Frequently+Asked+Questions

Frequently Asked Questions Q1: When and how will we learn about the students’ laptop computers and how to operate them? Parent training and orientation will take place at the beginning of the school year and when necessary throughout the year. During the initial training, parents will be informed about the district policies and procedures and will learn a little about the student computers. As we progress, parents will be given the opportunity to attend training sessions if necessary to learn basic computer skills and how to access on-line resources. Q2: Will the computer work with other peripherals? Only those devices approved and supported by the district can be used in conjunction with your child’s laptop. Any special circumstances regarding attaching your own devices to the laptop should be addressed in writing to the building principal. Q3: What software is used on the laptops? We currently use Open Office Writer and Open Office Impress. Students will be using Internet Explorer and ActivInspire. Q4: Will the students get e-mail addresses via school and if so, when? At the present time, we are not assigning the children personal e-mail accounts. However, as this project expands, we may decide to offer school-sponsored accounts to some students. If and when this is to occur, we will inform parents of the intended use of the e-mail accounts. Parental permission would be required before a student could be given an account. Q5: If we have an Internet connection at home, will my child be able to access the internet from home? If you would like your child to access the Internet from home on their laptop, the parent will need to make a request in writing to Mrs. Fleegle. That request needs to include the name of your provider, type of service (dial-up, cable, DSL, etc.), and all of the access information (for instance, phone number for dial-up account). We will need to evaluate the provider and their various configuration options for access in order to make a determination on whether an adequate connection can be made using the school provided laptops. If it is deemed appropriate, we will notify you in writing that it is acceptable to use the laptop with your ISP. We will also assist you at that time in configuring the laptop for the connection. Q6: What if there are parents who do not want their child/children bringing the laptop home? If you would prefer that your child not be responsible for carrying the laptop between home and school, alternate arrangements can be made. No child will be forced to take the computer home if the parent is opposed to this. Please contact Mrs. Fleegle in writing if this is a concern for you and your child. Q7: If we want our child to bring the computer home for assignments, will we be required to purchase additional insurance for the laptop computers? At this time we are not requiring additional insurance; however, the parents will be asked to sign an agreement that indicates they will be responsible for repair or replacement of equipment that is damaged or lost due to negligence (up to a maximum of $500.00). Q8: How can I help my child with homework when I don’t know how to use the new technology? <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Don’t worry. There are many options to choose from when you are looking for help. We want you to feel comfortable with the technology and capable of offering at-home support when necessary. With this in mind, we have designed a series of training and support services for you. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">At the first orientation session you will be given an overview of the project and what the expectations are for parents. You will also be given all of the necessary forms to sign. Additionally, you will be given very basic instruction on using the laptop. This will include an introduction to booting up and shutting down the computers properly and a review of the installed software. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Subsequently, there will be workshops offered on the different application packages that are available on your child’s laptop. Our first set of sessions will be developed based upon the needs you indicate. Many other workshops will be announced as the program is implemented. Please remember that we will crawl before we walk and walk before we run. Introduction of technology will be gradual. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Q9: What is the implementation schedule for the laptop program? <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Our goal for year one is simply to get the tools into the hands of the teachers and students so that they may begin to use technology to enhance their learning. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">During the first year, we will be concentrating our efforts on setting the system in place for the use of technology. Classrooms and district facilities will be connected to the wireless network. Teachers and students will be given laptops. Additionally, we will begin infusing technology into the curriculum. We will work with the teachers to help find the most effective uses of technology. Teachers will look for opportunities within their classrooms to use technology as a tool for promoting learning. Teachers will be supported through workshops and training opportunities. The network and supporting devices were developed based on industry standards so that teachers can use curriculum and resources that fully meet standards for compatibility and security. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Q10: How will our school develop new curriculum and teaching strategies? <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We will use technology to extend and enhance the curriculum that is being used in all classes. Technology is a powerful tool in the hands of students. As a part of our mission, each student will be expected to be able to use the computer in many ways, including: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As a learning tool; This means having a computer in the classroom on which to learn fundamental skills such as using the mouse/touchpad and keyboard, and for using the computer as an aid to learning basic reading, writing, mathematics, science skills, and basic research techniques. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As a creative tool; This means using the computer to write assignments and papers and to combine images, graphics, animation, sounds, charts and text into multimedia presentations that enhance the expression of ideas, interdisciplinary concepts, and differing viewpoints. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As an analytical tool for the sciences and other subjects; This means using the computer to record, calculate and analyze numerical information, test hypotheses, and to ask “what if” questions and to understand the results of such an analyses. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As a communications tool; This means using the computer to exchange ideas among audiences small and large via the publishing of information on the World Wide Web. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As a research tool; This means using the computer to locate needed information from both inside and outside the school and to discriminate information that is truthful, correct, and useful from information that is false, mere rumor, or insufficiently supported by facts and corroboration. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Teachers will continue leading the development of curriculum in their classrooms, expanding and enriching their existing lessons by developing lessons which foster critical thinking skills, on an ongoing basis. Technology department personnel will support teachers in development and integration of technology in the curriculum. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Q11: Why do our children really need laptops? Why is this necessary? <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The best answer to this question can be found by listening to those who have experienced laptop schools. *Anytime Anywhere Learning explains: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Laptop learning forces you to rethink the computer’s role in the classroom as well as in the curriculum. In a laptop environment, you can move beyond the narrow idea of computing for its own sake and, instead, view technology as a tool for fostering productivity in learning. When all students have their own mobile computers, the laptop becomes an integral part of the instructional process. “Students explore more broadly than ever before, and technology-laptops and the wealth of tools and information available on the World Wide Web-serves as a vehicle for this exploration.” <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Today’s technology enables faster and more intense learning.” In time, the curriculum will focus less on mere content mastery and, instead, emphasize the ability to ask probing questions, the skills to research those questions and the means to make use of the results. Technology allows teachers to focus less on simple recall and more on students’ new skills: comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. The significance of new technology is that it is a tool for increasing productivity and enables teachers to better achieve common, long-held, and traditional goals for education. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Q12: How are the students expected to charge their laptop batteries? How many hours per day do the batteries need to be charged? <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Students should not remove the batteries from their system. The battery must remain in the computer as it is charging. Laptop batteries are operable for approximately five hours before charging is necessary. If the students take their laptop home, we expect the students to plug in their laptops overnight to charge the laptop batteries so that students will arrive at school each day with the batteries fully charged. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Q13: Aside from word processing and accessing data, what advantage is there in using computers for other areas of the curriculum such as mathematical analysis and science? <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Currently our students are using technology extensively. We chose to give the students laptops because we have had a problem trying to satisfy the needs of students and teachers with limited equipment when new technology is needed. For instance, students use spreadsheets for graphing, problem solving, and data analysis. Students have access to over 3,000 periodicals and other online resources. We believe that laptops for each student and teacher will continue our progression of depth and breadth within our curriculum. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Q14: What about handwriting? Won’t my child’s handwriting suffer from using a keyboard all day long? <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">First of all, it is a fallacy to believe that students will be using the keyboard all day long. They will not be. Technology is a tool. Students will use this tool when it enriches and expands the lesson within the existing curriculum. Handwriting will continue to be taught and students will still practice and utilize this skill. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Q15: Won’t the students be able to cheat by using the spell check? What effect will that have on their spelling skills? <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Spelling skills will continue to be taught. As part of the curriculum, vocabulary words are benchmarked for each grade level. Students will continue to be tested on this. However, an important aspect of improving a child’s spelling skills occurs when students read and write regularly. The spell checker catches misspelled words and shows a child how to spell the word correctly. If a child misspells a word repeatedly and develops the habit of viewing it incorrectly, it becomes more difficult to change. The spell checker immediately shows a child that a mistake has been made and how to correct it. This is an additional reinforcement that could prove to be helpful to a student. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Q16: How will our children save their files while at school and at home? Will they store files on the hard drive and then remove their work periodically? <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Every student when they login will have 2 drives. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">The “H” drive is their own personal drive that they can save work to (note: these drives are only available while logged into the network at school). <span style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">The “O” drive will allow the students to pick up work, and place completed work on that drive. Under that drive you will see each grade level. Click on the grade level you want. The first folder is “workspace” – for the students to work on a document and save it back to the same location so the teacher can view the document the student has created. The “handouts” folder is for the teachers to place assignments or documents for the students to copy. The “handouts” folder is read only for the students so they will need to save a copy on their “H” drive. <span style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">When a student wants to work on a project at home they will need to save it locally on the computer’s desktop or documents folder. Then when the student returns to school the document can be backed up to the “H” drive. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Q17: Accidents happen even under the best conditions. What happens if the laptop is damaged? <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Please contact the school immediately if a laptop is damaged. The damage will be assessed and every effort will be made to fix the damage done. If the damage is not fixable, parents will be responsible for the repairs and costs up to $500. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Q18: What should we do if our child’s computer is stolen? <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If you believe that your child’s computer has been stolen, there are several steps you will need to follow. First, inform the local authorities about the theft. Next, report the information to the School District by using the Computer Equipment Report form found online on the school web site or in the Forms section of your Parent Handbook. Return the form to the school office. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Q19: What percentage of the school day will the students be using their laptops? <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There is no hard and fast rule as to how long students will use their laptops each day. Use of technology in the curriculum depends on the grade level and where they are in the curriculum at that time. In upper grades, the students may use it more extensively throughout the day. Increased use and integration will occur as students and staff become acclimated. The school district has no plans to eliminate paper, pencil and traditional books. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Q20: Who will be servicing the laptops? How long will it take to complete repairs and have a laptop back to the student? <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Altoona Area School District is responsible for diagnosing and performing all repairs to the equipment. The turn around time for equipment repair is dependent on the number of computers being repaired during the time your work order is submitted. Some loaners will be available depending on the length of time needed for the repair of the computer. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For minor repairs and maintenance, AASD Technical Support personnel will service the equipment. However, HP representatives will service all other repairs covered by warranty. Many problems such as printer or software based problems will be handled quickly at school. If it is determined that your computer has more complex problems, it will be returned to the manufacturer for repairs. When the computer is returned to the manufacturer, a loaner may be issued to you based on availability. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Q21: If a student is living between two parent households, how will both parents be notified when the student is scheduled for orientation or computer training? <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If both parents are registered in your child’s school office, then both parents will be contacted about the orientation. A letter will be sent to each parent with information concerning times and procedures for orientation. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Q22: What security programs will be implemented and how often will they be upgraded? <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Altoona Area School District, in accordance with federal law, filters all Internet access when your child is using computer equipment in our schools. This filtering of objectionable material is updated through a subscription program. Although no filtering program is fool-proof, we make every effort to safeguard our students through regular monitoring. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Additionally, the AASD will randomly audit the computer systems on a regular basis to check for hardware and software problems that would compromise the integrity of the computer system and our networks. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Q23: How will I be informed about changes to the laptop program and revisions to the guidelines, etc.? <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In addition to newsletters, parent workshops, and information sent home by the teachers, we will post necessary information on the SPARK Wikispace. This will include the latest information on the program, technical support, the most up-to-date version of this manual and all necessary forms. As the program expands, so will this information. We will eventually include many helpful tools for parents and students via our website. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Q24: How often will my student be able to bring the laptop home? <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Students will take the laptop home when they are working on a project that can be carried over at home. They will not be able to take the laptop home everyday. They will take the laptops home when approved by one of the SPARK teachers. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Q25: What grades are able to take the laptops home? <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Only grades four through six will be eligible to take the laptops home. We are allowing these grades to take the laptops home because of the responsibility that goes along with this privilege. Parents must attend mandatory trainings to maintain this privilege. Parents and students must also abide by the User Agreement.