ONE STEP AHEAD Learning Initiative

Transcription

1 ONE STEP AHEAD Learning Initiative Ravenna Public Schools Ravenna, MI STUDENT & PARENT LAPTOP HANDBOOK Ravenna High School 2766 S. Ravenna Road (231) Ravenna Middle School 2700 S. Ravenna Road (231)

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS One Step Ahead... i A Letter of Purpose... i Technology Belief Statements... ii Goals... ii Disclaimer... iii Hardware and software... 1 In the bag... 1 Software on the laptop... 1 Software support/resources... 1 Troubleshooting... 1 Student and Parent Expectations... 2 Handling and Care... 2 Backup and file storage... 3 Financial responsibility... 3 If laptop is lost, stolen, or damaged... 4 Power management... 4 Transport... 4 Monitoring and Supervision... 4 Ethical and Appropriate Use... 4 Internet Access at Home... 5 E- Mail and other electronic communication... 5 Internet Filtering... 6 Printing at home... 6 ONE STEP AHEAD Laptop AGREEMENT FORM... 7

3 ONE STEP AHEAD A Letter of Purpose The education of our youth is the foundation upon which the future of our community, our state and our country depends. At Ravenna Public Schools, the Board of Education has found priority in setting the bar high to prepare all of our students to be competitive in the 21st Century. Simply stated, we want Ravenna students to be One Step Ahead. In order to create this atmosphere, the Board has deliberated on curriculum, adopted policies, investigated proven instructional practices, and reviewed trends in education today. What has been on the forefront of our discovery is that technology and the utilization of technology within learning, plays a crucial role in our student s success and achievement in the immediate and the foreseeable future. Today s students have access to a wide variety of new digital technologies from cell phones to video games. They live in a digital world with anytime, anywhere high speed Internet access. They learn and use these tools quickly and proficiently. The intent of this 1-to-1 initiative is to bring current technologies into the process of teaching and learning. Combining current technology and learning allows our students the opportunity to achieve their full potential and be One Step Ahead. To make this 1-to-1 initiative happen, the Board has set a vision to provide our teachers with access to appropriate technologies within the classroom for the creation and presentation of materials to students. Our vision for the classroom environment is one where students take the initiative to actively participate in their own education and teachers guide students in reaching their goals. It is the Board s vision to provide students with access to a mobile device that will give each of them the ability to use technology to be productive and creative both at school and at home. 1-to-1 access can provide opportunities to extend the learning experience beyond the school day, and provide a variety of resources to which students may not currently have access. Students will be using these mobile devices and resources to conduct research, develop projects, and create products that demonstrate their learning. Again the vision is to keep students at Ravenna Public Schools, One Step Ahead. i

4 Technology Belief Statements 1 The effective and appropriate use of current technology resources is a critical part of the learning experience to support curriculum delivery and the overall mission of Ravenna Public Schools (RPS). 2 Technology has changed the way teachers and students interact with each other. 3 Students learn differently. By tailoring technology resources to the needs of each student, the RPS community can optimize learning for all learners. 4 Teachers and administrators will be more successful through the use of current technology resources to improve learning. 5 Technology expands the classroom experience beyond traditional class time and space limits. 6 It is critical that the RPS community continue to teach students discernment and ethical use of technology. 7 We live in an ever-changing society where the RPS community will teach students to use technology effectively to be One Step Ahead in the world. 8 Accessibility to technology is essential for students, teachers, and parents. 9 RPS will continue to teach technological literacy and evaluate what literacy means as technologies evolve. 10 For students to be competitive in the global workplace, they must learn to be able to use technology resources for creative problem solving. Goals 1 Equip students to use technology to positively impact the world. 2 Teach students discernment and the ethical use of technology. 3 Improve the quality of student learning and academic achievement as they develop a new set of knowledge and skills for the future world of work. 4 Provide greater access to educational opportunities, formative assessments, and differentiated instruction by providing 1-to-1 access to mobile devices for students for "anytime, anywhere" learning. 5 Improve communication and widen our sense of community by expanding the way teachers, students, and parents are able to interact with each other. 6 Provide the best quality learning environment equipped with technology resources, support and training to retain and attract students to Ravenna Public Schools. ii

5 DISCLAIMER The following policies refer to the use of an individual student computing device. Students are also required to follow all the guidelines outlined in the Ravenna Public Schools current Technology Acceptable Use Policy. As Ravenna s One Step Ahead learning initiative centers on new devices, software, and educational methodologies, additional policies will continually be reviewed and this set of policies updated. Please refer to the Ravenna Public Schools website for the most up-to-date information. iii

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7 In the bag MacBook Air 45W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter, AC wall plug and power cord Laptop case Software on the laptop HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE Software on the laptop is actively managed by RPS. A student is to take no action to add, modify, or delete any applications or other software provided by RPS on the laptop. Software support/resources Use the application s help system. This is typically accessible from the menu bar under the Help category. Consult with a classmate, teacher, or staff member. Apple support, and other application support is available online Submit a RPS Help Desk ticket at helpdesk.ravennaschools.org Troubleshooting HIGHLY EFFECTIVE STEPS TO TRY ON YOUR OWN Quit the offending application and reopen it. Close all applications, save any changes, and restart your computer. Keyboard shortcuts for Shut down, restart and sleep. CONNECTIVITY Switch to Apple Menu > Location > RPS Wired Only when connected at RPS. Close all applications and restart your computer. LAST RESORT ONLY (FORCE QUIT) You will lose all unsaved changes doing this. Mac OS X: How to quit an unresponsive application using Force Quit. 1

8 Handling and Care STUDENT AND PARENT EXPECTATIONS Students are responsible for the care and upkeep of their device and will treat it with respect. 1 MacBook Air: Quick Start Guide: 2 MacBook Air: User Guide, p. 60 quoted: a Cleaning your MacBook Air: When cleaning the outside of your MacBook Air components, first shut down your MacBook Air, and then unplug the power adapter. Then use a damp, soft, lint-free cloth to clean the MacBook Air exterior. Avoid getting moisture in any openings. Do not spray liquid directly on the computer. Do not use aerosol sprays, solvents, or abrasives that might damage the finish. b Cleaning the MacBook Air screen: To clean your MacBook Air screen, first shut down your MacBook Air and unplug the power adapter. Then use a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with just water and wipe the screen. Do not spray liquid directly on the screen. 3 A laptop is a valuable educational tool and therefore, students will take it to all classes. 4 Laptops will not be left unattended at any time. 5 Laptops are to be stored in student lockers located in the academic wing; storage in sports lockers - even with a lock - is not acceptable. 6 Laptops will be fully charged when students bring them to school each day. 7 Laptops are not to be left at school over extended vacation periods (longer than a weekend). 8 Laptops will remain in the approved computer case at all times. 9 The laptop is the responsibility of the student it was issued to. It is not to be used by anyone else unless directed by a RPS staff member. 10 Nothing should ever be adhered directly to the laptop. 11 Students will change neither the hardware or software configuration of the computer. 12 The laptop is the property of Ravenna Public Schools and as a result may be seized and reviewed at any time. No student has an expectation of privacy. There is no expectation of privacy for any materials found on the laptop, a school supplied account, or service. 13 While at school, the use of the Internet, computer equipment, and computer software must be in support of the Ravenna Public Schools Curriculum and will be used within the Ravenna Public Schools Acceptable Use Policy. 14 It is the student s responsibility for promptly reporting damages to equipment, system, and software. 15 Any misuse of the equipment will fall under the guidelines of the student handbook. Consequences may range from a warning, detention, suspension, financial remuneration and/or loss of home use. 16 Food and drinks don t mix with laptops. Don t eat or drink near the laptop. 2

9 17 Laptops will be handled and used in a manner that is prudent and prevents it from falling or incurring other damage. 18 Weight or pressure against the screen should never occur. Nothing should be placed in the laptop bag except the laptop. 19 It is important to carry the computer correctly. a If possible, secure the laptop in your case. b Always unplug everything before moving. c Never pick up or carry your laptop by the screen. 20 Care should be taken to make sure that pencils, pens or papers are not left on the keyboard when closing the lid. 21 Modification of the laptop s hardware or software is ground for disciplinary action. Backup and file storage RPS does not back up student files. Student files cannot be restored by RPS RPS is not responsible for lost or deleted files. Students can save documents to the hard drive of their computer. It is the responsibility of the student to backup these files. For school related files, students should back them up to their Google Apps account. It is the Student s responsibility to backup any personal use files. This may be done using a USB flash drive, external hard drive, optical disk(s) or other means. If an Internet connection is available students can also back up school related documents to their Google Apps account. Students need to keep a minimum of 5 gigabytes (GB) of memory free on their at all times for optimal operation. Financial responsibility To help offset the added cost from allowing students to take the laptops off-site, we are requiring a fee to be paid by students, parents, or guardians. If you are eligible for the free/reduced lunch program, scholarships are available for families that cannot afford the above fee Lost or damaged items will be replaced at the parent s expense for the entire new replacement cost. This includes but is not limited to: Bag (estimated replacement cost: Approximately [~] $50) Computer (~$1,100) Power adaptor and cord (~$80) Battery (~varies according to model. Expect up to $300) Excessively dirty cases or laptops cleaning charge ($25) As determined by the administration of Ravenna Public Schools, restitution may be sought for repair or replacement costs due to malicious or negligent use of the supplied equipment. While not required, RPS encourages families to consider getting a rider on their homeowners/renters insurance to cover the laptops. It is a very economical way to get coverage for the laptop in the case of damage or theft. 3

10 Fee Structure of RPS insurance Insert new text here. If laptop is lost, stolen, or damaged If a laptop is lost, stolen or damaged, please notify building office or administration immediately. If the laptop is lost or stolen, a police report will be required to start the recovery process. The district is employing a laptop recovery program. This program allows us to track stolen or lost laptops. Modification of the laptop recovery or antivirus software is ground for disciplinary action. Damage Students need to take the laptop to the Tech Office and they will be able to check out another laptop while it is being fixed. Power management It is the student s responsibility to recharge the laptop s battery so it is fully charged by the start of the next school day. Use System Preferences > Energy Saver settings to extend the battery life. Other preferences may also be used. Dim the screens Set the sleep mode to a shorter time. Plug in the laptop whenever possible to extend battery life. Transport Laptops should be transported shutdown (turned off) or in sleep mode (screen closed) and in its protective case. Laptops should be locked up in the student's locker if they participating in after school activities. Never leave the laptop in a vehicle for extended periods of time or overnight. Never leave the laptop in visible sight when left in vehicle. Never leave the laptop on a school bus during a sporting event. Always bring the laptop inside the house overnight. Never leave the laptop in extreme temperatures like a car. Monitoring and Supervision While the student is at school, the computer is monitored and filtered during use. Internet is filtered off-site but physical monitoring of computer use is the duty of the parent/guardian. The laptop should be used in a location where use can be monitored and supervised by a parent; unsupervised use is strongly discouraged, for example, use in a child s bedroom. The student assigned the laptop is responsible for all use of their laptop. Never share or swap laptops with other students. The laptops are provided for the expressed use by the students to foster their academic opportunities. Ethical and Appropriate Use Students and any individual using the computer are expected to adhere to the Ravenna 4

11 Public Schools Acceptable Use Policy which is available online at and then clicking on the link to the Technology. Any misuse of the equipment will fall under the guidelines of the student handbook. Consequences may range from a warning to a suspension. Students are reminded that copyright laws need to be followed. Do not plagiarize work. The right to use a laptop at home is a privilege. Internet Access at Home Students are allowed to access the Internet away from school using broadband (e.g. SBC Yahoo DSL or Charter/Comcast cable), dial-up or wireless connection. Off-campus Internet connectivity is still filtered through our content filtration system A guide on connecting to non-wireless connections will be available to assist students with accessing the Internet from home. For other types of home Internet connections students should follow the directions provided by their Internet service provider. If you use dial-up service at home you will need a modem, available from Apple, purchased at your own expense. and other electronic communication Accessing personal accounts while using District technology resources is not a violation of the RPS Acceptable Usage Policy. Student users, however, must understand that his or her use will be monitored and/or filtered, or both. The District reserves the right to monitor each and every and electronic correspondence and its contents. EXAMPLES OF APPROPRIATE USE ARE Communication with teachers Communication with parents Communication with a user or other users to support approved projects by the staff member Communication with outside parties as approved by the staff EXAMPLES OF INAPPROPRIATE USE ARE Communication with anyone that includes harassment, profanity (and other offensive language), vulgar statements, pornography, threats of physical harm, threats of harm to property, or discriminatory remarks. Disclosing personal information, location, and identity with anyone you do not know. Accessing personal when a staff member does not allow it. Accessing non-educational chat rooms and listservs etc. EXAMPLES OF APPROPRIATE SOCIAL MEDIA, CHATTING AND OTHER ONLINE COMMUNICATION USES ARE Communication with teachers Communication with parents Communication with a user or other users to support approved projects by the staff member Communication with outside parties as approved by the staff 5

12 EXAMPLES OF APPROPRIATE SOCIAL MEDIA, CHATTING AND OTHER ONLINE COMMUNICATION USES ARE Communication with anyone that includes harassment, profanity (and other offensive language), vulgar statements, pornography, threats of physical harm, threats of harm to property, or discriminatory remarks. Disclosing personal information, location, and identity with anyone you do not know. Accessing personal accounts when a staff member does not allow it. Accessing sites with inappropriate material Any violation of the Acceptable Usage Policy or inappropriate use of District technology while accessing personal or other communication accounts will subject the user to discipline, including the possible termination of access to , Internet, and/or other district technology, and including the possibility of expulsion from the District as a student. Internet Filtering While Internet filters provide an important level of protection, no filter program can provide 100% protection. Monitoring and supervision by parents/guardians is still very important! Printing at home Students are allowed to print to a home printer. For most USB printers, printer software already exists on the laptop and only requires setting up the printer. For most USB printers, installation is automatic when a printer s USB cable is plugged into the laptop. If installation is not automatic please follow the directions supplied with your home printer to set it up on the laptop. Printing at home will not be supported by RPS. 6

13 ONE STEP AHEAD LAPTOP AGREEMENT FORM Ravenna Public Schools Stafford Street Ravenna, MI (231) Today s Date Print: Student s last name legibly Print: Student s first name legibly Optional: Student s middle initial The computer and case being loaned to me and is in good working order unless otherwise indicated. It is my responsibility to care for the computer and ensure that it is retained in a safe environment. A nonrefundable $XX per semester fee is assessed to cover the cost of property insurance. For any loss or damage, not covered by insurance, the full replacement value of the equipment is due to Ravenna Public Schools (RPS) by the student or parent. RPS will not loan a student laptop until the student and parent, or guardian, sign this agreement and RPS has received the One Step Ahead fee for the current school year. This computer and case is the property of RPS and is being loaned to the student only for educational purposes during the academic school year. Students may not deface or destroy this property in any way. Inappropriate material on the computer may result in the student losing their right to use this computer and potential prosecution. The equipment will be returned to the school on a date determined by RPS or sooner if the student is suspended or expelled from school, the student leaves RPS or student fails to comply with the terms of this agreement or the school s Acceptable Use Policy. The student agrees that in the event the computer is out of the student s possession for a period of 48 hours or the student believes the computer has been stolen, the student will immediately notify the building office or an RPS administrator and file a report with Muskegon County Sheriff s Department. The student is responsible for the cost of replacement or repair of the computer for any loss not covered by insurance. In addition, the student, parent, or guardian agree to indemnify RPS against any claim, suit or damage occurring during or resulting from t student s possession or use of the computer, including, but not limited to any claim for infringement or violation of applicable trademarks and copyrights attributable to Student s use of the RPS computer. The RPS computer may be used only in accordance with RPS policies and rules. The student acknowledges and agrees that the student s use of the RPS computer is a privilege and the student acknowledges his or her responsibility to protect and safeguard the RPS computer and to return the same in good condition and repair. The student, parent, or guardian agrees the computer equipment is to be used only for school purposes and in accordance with RPS computer use policies and instruction. If the computer is not returned as provided by this agreement, RPS will presume the student intended to retain possession with a criminal intent. Student signature Today s date Parent or guardian signature Today s date 7

14 ONE STEP AHEAD INSURANCE FORM Ravenna Public Schools Name Placeholder Stafford Street Ravenna, MI (231) Serial Number Placeholder Insurance costs $30 non-refundable deposit insures the mobile device. $100 deductible per incident. Insurance information One (1) year - $100 per incident deductible Full coverage including accidental damage - $40.00 non-refundable Parent Name Parent telephone number (In case we need to reach you) Parent address (In case we need to reach you) Return this application with payment to your student s school office. The payment provides coverage for the selected term. Make checks payable to Ravenna Public Schools. Thank you! 8