Laptops for Learning Program

Laguna Blanca Middle School

ANNOUNCEMENTS

8/10/11 - Email sent to seventh and eighth grade parents requesting they register for a Laptops Boot Camp session on Friday, September 2 or Tuesday, September 6. Link to registration page on Moodle: moodle.lagunablanca.org/mod/choice/view.php

7/5/11 - Email sent by Barbara Remick to parents reminding them of the (optional) Laptop Purchase Program ordering deadline on July 13, 2011.

6/6/11 - Email sent by Barbara Remick, Director of Technology, to all new and returning Middle School parents. Email message link.

5/13/11 - New Laptop Purchase Program! We are happy to announce that we have selected the Lenovo Thinkpad Edge E220 as the recommended laptop computer for next year. We are able to offer it for sale through the school for interested families. The Lenovo laptop will be configured for use on the school’s wifi network and any software you select upon ordering will be installed by the school. We are also able to get a three year accidental damage warranty for only $149! The laptop will be ready to pick up prior to the start of school during one of the Laptop Boot Camp sessions. Follow these links for more info: Laptops Purchase Program Lenovo E220 Tech Specs Lenovo Laptop Order Form

5/3/11 - Student discounts for Microsoft Office Suite are available through the CAPSO website (California Association of Private Schools Organizations). Once registered on the website, students must prove eligibility by providing student ID, report card, or school issued email account. Since all students in grades 5-12 are issued school email accounts, we recommend using it for this purpose. If you do not know your email address or have not used your email account, please contact Ms. Remick for more information.

4/20/11 - We are currently selecting a laptop model which will be available for families to purchase through the school, and we will be emailing information to parents soon. The laptop will be formatted and configured by Laguna Blanca's Computer Department, and it will be ready for students when they return in the fall. It will include a three year accidental damage warrantee, antivirus software, Microsoft Office 2010, and Windows 7. Price will range will most likely be between $900 - $1,100.

About the Laptops for Learning Program

The Laptops for Learning Program will begin its second year in September 2011. All Middle School students in grades five through eight will be required to bring their own laptops or netbooks to school every day. Below are questions that parents and students may have about the program. If you need additional information, please email Barbara Remick, Director of Technology.

FAQ's FOR PARENTS

Q. What is the purpose of the Laptops for Learning Program at LBS?
Q. Why aren't all LBS students included in the Laptops for Learning Program?
Q. How much does this program cost?
Q. Will parents be required to purchase a new laptop for the Laptops for Learning Program?
Q. What are the minimum requirements for the laptop or netbook?
Q. Can my child bring an Internet capable device (i.e. cell phone, iPad, etc.) in lieu of using a laptop?
Q. What about Internet filtering at school?
Q. Are there any forms or documents parents need to sign?
Q. How will I be notified of any changes or announcements about the Program?

FAQ's FOR STUDENTS

Q. What is the Laptops for Learning Program?
Q. What kind of laptop do I need?
Q. What software do I need to have on my laptop?
Q. What else do I need to bring for my laptop?
Q. How will I backup my files?
Q. I am a new student. How do I get my account started?
Q. When should I start bringing my laptop to school?
Q. What is Laptop Boot Camp?
Q. What if my laptop won’t work properly at school?
Q. Can I charge my laptop while at school?
Q. What if I forget to bring my laptop to school?
Q. What if I lose or break my laptop?
Q. Where can I use my laptop at school?
Q. Where will I keep my computer files?
Q. How do I print from my laptop?
Q. Can I let my friends use my laptop?
Q. Where do I keep my laptop when I’m not using it?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR PARENTS

Q. What is the purpose of the Laptops for Learning Program at LBS?

A. This program signifies Laguna Blanca's participation in a worldwide paradigm shift in the delivery of instruction, which is moving from teacher-centered to more student-centered. Research has found that when students personalize their education, they perceive the learning context or setting to be supportive and thus remain engaged in learning.

The primary goals of the Laptops for Learning Program are:

to provide students with direct and continuous access to learning resources and experiences throughout the school day.
to have students use their laptops regularly and with purpose during teacher directed activities.
to have personal digital devices, such as laptops, ultimately become cognitive tools that are holistically integrated into the teaching and learning processes of the school.
to improve students' technology skills and better prepare them for a technology filled future.
for everyone involved to recognize that in this digital age, teaching practices are continually evolving, and that LBS teachers will continue to seek out and model best practices that infuse technology appropriately into the learning process.

More information on 21st century learning skills can be found at www.21stcenturyskills.org.

Q. Why aren't all LBS students included in the Laptops for Learning Program?

A. To keep the program manageable and to insure success, the school is rolling out the program in stages. Stage one is taking place this year (2010-11) and includes fifth and seventh grade students. As we prepare for 2011-2012, we are conducting an ongoing evaluation of the program to insure its instructional value for our students. It is important that we be able to test our teaching strategies on a small scale and make adjustments to the curriculum and technology infrastructure before the program is implemented into more grades. Over the years, slow implementation of new initiatives has proven to be the most successful.

Q. How much does this program cost?

A. The cost to families is for the purchase of a new laptop or netbook if they do not currently own one, and for required software. See the table below for projected costs for 2011- 2012:

Required Hardware:
Netbook or Laptop	$300-1,500
Protective Carrying Case	$25-50
*Required Software
PC: Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2010 or	$75-150
Mac: OS X and Microsoft Office 2011	$75-150
Anti-virus software (Free programs are also available online)	$10-30
Other free downloads required are Java, Flash and Adobe Reader	$0

* Students can get reduced prices on Microsoft Office for Windows or Mac through the CAPSO website.

Q. Will parents be required to purchase a new laptop for the Laptops for Learning Program?

A. Only if they currently do not own one that meets the minimum requirments below. The school has a program for loaning netbooks to any families who might need to seek assistance. You may contact Barbara Remick, Director of Technology for information about assistance.

Q. What are the minimum requirements for the laptop or netbook?

Laptop minimum requirements:

OS - Windows 7, Mac OS 10
1.6 GHz 32-bit processor
2 GB of system memory
100 GB hard drive
128 MB of graphics memory
WIFI 802.11 b/g/n
USB ports
4+ hour battery life

Netbook minimum requirements:

OS Windows 7 or Windows 7 Starter
1.6 GHz Atom Processor
1 GB of system memory
60 GB hard drive
128 MB of graphics memory
WIFI 802.11 b/g/n
USB ports
6+ hour life (look for 6 cell battery)

It is strongly recommended that the computer not be older than two years of age and that it is covered by an extended warranty with accident coverage. If you have yet to purchase a laptop for the upcoming school year, you might consider purchasing a preconfigured computer through the School. Here's more information about the Laptops for Learning Purchase Program.

Q. Can my child bring an Internet capable device (i.e. cell phone, iPad, etc.) in lieu of using a laptop?

A. No. The Laptops for Learning Program is designed around classroom use of laptops and Web-based resources. While the small size of an iPad, Blackberry or iPhone is convenient, the processing power and memory does not meet the specifications which will be required for the resources and assignments teachers are planning to use. The iPad does not display Flash enabled websites, many of which are used by our teachers.

Q. What about Internet filtering at school?

A. All computers used at school are subject to our filtering system, whether on the WIFI or standard network. It's important to keep in mind that no filtering system is perfect, so students are expected to observe the guidelines set forth in the School’s Acceptable Use Policy while using any digital device at school.

Q. Are there any forms or documents parents need to sign?

A. We would like parents to sign a release form which will permit faculty and staff to make necessary software alterations to a student's laptop should it become necessary in order to use the computer at school.

Q. How will I be notified of any changes or announcements about the Program?

A. We will send out email messages to Middle School parents with any important information they need to have about the Laptops for Learning Program. Therefore, it is important that the School have current email addresses for parents. Please contact Chris Davis in the Main Office to update email addresses. We will also post updates to this webpage as needed. Please contact Barbara Remick, Director of Technology with any questions that are not addressed on this webpage.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR STUDENTS

Q. What is the Laptops for Learning Program (L4L)?

A. In the 2010-2011 school year, students in grades five and seven have been bringing their own laptops to school every day to use in their classes. Beginning next year, all students in the fifth through eighth grades will bring their own laptops to school every day. Students connect to the Internet over our WIFI network and use Microsfot Office for creating documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. They also connect to various websites depending on what teachers have planned for their classes.

Q. What kind of laptop do I need?

A. Students are to bring a fully charged, lightweight netbook or laptop running Windows 7 or Max OS X, with a of battery life of at least 4 hours. Students are asked not to bring iPads to school for the L4L Program. Your parents have been sent a list of the minimum requirements for your laptop. (See list above.)

Q. What software do I need to have on my laptop?

A. If you do not already have it, you need to purchase and install Microsoft Office 2010 for Windows or Microsoft Office 2011 for Mac. For Internet browsing, please download and install Firefox. You will also need a current anti virus software, Java, Flash, and Adobe Reader on your laptop. Some teachers may have you download certain “open source” software programs, which are free for everyone.

Q. When should I start bringing my laptop to school?

A. Fifth and Sixth grade students will bring laptops beginning the second day of school. Seventh and eighth grade students will begin using laptops at school after trip week, but are required to attend one of two Laptop Bootcamps. The dates for the Laptop Bootcamps will be determined soon.

Q. What is Laptop Boot Camp?

A. Laptop Boot Camp is a two hour session on Friday, September 2, 2011. At Laptop Boot Camp, all seventh and eighth grade students, and their laptops, will be prepared for use of the school's wifi and network. Fifth and sixth grade students will have Laptop Boot Camp during class in the first week of school. Students may attend either a morning session from 10:00 to noon, or an afternoon session from 2:00 to 4:00. An email will be sent to parents in early August asking for you to sign up for one of the sessions. For students who are unable to attend either session on Friday, a makeup Boot Camp will be available on Tuesday, September 6 from 3:30 to 5:30, right after Middle School Kickoff Day activities conclude.

The amount of time you need to be at Laptop Boot Camp is dependent upon the needs of you and your laptop. New students will initiate their network, email, and Moodle accounts at this time. Laptops will then be checked for the minimum requirements and connected to the school WIFI network. If you do not have a current anti-virus license on your laptop, we will install ESET anti-virus for you at no charge. We will also prepare you to use your laptop responsibly and safely at school. You will learn about the School's expectations and routines for using software programs, the Internet, and how to manage your data.

Q. What else do I need to bring for my laptop?

A. Please bring a protective carrying case and power cord. It is very important that you are able to protect your laptop from bumps and dropping with a sturdy case. A power cord is also very important especially if your laptop will not hold a charge for at least 4 hours.

Q. How will I backup my files?

A. Students are asked to use Moodle Flash Drive on the school's Moodle site. Other options are using an external harddrive or a USB flash drive.

Q. I am a new student. How do I get my account started?

A. New students will be able to activate their Laguna Blanca School network, email, and Moodle accounts during the Laptops Boot Camp on Friday, September 2, 2011.

Q. What if my laptop won’t work properly at school?

A. The Technology Department staff (Ms. Remick and Mr. Laza) will do their best to get your computer going on the WIFI network. If we cannot resolve the problem because of low disk space, or faulty or obsolete hardware, your parents will need to help with providing repairs or upgrades.

Q. Can I charge my laptop while at school?

A. Yes. It is recommended that you come to school with a fully charged laptop each day. But if needed, teachers can provide extension cords for you to use during class. Be sure to bring your laptop power cord each day.

Q. What if I forget to bring my laptop to school?

A. You may use a school loaner for one day while at school. Some teachers may have consequences for students who repeatedly forget to bring their laptop to school. So, do your best to bring it!

Q. What if I lose or break my laptop?

A. We will have a few laptops on hand to loan out to students who have lost their laptop, or are having theirs repaired. We will only be able to provide a loaner for a few days while repairs or replacement of the student’s laptop can occur. Loaner computers cannot go home, so saving files online to Moodle is the best way to get access to your files.

Q. Where can I use my laptop at school?

A. You can use your laptop during classes under the direction of a teacher. You can also use it before school, at lunch, and during study hall and breaks, but only in a classroom where a teacher is present. You are not allowed to use your laptop outside or in an unsupervised room. Even though it is your laptop, you are still only allowed to use it for school related activities when at school. Remember, each student signs the Acceptable Use Policy at the beginning of the year and is expected to understand what is permitted with any technology while at school.

Q. Where will I keep my computer files?

A. You will not have access to school file servers unless you are using a School-owned computer. So, when using your laptop you should save your files to class folders on your computer and back them up on Moodle Flash Drive.

Q. How do I print from my laptop?

A. Printing will be set up on your laptop during Laptop Bootcamp.

Q. Can I let my friends use my laptop?

A. Loaning your laptop to anyone else is strongly discouraged. The only exception may be leaving it with the Technology Department staff for troubleshooting problems for you.

Q. Where do I keep it when I’m not using it?

A. When not in use, keep your laptop in your backpack or in your locker in its protective case. NEVER leave it unattended. Any laptop left lying out in the hallways or left in a classroom unattended will be taken to the Middle School office where you will need to go to retrieve it. If you repeatedly leave it out and unattended, the School will call your parents to come pick it up for you.