One to One Computing- FAQ's

As teachers prepare for the new "One to One" teaching classroom, questions are bound to arise.  He are some of the most commonly heard questions that we have received from teachers along with some answers that might help.

How will kids identify their computers for the rest of the semester? 

The laptops all look the same when they first arrive however, an identification sticker with the student’s name, school and metric number will be attached to the bottom of the laptop.  Student information will also be included on a card which can be kept with the case.  Because laptops will be turned in at the end of the school year, students are not permitted to put any stickers or other markings on their laptops.
 

When and how do the kids get their laptops out in class?

Kids will be anxious to get their laptops, especially initially, so establishing an orderly protocol of small groups or pairs to retrieve their laptops from the cart or storage space if you have one.  Classroom rules will be different for middle and high school classes (where students carry their laptops with them) as opposed to elementary classes (where computers remain with the same teacher).  Teachers should take these logistics into consideration when setting up classroom norms and rules.

How will you handle a laptop that returns from home with its battery not charged but the student needs the laptop for the lesson?

If you don’t intend to use the laptops until later in the day leave the laptops in the cart or charging station until you are ready to use them.  Make sure that you have an outlet or power stip easily accissible to a student who may need to plug in.

Where will you store laptops during class transitions?

Student laptops should always be left in their cases.  The ONLY time student laptops should be removed from their case is when they are returned to their cart for charging or stored by the teacher in the classroom.

If a student must take it to another room, how will they carry their laptop?

Laptops should never be transported while open as even normal handling can damage the screen.  Teachers should make sure that laptops are safely closed and stored in their case before allowing students to leave the classroom.

Where can you connect the laptops if the wireless connection is not working?

In addition to connecting to the SUSD servers via a wireless signal, student computers may also be plugged directly into the blue Ethernet cables (the same way your current classroom computers connect).  Teachers should make sure that they have at least 5 blue network cords (like the ones that your desktop is plugged into) available for students to use in the event of connectivity problems.

How do I troubleshoot basic connectivity problems?

A troubleshooting guide to basic connectivity issues will be included in the Student Computer Handbook.  There are also trouble shooting resources (including PowerPoints, videos, lesson ideas..etc.) stored on the district Technology Coaching webpage at http://www.susd12.org/laptop-lesson-plans

Do you have the contact information for help if you need it (site tech, Teacher Technology Facilitator, Help Desk Number)?

In addition to your individual site resources (i.e. your site tech, Facilitator...etc.) you may also receive assistance by contacting the I.T. Help Desk at 545-HELP (Ext. 4357).  If you require help or support with with integrating technology into your lessons, you should contact the Technology Integration Coaches at 545-2245.

WHEN the Computers Arrive...

What site plan (if any) do you have in place for distributing the laptops on the first day?
Each school will determine their procedure for distributing laptops during the “1 to 1 Rollout” ceremony.  Please check with your   principal or site administrator for details.   

How will you demonstrate the basic features of the laptops to students?

Lesson plans and suggestions on how to introduce some of the basic operational features of your student laptops can be found on the Technology Coaching Webpage http://www.susd12.org/laptop-lesson-plans

What are some technology resources or websites that can be used in conjunction with the curriculum that you are currently covering in your class?

Before your laptops arrive, take some time to explore some of the resource links which have been posted to the SUSD Technology Coaching webpage.  These should provide you with some ideas on how to incorporate appropriate web resources into your classroom instruction.  http://www.susd12.org/content/resource-guides

How can the laptop be incorporated into your current daily classroom routine?
Ultimately, the goal of the District’s “One to One Computing Initiative” is to enhance student learning and engagement through the use of appropriate student technology. This does NOT mean, however, that you will be using your student computers for EVERY aspect of your daily class routine.  Before your student laptops arrive, take a moment to consider WHICH aspects of your daily routine most lend themselves to the integration of student laptops.

How will you handle students who are off visiting web sites that they should not be?
The district has purchased VISION management software which will be installed on all student computers.  This software will allow teachers to monitor student activity, block or restrict access to the Internet and demonstrate basic operations to students.  All One to One teachers will receive training on the VISION software to allow you to fully utilize its functions within your classroom. 

At what point will students be allowed to take their laptops home with them?
Students will not be permitted to take their laptops home with them until they have demonstrated a knowledge of proper care and maintenance by earning their Digital Drivers License. 

AFTER the Computers Arrive...

What is the protocol if a student laptop is lost or stolen?
The district has set aside a limited number of laptops to act as loaners for units that have been lost or stolen.  If a loaner is not available, you may be able to temporarily replace the student laptop with one from your existing site laptop cart.  These units would be available for class use only.  Liability for student laptops is spelled out in the “One to One Parent/Student Contract” which parents must sign before laptops are issued to the students.

How would you go about repairing a laptop that is not functioning?
You site tech may be able to fix simple problems relating to basic operations.  For more     serious problems, a work order should be submitted to the I.T. Help Desk and they will instruct you on how to proceed from there.

How can students submit work or assignments via their laptops?
Students can submit assignments to your school’s “Common” or shared drive.  They can also submit assignments via email, through a class web page like learn.susd12.org  or through a web based application such as www.dropbox.com

  
What should I do if the student “common” drives are not showing up?
By clicking on the “common.bat” option on the start menu, students can remap to school common drives.  Inability to connect to school drives is most commonly caused by having an incomplete student profile.  This problem can usually be fixed by plugging the student computer to a blue Ethernet cable and restarting. 

Do your students have a “safe transport and storage” plan for their laptops at home?
Students will be required to demonstrate that they have a safe transport and storage plan at home before they are able to receive their “Digital Driver’s License”.

What should I do if I discover that students have been visiting inappropriate websites? 

Teachers are encouraged to randomly check the browser history of laptops on a regular basis.  If you discover any inappropriate web activity, please contact your Parental Involvement Administrator or Principal immediately.