Frequently Asked Questions about the Laptop Program
1. Will my child have to take the computer to school each day? My child already has to take a lot of bags to school anyway for sports, music, and other activities.
Yes, the computer will be an essential part of the child's learning and must be brought to school each day, charged up and in the appropriate carry case. A bag will be provided with the computer and will have room for other materials. With the shift to digital education, the computer replaces some and enhances many of the paper-based materials currently required, such as workbooks, textbooks, binders, etc.
2. Why do we need laptops, anyway? After all, the school has considerable resources and many students have access to a computer at home.
The laptop is a powerful tool, allowing for learning that is not otherwise possible. One of the key points is that everyone will have the same computer platform, the same programs and tools, and be appropriately configured to work with both the school network and whatever setup the student finds at home. The chief concept of the digital learning revolution is the one-child, one-laptop relationship with the learning device the constant companion 24/7, work environment, toolbox, and resource of the student.
3. What computer skills will be taught?
We will be teaching all the skills necessary to use information technology and its many systems as part of a Twenty-first Century learning environment. These, of course, will include the mechanics of operating computers, networks, and related technologies, but more importantly, the research, creative, illustrative, and computational skills associated with the many subjects taught at SJC.
4. Will total conformity in computer equipment be required?
Yes, the 1:1 laptop program requires all students and staff to be equipped with the same hardware, software, and configurations. This makes technical support and consistency of teaching possible.
5. What software will be used?
The principal software will be Apple iWork (including a word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation software) and iLife (including iMovie, a video-production program; iDVD, a DVD production program; iPhoto, a photograph organising and modification program; Garage Band, a music production and podcast production program; iWeb, a website production program; iTunes, a music organisation and playing program combined with a video viewing platform, ).
In addition, they will use the Safari browser program, a Mail program, iChat, the iCal calendar and organiser program, and a DVD viewer, all of which are part of the Mac OS X system. In addition, the Mac comes equipped with Quicktime for video viewing, Text-edit for basic word processing.
All of these come with the computer. Some specialist programs associated with specific classes will be provided by the school to those students taking those classes.
Studywiz, a learning management program will be provided as the central integration and communication tool, linking students, parents, staff, and the external community together.
6. How are you going to keep us informed about the integration of laptops into the school?
All parents and students will have individual access through Studywiz to the latest information and updates at the College. In addition, the school has a website http://www.sjctweed.org on which information and updates will be constantly posted.
7. I just purchased a computer for my child at home, why should I buy another?
The school-based Apple laptop becomes the child's principal, individual, learning device and resource, configured to the College learning platform. Refer to the information in Question 2.
8. What about handwriting? Won’t my child’s handwriting suffer from using a keyboard?
The computer is used as an adjunct to learning, with handwriting emphasised as a significant skill that will continue to be used.
9. Won’t the students be able to cheat by using the spelling checker? What effect will that have on their spelling skills?
Spelling checkers point out which words have been misspelled. The student still has to make a choice as to the correct spelling. The Macintosh computers we will be using have an inbuilt dictionary and thesaurus, so they can look up the meaning and choose the correct variation of the word they want to use without leaving the keyboard or screen. Because their errors have been highlighted, students become more aware of the necessity of correct spelling.
10. Don’t computers isolate kids?
Children today use computers to talk with and connect to many more friends than via traditional means. Greater connectivity is offered by a digital education program. St Joseph's College emphasises the building of a safe and interactive community; computers will be used to enhance these qualities. The way in which the computer is used in the classroom, the ability to communicate with others over great distances and the opportunities for digital interaction with other students, will be anything but isolating.
11. Even with the best intentions, children still lose things. How do we cope with a lost laptop?
Similar programs are in use in many schools around the world. According to statistics, the loss of student laptops is a fairly rare occurrence. Depending on the nature of the loss, insurance policies may cover their replacement. Where insurance does not cover this, parents are liable for the replacement of the laptop.
12. How are the students expected to charge their laptop batteries?
Each computer comes with an associated power supply and charger. The batteries are expected to last for up to seven hours of use each day. Each student will be expected to charge the computer overnight and bring it to school the next day fully charged.
13. Student lockers are inadequate for storing laptops safely. How will the school deal with this problem?
The College is investigating a workable solution to this issue.
14. How do we ensure the personal safety of the students carrying these valuable items in public?
Students will be educated at school about being cautious in public. Parents have a responsibility to educate their children in safe practices in carrying all such valuable items, such as phones and iPods in public
15. Who will be servicing the laptops? How long will it take to complete repairs and have a laptop back to the student?
Servicing will be delivered as part of the Apple Protection Plan, with a typical turnaround of seven days. Loan machines will be available during repair time.
16. How do you decide if a repair is a warranty or an insurance claim?
This will be decided by the Apple service provider, under the provisions of the Apple Protection Plan.
17. Is the school going to offer any service or support facilities?
The College and Apple will offer limited technical support, software re-imaging, and online help.
18. How will students charge their laptop batteries if the batteries run low during class?
As limited charging access points will be available, this practise will be discouraged. Refer to answer to Question 12.
19. Will students be able to change hardware settings on their laptops (i.e., will they be ‘locked’)?
Yes, they will be able to change settings as long they remain consistent with College protocols.
20. What is the quality and reputation of the software products?
The Apple software we will be providing and using is extremely robust and reliable. The almost total lack of viruses and trojans for the Mac platform adds to its reliability. The most important part, however, is the interoperability of the programs. They have the same look and feel, they interconnect with one another. A project can be typically added to and constructed using a number of different programs which work together seamlessly.
The Apple Macintosh computers were chosen because they are among the most reliable and highest quality computers available today. Numerous surveys, tests, and comparisons have shown the reliability of both the hardware and software to be at the highest standard.
21. Will the software come preloaded, or will you need to set up the software yourself?
Software will come preloaded and configured.
22. How long can the laptop run on one charge? What is the expected life of the battery?
We can't predict the absolute minimum battery charge because it is dependent on a number of factors, including distance from the wi-fi point, ambient temperature, battery age and the recharging habits of the user. Macintosh computers we have been using in the school typically get 4-5 hours minimum usage, and some of them up to 7 hours. The service life of the battery is up to three years.
23. What is the weight of the laptop?
The 13-inch Macs we will but using weigh in at 2.13 kg. If your child carries all the accessories (charger, cords, connectors, etc.) the weight will naturally increase.
24. What about the durability of the laptops you have selected? Will they last 4 years in students’ hands?
Studies have shown that the average life of a laptop in student hands is 4 years. If cared for correctly, it will last much longer.
25. Will my child be disadvantaged if I don’t have the internet connected at home?
Yes. The effectiveness of computer-based education is greatly diminished if the laptop is not connected to the Internet or other outside sources of information (such as the school network). The Federal Government sees such interconnectivity as so important that they are establishing a fibre-optic broadband connection to 90% of Australian homes (with a wi-fi connection for the remainder).
26. Why are you using Macs instead of PCs?
A comprehensive and exhaustive investigation and evaluation process over 18 months concluded that the Apple Mac platform offered numerous advantages that the various PC and Linux platforms could not provide. In addition to the quality of the machines and software, the integration of the various packages, the support, and interoperability, the lack of viruses and trojans, and the education support provided by Apple that made the Mac platform the number 1 choice.
Apple as a company connects powerfully to education and is unique in supporting innovative use of technology as a learning tool for today. They offer a service not available through other software and hardware providers.
27. Can I claim fees relating to this laptop on my personal tax return?
The Australian Taxation Department would be the best source of advice in this matter. Eligible families may claim a tax benefit of up to $1,500. For more information, visit http://ato.gov.au/individuals/content.asp?doc=/content/00174278.htm&page=1&H1