Year 9 MacBook Program 2014 Parent Information Booklet

Transcription

1 VNovember Year 9 MacBook Program 2014 Parent Information Booklet As we are aware, the 21st Century is very much a digital age. Education is now making enormous use of digital technologies and as part of that, more and more learning environments are now accessing the benefits of these advancements. In order to better prepare our students and give them every advantage educationally in the future, our school adopts a personal laptop program for students. Ringwood Secondary College

2 Contents Page Section 1: Overview Section 2: The 1:1 Laptop Program Section 3: Laptop Care Section 4: Maintaining a Safe Environment Section 5: Responsible Use Section 6: Writing Skills & Homework Section 7: Time of use on Laptop

3 Section 1: Overview The personal laptop program continues into its eigth year at the Year 9 level in The students will be provided with an Apple MacBook Pro that is light-weight and easily transported from home to school. The MacBook Pro comes with a range of software and learning tools designed to make teaching and learning more engaging. The MacBook Pro has a built-in video camera, microphone, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and also works with most printers, cameras and other peripherals. The Mac Book Pro comes as a complete hardware-software package with a range of software applications that are not available with PCs and window operating systems. The recommended laptop for our students required accessories is : MacBook Pro 13" Bundle Ringwood Secondary College MacBook Pro 13" 2.5GHz Dual core Intel i5 4Gb 500 GBSuperdrive STM Kitty Hardcover laptop Case Three Year On-Site AppleCare Protection Plan to suit 13" MacBook ibroker 3-year Repair and Replace Insurance for the MacBook Our 1: 1 program for Year 9 students has an emphasis on the laptop as a learning tool to foster and promote students with their capability to collaborate, share information, share experiences, work across the domains of our curriculum and to lead students to be able to be self directed in their learning. This is supported by teachers who have skills and expertise in understanding the curriculum that is to be covered and who are able to ensure that this curriculum is delivered in a manner that engages every child in their learning to their maximum potential. Our 1: 1 learning program ensures that each student has an Apple MacBook Pro to use at school, enabling communication and collaboration among peers, teachers, family and the wider global community. Students are able to access their learning via appropriate applications at both school and home as directed by their classroom teacher. The benefits to the students include: ANYWHERE - Students will be able to access the technology they need anywhere in the school. ANYTIME - Technology will be available at the school or home for students. ANY WAY - Students will have the tools to create information and media-rich work. Provides them with different methods of learning. Teaches them how to be discerning when accessing information. Supports their ethical use of technology. Enables them to increase their knowledge and supports their ability to extend their own learning independently. Provides for improved communication between teachers, students and parents. Encourages them to be lifelong learners. Why a MacBook Pro? The MacBook Pro comes with a range of software and learning tools designed to make teaching and learning easier and more engaging. The MacBook Pro has a built in retina video camera, microphone, Wi-Fi, thunderbolt connection and Bluetooth, and also works with most printers, cameras and other peripherals.

4 The MacBook Pro comes as a complete hardware-software package with a range of software applications that are not available with PCs and Windows operating systems. The MacBook Pro weighs around 2kg. What software does the MacBook Pro come with? The MacBook Pro comes pre-loaded with a range of software applications including Mail, Safari Web Browser, itunes, and the ilife and iwork software suites. The ilife suites includes iphoto, imovie, idvd, iweb and Garageband applications. It is installed with the latest Lion operating system. The iwork suite includes Pages word processing and desktop publishing program, Keynote presentation software, and Numbers spreadsheet software. These programs are able to open, read and save in the file format used by Microsoft programs. The school will license and install other software for students to use that is specific to their learning and students can also use open source software. This includes the full Adobe suite. Textbooks Over the past few years, we have reduced the number of books that the students need to carry. Most studies have digital versions of the textbook, which can be stored on the MacBook Pro. Students would generally need to carry their MacBook Pro, a diary, a notebook and stationery for when their notebook isn t needed. At Home (Home and School Users only) The laptop is for the student s own use. One of the benefits of this is that students can complete and save work directly onto their notebook/tablet without needing to connect to the internet and can access their work anytime, anywhere. If they are able to connect to the Internet at home they will be able to access a range of digital learning content for collaboration with their teachers and peers. Battery Life The battery life is approximately 7 hours wireless web use. If used wisely, most notebooks that have been fully charged overnight will have enough charge to last the school day. Students will be issued a power pack to keep at home, and will need to develop a routine to ensure they charge their notebook for the following school day. There will not be re- charging facilities at school. How often will the laptop be used? The nature of the 1:1 laptop environment is that students will have their laptops with them and available for use throughout the school day. This does not mean though that they will be used in every class. Like other learning tools, the use of notebooks will depend on the particular learning activity and this is at the discretion of the teacher. Laptop activities will blend with others such as writing, reading, discussion, debate and testing and students will find that their use of laptops will vary from day to day. Will the laptop have Internet access from home? The school will provide Internet access when on campus. Parents are responsible for providing Internet access at home if they wish.

5 Section 2: The 1:1 Laptop Program The Laptop Ringwood Secondary College will provide each student with an Apple MacBook Pro laptop in Year 9. The school owns the laptop. The students will use the laptop at school and take it home as necessary in the hard case that has also been provided through this agreement. Parents will have the options of purchasing the laptop at the end of the rental period. How is a 1:1 take-home model better than computer laboratories? Using computer labs involves teachers booking the labs in advance, transporting the students into the lab, getting them settled and then getting to work. Desktop computers are set in permanent configurations and don t provide for flexibility. When each student has their own laptop, teachers can instruct students to work individually to research, or in different group modes. Rather than bulking all research tasks into one lesson, technology can be streamlined into the activities and students can transition between tasks and learning environments. Access at school and home allows students to access a wider array of resources to support their learning, to communicate with their peers and teachers, and to become fluent in their use of the technology available. Students access a wide range of technology already. Integrating it into their learning provides further opportunities to educate them to use technology appropriately, to use it to learn as well as play. Ownership and Cost The laptop is the property of the school. All students are expected to adhere to the Responsible Use Procedures. Students who breach the policies which have been agreed to and signed by both parents and students, will not be able to take home their laptop for a length of time as deemed appropriate by the Principal. This is in line with the College s behaviour and education management program and policy. Ringwood Secondary College will cover the majority of the support and software costs associated with the provision of the laptop. The total cost will be $1610 based on single payment and includes the loan of the equipment (period of three years), insurance (refer to documentation) and an extended three year warranty on parts and labour and software. Invoices will be issued where necessary,at the start of each academic year and families will have the following options: 1. A one-off upfront payment of $1600, (inclusive of discount) by February Parents will make an up-front payment of $ on entering into this agreement. (By February ) and two additional annual payments of $550 payable within19 days of the start of each term. 3. Initial payment of $550 (by February ) and for 2014 and 2015, eight equal installments of $150 per term within 19 days of the start of each term. 4. Other arrangements made in consultation with the College Business Manager In the event of the fee installment for the preceding term remaining unpaid 19 days before the new term is to commence, families will be advised that the student will not be permitted to take the laptop home until the account is up to date. Parents will have the opportunity to purchase the laptop as a second hand device at the end of this rental period (December 2016) for a nominal payment, which from past experience is around $50. A separate day user program is available for those not wishing to be Home and School Users

6 Warranty The Apple MacBook comes with an Apple Care Protection Plan three-year warranty. This includes telephone support for both hardware and software for parents, students and staff. Insurance The school has taken out an insurance policy that covers the computer 24/7. Parents will be given a copy of the Terms and Conditions of the policy via the college website. Section 3: Laptop Care It is imperative that students use their laptops in an acceptable manner and as a learning tool. Programs, which allow students to access the Internet, online, chat and must be used in a responsible manner. The school will ensure that students are engaged in learning about safe and responsible practices of being a user of ICT tools. Students must be aware of and abide by the Responsible Use and Mobile Device Agreement. Failure to abide by the user agreement will result in agreed to consequences, or in the event of damage, a financial cost to parents. Student Responsibilities: Usage Laptops can only be used by the student and their immediate family. The laptop is not to be used by any other person including friends, neighbours or extended family who do not live with the student. Additions and Deletion of Software Students are not permitted to delete any software or install additional software without the permission of the Principal. Offensive Content Students are prohibited from accessing or storing offensive images, video and audio on laptops or other digital storage devices that are connected to the use of the laptop. This includes images, videos or audio that is offensive to other cultures, religions and learning abilities. This area will be addressed by the school as part of our ongoing education in relation to appropriate and responsible use of ICT tools. Permanent markers Permanent markers are not permitted on the laptop under any circumstances. Food and Beverages Students are not permitted to eat or drink whilst using their laptop. Charging of Batteries It is the student s responsibility to ensure that their laptop battery is fully charged at home each night. Battery charges are to be kept at home. Transport Laptops are to be carried at all times within the supplied protective carry bag. This includes transporting the laptop from class to class or specialist areas. When leaving the school grounds (sport or going home) laptops are not to be taken out of their protective carry bag and must remain in their school bag. This includes buses, cars or anywhere between school and home including the pick up area. Students who walk or ride their bike to school are expected to carry their laptop in the protective cases, in their school bag. Storage at home and school When at home, it is the family s responsibility to take care of the laptop at all times. At home the laptop should be stored in a safe place, out of reach of younger students and away from areas of excessive heat. At school during lunch and recess breaks or when laptops are not in use laptops are to be stored within their carry bag in their desk. Organisation of Files Students are permitted to create folders to assist them with the organisation of their work.

7 Laptop Use When in use, students need to ensure that the laptops are used in a safe and secure manner in all learning environments. Students need to ensure that their laptop is being used in a physically safe and supportive way. The laptop is NOT to be carried around whilst the screen is open. Back Up Students are able to save work to the school network. Student s multi-media files are stored on the machine. Students are required to take responsibility for their own back up of these files. Students are able to use other portable storage devises such as USB thumb drives and they will have an allocated space on the school network. The Apple MacBook has a fully integrated back up system called Time Machine. This allows for easy back-up management to student provided back up devices. Back-up needs to be completed on a regular basis. Cleaning and Care of Laptops Students are responsible for ensuring that their laptop is always kept in a clean condition. It is imperative that the student maintains a clean laptop by regularly wiping down the outside case with a damp (not wet) cloth. The Laptop screen can be gently wiped with a damp tissue or cloth. Cleaning agents are NOT to be used unless purchased from the Apple Store. Laptops will be checked regularly by teachers and agreed to consequences will be implemented if necessary. Full details of how to care for the Laptop can be found at Loss, Damage and Repair: Loss or Damage: If the laptop is lost, stolen or damaged the student must report it to their classroom teacher as soon as practical during school hours. A Laptop Incident Report Form is to be completed and this is available from the school s website. If a claim against our insurance policy is necessary, forms for theft and accidental damage are also available from the school website. If loss or theft occurs outside of the school, parents are required to inform the police immediately. The Police Report Number will be required to complete this paperwork. Our policy covers Accidental damage including fire Full theft Loss in transit (must be accompanied/cabin baggage) Stolen from a locked vehicle Coverage anywhere in Australia, & in transit Up to original purchase price of the lost equipment Can claim up to twice the sum insured Our policy does not cover Wear and tear or cosmetic damage Theft whilst unattended Theft from vehicle if unlocked or not out of sight Mechanical or electronic breakdown (warranty) Consequential loss of any kind Software (normally replaceable by the college) Accidental and Non Accidental Damage There are two types of damage as defined by the school 1. Accidental damage 2. Non-Accidental damage Accidental Damage: Where a laptop is damaged or stolen and the student and parents have completed the Incident / Insurance Claim Report and met the conditions of the insurance policy.

8 Non-Accidental Damage: Where a Laptop is lost, stolen or damaged and the requirements stated in Section 3 Student Responsibilities have NOT been adequately observed or the conditions of the insurance policy not met. The following are examples of NONaccidental damage or loss: Damage as a result of NOT carrying the laptop in the carry bag. Theft from an unlocked and unattended vehicle. Theft from a vehicle when the laptop was left clearly visible. Theft while left unattended and out of view of the student. This includes: o leaving the Laptop outside a shop, on a sporting field, school bus or unattended in a classroom outside of normal school hours or whilst attending any extra curriculum activity outside of school hours. Scratching of the casing and or bruising/cracking of the screen as a result of misuse. Theft or loss of AC adaptor, power or network cords. Who is responsible for covering the cost of a lost or damaged Laptop? Accidental damage The laptop s insurance policy will cover the cost of all accidental damage less $150 excess that is to be paid by parents. The students are responsible for their laptops 24/7. Non-Accidental Damage The school will not cover the cost of reppros when a laptop is damaged as a result of misuse where user guidelines have not been followed as outlined in Section 2 Responsible use, Section 3 Student Responsibilities and the Insurance Disclosure Statement. The Parent/Guardian will in this case be responsible for the full cost of repairs. Education is no longer bound by the limits of the teacher, textbook, or the reference books in the school library. Rather it is limited only by the student s interest. Carew, D., Educating the 21st Century Citizen

9 Section 4: Maintaining a Safe Environment Our school strongly encourages active supervision of your child s use of technology at home. The Internet is a fantastic learning tool and enables access to information that supports all areas of our curriculum. We suggest the following guidelines be followed when your child is using their laptop at home: o Supervise your child in a public room like the lounge room. o Avoid your child accessing computers in bedrooms or rooms that can be closed off to other members of the family. o Ensure that you establish some expectations regarding Internet use at home. You must not be afraid to demand their passwords for any websites that they may be using. o Most Internet browsers have a History menu that you can access to allow you to see the sites that your child has visited recently. o Ensure your child never provides personal information on a global system to identify friends or themselves in photos. o Educate yourself and your students about potential dangers online and how to make the right choices about online behaviour. Websites to support you with are and Our school will endeavor to provide parents with support resources and information for appropriate and safe use of ICT tools including online environments. These will be posted on our school website. Section 5: Responsible Use Our College has policy and procedures as per our School Behavior Policy and Responsible Use and Cyber Safety Policies. Through rigorous and ongoing training and support, our college encourages students to manage their digital footprint effectively, as well as remaining respectful, responsible and esmart. Parental Controls Parental controls relate to the ability to set restrictions on the laptop for individual applications and events such as internet access, time of usage etc. Parental controls are not set up by default on the notebook however, if a parent wishes to use this functionality, which is standard on every machine, the school ICT Support Team will assist. Please get in touch with the ICT Support Team at the college for assistance with the implementation of controls if they are needed. Section 6: Writing Skills and Homework The students will continue to develop their writing skills as part of their regular learning activities. Will my child be required to do homework on their laptops? It is envisaged that students will continue to be provided with a diverse range of homework, some of which, but certainly not all, can be completed on their laptops. Section 7: Time of use on Laptop We expect that students will use the laptop on average between 50% and 60% of each school day. They will not be in use 100% of the day. The school will continue to ensure that the students receive a balanced program that is appropriate to their level of learning as per the Australian National Curriculum. The Classroom We anticipate that your child will use the MacBook Pro in most lessons. However, it will not be all of the time. Students still need to write using pen and paper and this will still happen in most lessons

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