around the country and world. They have been helping us for the past two years to determine exactly what infrastructure we need based on their models at other schools, while allowing for what makes us unique.
Q: Will there be any training for the parents?
A: Traditionally, this is done at the student rollout events. Parents will receive information relative to “Getting to Know the Mac” and “How to Print at Home” as well as other introductory material. Some schools go beyond this if there is a community need for parents to have access to the computers after the students have gone to bed (but see the question above about charged batteries at the start of the school day!).
Q: What are some common reasons for failures?
A: The most common reasons for failure are lack of preparation and lack of training. BHS has been proactive in this area. High School teachers have already begun extensive planning including research, workshops, meetings, with various groups of faculty on different aspects of 1:1, for the past 18 months. The faculty have had their own laptops for one or two years and have participated in various trainings and workshops for at least a year. There should be no reason for failure, here. We will be even better prepared as we go through the extensive training offered by Apple (included in the price of the initiative).