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Q
Why introduce a one-to-one laptop learning program?
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A
Technology plays a part in all our lives through work, play, and study. At St. Andrew’s, we believe it is important to provide efficient and powerful tools to our students to expand their creative horizons, enhance their critical faculties, and experience wise boundaries in a supportive learning environment. The Apple laptop is a tool that crosses subject, grade, and even global divisions in education. By using laptops in the classroom, we will open up a new world of possibilities to allow innovative, student-centered learning.
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Q
What are the hardware and software specifics of the one-to-one initiative?
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Each student in Grades 4 - 6, in September 2012, will receive a brand new MacBook Air, a charger, a hard shell case, and a padded neoprene zippered sleeve. The laptop will be loaded with an array of software, including MS Office, Adobe Creative Suite, several age-appropriate learning tools such as Kidspiration, and access to cloud-based school-subscribed software.
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Q
Why is the school going with laptops instead of iPads for its one-to-one program?
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A
The features and functionality of the Macbook Air, as well as the professional suite of software and applications available, provide our students with a more robust and well-rounded tool for learning at this point in time. As the iPad technology evolves, we will continuously evaluate and assess the effectiveness of the various options for different grade levels and divisions.
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Q
How often will my child receive a new machine?
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On a three-year-cycle, each student will receive a new laptop. The make and model will be the most current and appropriate in that year for the school’s educational purposes.
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Q
How will this be paid for?
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There will be a technology program fee that is separate and distinct from tuition. For the 2012-13 school year, the fee will be set at $525. This all-inclusive fee represents a significant discount from the combined retail cost of the laptop, software, warranty, insurance, and support provided by the school’s program.
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Q
If my child already owns a laptop, will he or she be able to use that laptop at school?
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A
No. A key component of the initiative is the inherent equity of every student having the same laptop. In addition, the uniformity of hardware and software increases the efficiency and effectiveness of the program for the faculty and the technology support professionals.
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Q
My child is not in Grades 4 through 6. When will the program reach the Middle and Upper School divisions?
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The one-to-one learning initiative will extend to students in grades 7 through 12 over the following two years.
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Q
What support is there if my child encounters a problem?
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If the student is at school, the first place to seek help is the classroom teacher. Students will be able to visit technical support at pre-determined times, with the approval of the classroom teacher. The school will provide an online support website where the parent can initiate a repair/query ticket. St. Andrew’s also provides 24-hour online access to Atomic Learning, an extensive subscription-based resource for technology questions.
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Q
What happens if my childʼs laptop breaks?
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The school will provide loaner units. Should a machine be unrepairable, a substitute unit will be provided.
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Q
Will my child have access to enough power to use the laptop throughout the day?
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A
It is the student’s responsibility to come to school with a fully-charged laptop at the beginning of the school day. Charging stations will be available in certain locations at school.
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Q
Can my child put his or her own music, etc., onto the school-issued laptop?
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In general, yes. After passing an online test, and as needed, they will have limited rights, and the capability to download additional applications in accordance with St. Andrew’s Acceptable Use Policy.
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Q
Is there anything my child will have to do prior to receiving a laptop?
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A
Students will be required to pass an online test comprising all aspects of laptop ownership and responsibility. Students are not expected to have prior tech skills and knowledge. At an age-appropriate level, these will be incorporated into class work.
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Q
Will my child receive training on how to use the laptop?
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Students will receive training in class on how to set preferences, save documents, and use the software programs. Teachers will model how to use programs to complete assignments before they are sent home for homework.
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Q
What protection against inappropriate content will be provided?
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Parents and teachers are in partnership in the one-to-one learning initiative in the Intermediate School. The school will provide cloud-based content filtering that is available wherever the laptop is connected to an online network.
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Q
I have more questions. Who can I ask about the one-to-one program for 2012-13?
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A
Anne Macdonell, the Academic Technology Coordinator, will be pleased to answer any questions. She can be reached by email at amacdonell@saes.org or at extension 258. Additionally, Amanda Macomber or Mark Segal would also be able to help with questions about the program.
Additionally, please mark your calendars for Monday, Jan. 9, 2012. At 8:30 a.m. that day, we will host a breakfast for current parents of second through fifth graders. The breakfast will take place in the Athletic Center, the future home of the Intermediate School. Head of School, Robert Kosasky, will speak about upcoming facility improvements. Anne Macdonell, Head of Academic Technology, will explain the benefits and details of the expanded laptop program. Amanda Macomber and Natalie Adams, our fourth grade teacher and Intermediate School Curriculum Coordinator, will discuss the curriculum. At 9:30 a.m., interested Lower School parents will be invited to take a tour of the Postoak Campus. If you plan to attend the breakfast, please RSVP to Laura Lo at (301) 983-5200, ext. 233.
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Q
When will my child receive the laptop and will we keep it during vacations and summer break?
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Laptops will be distributed during a mandatory parent and student orientation session, prior to the first day of school. Further information about the orientation meetings will be made available in the school mailings and on this website. During the orientation session, students and parents will be given the grade-appropriate guidelines determined by homeroom teachers about when the laptops go home.
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