Partnership for Powerful Learning Parent Handbook
Forest Hills School District Cincinnati, OH http://fhsdppl.wetpaint.com/
"The world itself holds a different lesson for us; a lesson about the importance of teaching the young to live well when the very shape of the world emerges everyday in ways that are unlike anything we have ever known before." Michele Jacobsen
Table of Contents
Section 1: Partnership for Powerful Learning (PPL) The Compelling Case for Change Project Overview
Section 2: Frequently Asked Questions The Device The Learning Student Safety Theft and Damage Miscellaneous
Section 3: Laptop Care
Section 4: Laptops at School Use of Laptops at School Use of Laptops at School: Frequently Asked Questions
Section 5: A Beginning Toolbox
Section 5: Appendix A. B. C. E.
September 2011
Learning, Safety & Digital Citizenship Forest Hills Acceptable Use Policy Suggested Laptop Specifications Resources
Section 1: Partnership for Powerful Learning The Compelling Case for Change According to the 2010 National Technology Education Plan: Many students’ lives today are filled with technology that gives them mobile access to information and resources 24/7, enables them to create multimedia content and share it with the world, and allows them to participate in online social networks where people from all over the world share ideas, collaborate, and learn new things. Outside school, students are free to pursue their passions in their own way and at their own pace. The opportunities are limitless, borderless, and instantaneous. The challenge for our education system is to leverage the learning sciences and modern technology to create engaging, relevant, and personalized learning experiences for all learners that mirror students’ daily lives and the reality of their futures. In contrast to traditional classroom instruction, this requires that we put students at the center and empower them to take control of their own learning by providing flexibility on several dimensions. A core set of standards-based concepts and competencies should form the basis of what all students should learn, but beyond that students and educators should have options for engaging in learning: large groups, small groups, and work tailored to individual goals, needs, interests, and prior experience of each learner. By supporting student learning in areas that are of real concern or particular interest to them, personalized learning adds to its relevance, inspiring higher levels of motivation and achievement. In addition, technology provides access to more learning resources than are available in classrooms and connections to a wider set of “educators,” including teachers, parents, experts, and mentors outside the classroom. On-demand learning is now within reach, supporting learning that is lifelong and life-wide (Bransford et al., 2006). Overview As an important step towards gaining greater student access to technology, the Forest Hills Board of Education approved “The Partnership for Powerful Learning Project” on April 20, 2010. A nine month action-research pilot project took place during the 2010-2011 school year, where all seventh grade students were permitted to use their personally owned netbook, notebook, or tablet pc throughout the school day. The overall goal of this project was to increase access to technology to better understand how we can use these tools to customize learning to the particular needs and abilities of individual students. Approximately 353 seventh graders brought their laptops to school during the months of January through June. Beginning with the curriculum, students were introduced to a variety of tools such as Google Apps, VoiceThread, Schoology and Glogster. Organizing work and learning how to use the Internet to conduct research are only two of the ways in which technology was used during the pilot project. Students also connected with experts from around the world using tools such as Skype and created incredible multi-media projects to demonstrate their understanding of content. For more information about the Partnership for Powerful Learning, visit our wiki: http://fhsdppl.wetpaint.com September 2011
Section 2: Frequently Asked Questions The Device Does my child have to bring in a device? No, it is entirely optional. We currently have 150+ district owned laptops at each grade level for use by those who do not bring in their own laptop. Who pays for the computer? Computers will be purchased and owned by individual families. Why would I buy a laptop if the district has laptops on carts for the students to share? This is a parental choice; an option that is offered to interested families. The program is a partnership with parents to provide greater access to technology for all students. Current educational research has demonstrated that the closer you get to 1:1 access to a laptop computer, the more likely you are to achieve the following results: Students have more control over their learning. Students are highly engaged, more motivated to learn. Students are more productive. Students improve their problem-solving skills. Students improve their writing skills. Students improve their ability to collaborate. We have a laptop, do we need to buy a new one? No. Just make sure it is in good working condition and has wireless Internet capabilities. What happens if a family cannot afford to buy a computer for their child? We currently have approximately 150 laptops dedicated to each grade level. Students who come to school without a device will have access to a laptop if the daily learning experience calls for one. We are also looking into programs that would provide families with opportunities to secure a device at a reduced cost or a low interest loan. We are absolutely dedicated to the goal of putting tools into the hands of students to help support and enhance learning. What type of device can they bring in? PC: netbook, notebook, tablet pc Apple: Mac Pro, tablet such as an iPad (See next question.) Is the iPad appropriate for a school environment? It is our belief that appliance type devices, such as the iPad, are not replacements for PC's, as of yet. Much has been written about the iPad as a great media consumption device but lacking in the ability to create content. With the current iteration of the iPad, there are definitely limitations that we feel parents should be aware of when considering the purchase of this device, including its lack of Flash Player for watching videos and viewing many Web sites. While we will permit students to bring an iPad without 3G to school, we cannot recommend this option until we have had more time to study its uses in the classroom.
September 2011
Is there a way we can buy through Forest Hills to get a discount or the same computer as others? We provided this service through CDW-G for the pilot project. While it was a nice option, very few people took advantage of it as they were able to find less expensive laptops elsewhere. We will continue to look for a company to partner; in the meantime, here are some suggestions for learning more: Review this packet. Research options on sites such as http://www.newegg.com and http://shopping.google.com. Also, look at reviews on http://reviews.cnet.com and http://www.tomshardware.com. Visit retail stores such as Micro Center (Sharonville), Best Buy or Wal-Mart. What device should I buy? Buying a computer is a very personal choice; what one person likes on a computer, another person may not. Ultimately, each person will need to choose the device that works best for their child. However, here are some things to consider as you explore the various options. Netbook, Notebook, Tablet PC? Not sure of the differences between the three types of devices? See the comparison in the appendix. What size screen should the device have? Since the students will be toting the device back and forth to school, consider buying a device with a screen size no larger than 14�. What are the recommended specs we should be looking for? See the chart at the end of this document in which we provide specs for all three types of devices. These are rough guidelines only. What else should we consider when purchasing a device? Battery is one of the most critical barriers to a good computing experience. While the middle school was able to add additional electrical outlets, this will be impossible at the two high schools due to the age of the buildings; therefore, students will not be able to plug in when they have a low battery. A suggestion is to get an extra battery. We even had some students replace the CD drive with an extra battery. Are there any expected or suggested accessories? Expected Anti-Virus Software (*see below) Protective portable computer sleeve Word processor (*see below) Strongly suggested Additional battery Theft and hazard insurance Other suggestions Headset or ear buds for private listening File backup solution (external hard drive at home; backup service like Mozy or Carbonite) September 2011
What software do I need on my child’s computer? The most important item you can provide for your child’s device is anti-virus software. Computer viruses on unprotected devices were the most common issue encountered on student-owned devices. There are free anti-virus software programs, such as AVG, Avast, or Microsoft Security Essentials in addition to many products that require a paid subscription (MacAfee, Norton, etc.). Note: many new computers come with free TRIALS of software. Please ensure your child’s device is protected past the trial period. The good news is most of the software needed these days is web-based and often free. An office suite is a good idea. Possibilities include: Microsoft Office Suite (Cost; search online for an educational discount.) Open Office (Free) Google Docs (We have a district license.) Obviously then, it is not necessary to purchase an office suite of tools with Open Office and Google Docs readily available. However, you might want to take a look at buying Microsoft OneNote, a note taking application for students to manage and organize their notes. There are no other required pieces of software. Can I install software on my child's computer? Yes. You have administrative rights to your computer and may install your own applications provided that such applications do not violate the school's acceptable use policy. The Learning Are seventh graders mature enough to handle the responsibility of carrying a laptop? It is our belief that one day all children will carry some kind of a computing device with them to and from school. It is up to teachers and parents to teach students how to care for these devices in responsible ways. We will work with the students by helping them understand the importance of caring for their equipment. Will the use of computers affect my child's learning? Yes...in a good way! Some of you may ask, "What about learning the basics, like Reading, Writing, Math and Science?" A 21st Century learning environment begins and ends with these subjects! Technology simply enhances, enriches and personalizes the learning for each student. How can computers be used to support student learning? We simply couldn’t say it any better than principal and educator, Geoffrey Jones: When computers are used to support program goals and meet individual student needs they can help students work smart. • When choices are provided and experimentation allowed, individual learning styles and preferences can be accommodated and enhanced through the flexibility of the computer to interact with pictures, words, numbers, or any other medium the student is most comfortable with. The flexibility of the technology is the key concept. Different students find different word processors, graphics packages, databases, and spreadsheets more or less easy to use. September 2011
• Structured experiences designed by well-trained teachers can help students use computers to develop strengths and overcome or neutralize weaknesses. Word processors do improve writing and expression of ideas. Databases can be as rigid or open as the student needs. Solving problems and answering questions are satisfying outcomes. Students grow in confidence as they build their repertoire of skills. • Computers can be used to match the student's pace. They are patient and will hold on to an idea for a long time. They do more complex tasks when students are ready to use them in more complex ways. They provide information when the student is ready for it. • When students assume responsibility for the process, they work smarter. Computers serve people. People define problems, set goals and objectives, and determine roles. The better students understand the learning process, the better they will use technology. • People learn from people. People are on the other end of the information and ideas accessed through a computer. Students have contact with these people via software, bulletin boards, or face to face in discussions and group projects. Students can meet a lot of smart people through computers. What types of things will the students be doing on the computers? Students will use their laptops in focused, productive ways including: Researching, studying and evaluating information. Producing multimedia presentations. Collaborating online with teachers, students, other schools and other professionals across the country and around the globe. Uncovering and applying relevant information as part of an informed decision-making process. Submitting materials for assessment and learning how to structure information. Will they be using the computers everyday and in every class? Students will use computers when the learning calls for it. They should bring their laptops with them each day, unless otherwise directed. This is essential to the success of the program. What is the benefit of bringing a laptop versus using a district-owned computer? Student-owned devices increase the opportunities for personalized learning since many students have access to the Internet around the clock, connecting them to knowledge when they need it. Work that is started at school can easily be retrieved at home, creating a more fluid learning environment. This may include word documents, multi-media presentations and online discussions with classmates. Additionally, the more students who bring their own laptop to school, the closer we move to a one laptop per child ration, benefitting all students. “Every child’s laptop is a studio, laboratory, library, publishing house” Gary Stager, Ph.D. Will students receive any special training on how to use their computers? We have a series of experiences planned that will familiarize students with their laptop in an authentic, seamless manner. Students will also be introduced to a tool box of Web 2.0 applications to enhance and support their learning. Will my child be expected to use his/her computer both at school and at home? One of the goals of the Partnership for Powerful Learning Pilot Project was to provide universal access, meaning access to the learning tools at home and school. We will guide and monitor computer use at school September 2011
and parents will need to guide and monitor use at home. Please note that computers are tools for learning at school. They will complement and enhance what we do; they will not replace other tools nor will they replace face-to-face interactions. Will the students have an email address through the school? Yes. All students will have a school e-mail address through Google Apps for Education. 7th and 8th grade students will be introduced to this suite of tools within the first two weeks of school. Student Safety How will you handle students accessing inappropriate websites during school? Are they permitted to use FaceBook during school? Without a doubt, the use of technology to support learning will continue to increase; particularly as we begin to realize the tremendous potential these tools have to help students learn. Simply setting up firewalls will not teach students how to use the Internet safely and ethically. Parents and teachers must help students learn how to do so. We will work closely with the staff to develop classroom management techniques that will insure students’ safe navigation of the Internet. In addition, digital citizenship will become a natural part of the curriculum. Finally, the guest network will have the same filters as our district network. Theft and Damage How will you handle stolen or damaged laptops? The Forest Hills School District accepts no responsibility for personal property brought to the school by students. Personally owned laptops that are stolen or damaged are the responsibility of the student and their parents/guardians. We will spend time helping students understand the responsibility that comes along with owning a device. To deter theft, we have the students register their devices’ serial number. Families can also consider theft/damage insurance and/or installing software such as Prey Software (free). What happens to the computer when students are at lunch, specials, an assembly or participate in afterschool events? The laptop should be stored in the child's locker during these times. Something is wrong with my child's computer. Who fixes it? The upkeep of student owned devices is the responsibility of each student and their family. We will provide a list of places in the area that troubleshoot and fix computers. Why are the students not permitted to bring the laptop to class in a laptop bag? Why is a sleeve preferred? Laptop bags and backpacks were permitted during the pilot. Teachers and students determined laptop bags and backpacks created multiple issues that greatly limited classroom space and traffic patterns. This, coupled with other safety concerns, contributed to the decision of no backpacks and laptop bags. Miscellaneous My child’s book bag is already too full; how do you expect him/her to carry a laptop too? Currently, many of the textbooks are already online and we will seek to one day have all textbooks online. This will, of course, alleviate the heavy book bags and overflowing locker situation. I’m concerned the laptop will not fit in his locker. September 2011
Various laptop bags and devices of various sizes were tested during the pilot and issues with locker storage were not reported. Students should try to keep locker spaces clean and free of unnecessary items in order to ensure safe storage. What are the plans for expanding this program? We hope to expand the program to grades 9-12, beginning with the 2012-2013 school year, with the possibility of moving it to the elementary grades that same year. Stay tuned. Will the students be allowed to share their personal device with others? While we appreciate the art of sharing, we believe the students should only be permitted to use their own computer or computers owned by the district. This will prevent students from being held responsible for damage to another student's device.
September 2011
Section 3: Laptop Care Preparing Your Laptop for School Use • Students are responsible for their laptops at all times. • Insuring your child’s laptop is strongly recommended. Check with your insurance agent to see if your homeowner’s or renter’s policy covers personal electronic devices. Alternately, you may be able to purchase additional insurance through the laptop manufacturer. • You are required to place an identifying name tag on your computer. Label the top of the computer and both parts of the power cord. Screen Care • The laptop screen can be damaged if subjected to rough treatment. The screen is particularly sensitive to damage if excessive pressure is placed on it. • Clean the screen with a soft, dry anti-static, or micro-fiber cloth. Please do not use any type of liquid or water on the laptop. General Precautions • Food or drink should not be placed near your laptop while it is in use. • Cords, cables, and removable storage devices should be inserted carefully into the laptop. • Carry your laptop with two hands. Do not pick it up by the monitor. • Students should never carry their laptops while the screen is open. • Laptops should never be shoved into a locker or wedged into a book bag as this may break the screen. • Protect your laptop from exposure to extreme temperatures for extended periods of time. Extreme heat or cold may cause damage to the laptop.
September 2011
Section 4: Laptops at School Use of Laptops at School Charging Your Laptop’s Battery • When bringing laptops to school, they must be brought in a fully charged condition. Students need to charge their laptops each evening. • Students may wish to bring the charger in the laptop bag each day for emergencies. Transporting Laptops • Students should consider purchase a sleeve with sufficient padding to protect the laptop. • Students should carry laptops with two hands. • You may store your computer in your locker or keep it with you in your backpack or book bag. The computer is at risk for damage or theft when not locked up or in your possession. • Computers left unattended may be confiscated by any staff member. Parents will be notified whenever a computer is confiscated. Screensavers and Backgrounds • Screensavers and backgrounds must not be offensive or violate the FHSD Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). Acceptable Use • Students are expected to abide by the FHSD AUP. • Using electronic means to communicate abusive or harassing messages is strictly prohibited and subject to school consequences. • Passwords must be given to staff upon request. • Students and parents should be aware that permitted items of technology are subject to search by school officials if the school district has a reasonable suspicion that evidence of a violation of the student code of conduct is present on the technological device. Sound • Sound must be muted at all times unless permission is obtained from the teacher for instructional purposes. September 2011
• Student ear buds may be used at the discretion of the classroom teacher as well as during noninstructional times throughout the day. Inexpensive student ear buds may be purchased at the Nagel bookstore. Laptops Left in Unsupervised Areas • Under no circumstances should laptops be left in unsupervised areas. Unsupervised areas include the school grounds and campus, computer labs, break areas, unlocked classrooms, bathrooms, and hallways. Students must be diligent in securing their device to prevent theft. • Unsupervised laptops will be confiscated by staff and taken to the administrative office. Disciplinary action may be taken for leaving your laptop in an unsupervised location. Each student is responsible for his/her laptop.
September 2011
Use of Laptops at School: Frequently Asked Questions My child's book bag is already too full; how do you expect him/her to carry a laptop too? We currently utilize many online textbooks and we hope to have all them all available electronically. With a personal computing device, your child will be able to replace many paper documents with electronic versions eliminating the need for many notebooks and binders. Over time, this will alleviate the heavy book bag and overflowing locker situation. What happens to the computer when students participate in after-school events? The laptop should be stored in the child's locker during practice and/or contests. The building will be accessible for laptop retrieval following practice/contests. Can students access inappropriate Websites during school? Forest Hills School District utilizes Web-filtering software to prevent students from accessing inappropriate Web sites. The Nagel guest network will provide the same content filtering. While Forest Hills uses filters, simply setting up these firewalls will not teach students how to use the internet safely and ethically; parents and teachers must help students learn how to do so. We will work closely with the staff to develop classroom management techniques that will ensure students’ safe navigation of the Internet. In addition, digital citizenship will become a natural part of the curriculum. Will the students be allowed to share their personal device with others? While we appreciate the art of sharing, we believe the students should only be permitted to use their own computer or computers owned by the district. This will prevent students from being held responsible for damage to another student's device. What if my child’s laptop is stolen or damaged? The Forest Hills School District accepts no responsibility for personal property brought to school by students. Students who choose to bring a laptop to school assume total responsibility for the laptop. Laptops that are stolen or damaged are the responsibility of the student and their parents or guardians. Can my child use his/her laptop during Study Tables? Yes. Students may use laptops during Study Tables for school-related assignments only.
September 2011
Section 5: A Beginning Digital Tool Box
Crocodoc Diigo Edu Edublogs (District Accounts) Elluminate (District Accounts) Fast Dial Glogster Edu Google Apps (District Accounts) Meeting Words Microsoft Office (Purchase) Microsoft OneNote (Purchase) PhotoStory Schoology (District Accounts) Skype Symbaloo Edu Sync.in Twiducate Typewithme VoiceThreadEdu (School Account) Wikispaces Windows MovieMaker/iMovie
September 2011
Information Management
Collaboration
Communication
Content Creation
Below you will find a Tool Box filled with incredible technology tools that will help you manage and organize information; communicate and collaborate with people from around the world; and create awesome multimedia projects! What tools work best for you?
Section 6: Appendix
A. Learning, Safety & Digital Citizenship B. Forest Hills Acceptable Use Policy C. Suggested Laptop Specifications D. Resources
September 2011
Appendix A: Learning, Safety & Digital Citizenship Perhaps the greatest challenge facing parents and teachers is preparing students for a future that is rapidly changing yet poorly defined. New content and information are constantly being created, new partnerships developed across global boundaries are becoming commonplace, and new tools are connecting workers that once would have remained isolated. Put simply, the work world that your children will inherit will be dramatically different than the work world of today! To properly prepare our students for that reality, we’re planning to incorporate new digital tools into learning experiences here at school this year. Specifically, your child may have opportunities to use the following: Tools for content creation – Today’s students must recognize that in a world in which new information is generated at a blinding pace, the ability to develop novel ideas after a careful process of synthesis and evaluation – and to edit and publish those ideas to wide audiences – is far more important than simply consuming knowledge generated by others. Examples of possible tools: Schoology, Microsoft Office Suite, Edublogs, Photostory, VoiceThread, Glogster, Aviary Tools for communication – Today’s students must be able to engage in both collaborative and competitive dialogue. They must be able to understand different roles in complex networks of learners, respect multiple viewpoints, recognize how important listening is in productive conversations, and articulate a range of positions clearly. Today’s students must learn to see communication as an opportunity to refine and revise their own thinking. Examples of possible tools: Schoology, Edmodo, Skype, Edublogs, Live@Edu email, Windows MovieMaker, Elluminate Tools for collaboration – Because companies are becoming increasingly global, creating work teams of colleagues on different continents, it is imperative for students to begin collaborating with peers across classrooms, schools, communities, and oceans. They must be equal partners in the creation of documents and presentations and have ample opportunities to create shared final products. Ongoing experiences with collaborative exercises will help students learn the task management skills that are often prerequisites for successful participation in a world driven by joint endeavors. Examples of possible tools: Schoology, Elluminate, Google Apps for Education, Diigo, Survey Monkey, Wikispaces, Edublogs Tools for information management – Perhaps the greatest challenge facing today’s students is sifting through the amazing amount of content being created and selecting what is truly useful. Where students of an earlier generation had access to a handful of sources while exploring new ideas, today’s students have access to a handful of sources while exploring new ideas, today’s students have access to tens of thousands of sources. Students must learn to balance primary sources (interviews, blogs, surveys, personal data collection) with secondary sources (magazines, newspapers, websites, books) when collecting and organizing information. Examples of possible tools: Schoology, Microsoft OneNote, Gliffy, Fastdial, Diigo, Zoho, Google Apps for Education
September 2011
Specifically, our students may be engaged in: Reading, writing and commenting on blogs – One of the best ways to motivate students to read and write is to provide them with opportunities to share their thinking with and receive feedback from others. At our school, those goals are often accomplished by creating classroom blogs. Blogs are public websites on which content can be posted and comments left by readers from around the world. Creating a classroom wiki – A wiki is an editable website that allows many writers to create content together. In education, wikis are generally used by students completing classroom projects. At our school, wikis are only editable by students in our building or by students in sister schools that we work closely with. Generally, our wikis are closed to outsiders – however, there are times when wikis are opened to the world. Joining in digital conversations with other students – Middle grades students are social by nature, completely driven by opportunities to interact in ongoing conversations with one another. At our school, we plan to tap into this motivation by creating digital conversations connected to classroom content. Addressing Internet Safety Students must be skilled at self-advocacy and protection. They must learn to guard themselves and their identities while creating, communicating, and collaborating in virtual environments. They must recognize – and have an action plan for removing themselves from – dangerous situations. They must also understand and respect the line between one’s public and private life. Age-appropriate guidance, monitoring, and guidelines assist students as they learn to take responsibility for their own behavior when using online resources. Providing controlled educational environments focused on learning helps students utilize new tools responsibly while giving educators and parents the required safety and security. To help prepare our students to be responsible digital citizens, we will consistently emphasize and enforce the following rules for Internet safety in our classrooms and community: Students participating in any digital project are expected to act safely by keeping personal information private. They are expected to never share their family names, passwords, usernames, email addresses, home addresses, school names, city names, or other information that could make identification possible. Students participating in any digital project will let teachers or parents know anytime that a digital interaction seems unsafe. They are expected to help police their classroom projects by pointing out undiscovered, inappropriate comments or interactions to parents or teachers. Students participating in any digital projects are expected to treat the project as a classroom space. They understand that speech inappropriate for class is also inappropriate for our digital projects. If inappropriate language is posted in digital projects, students understand that they will be referred to the office for consequences. Students also understand that repeated instances of inappropriate language or content will result in the closing of all classroom projects. Teachers understand that all content created by their students must be monitored and moderated. A primary responsibility of all teachers interested in using digital tools in the classroom is ensuring student safety. The first step to creating safe digital learning experiences is monitoring and moderating all content posted in digital projects. September 2011
Teachers take active steps to review Internet safety rules with students frequently throughout the course of the school year. Teachers understand that students need consistent reminders and reinforcement about safe online behaviors. As a result, they regularly introduce short mini-lessons on digital safety in their classrooms. One website that is regularly used to develop mini-lessons is Cybersmart. www.cybersmart.org Parents recognize that they have an obligation to monitor digital activities and behaviors beyond the school day. The greatest risks to students engaged in digital projects come from unsupervised participation in online activities. While the faculty and staff will carefully monitor student involvement in classroom projects, parents understand that we cannot effectively monitor student activities beyond the school day or beyond the scope of school-sponsored activities. Therefore, parents accept responsibility for monitoring the online lives of their children away from our school. One of the first steps that proactive parents often take is ensuring that the family computer is in a public location, making monitoring easy!
September 2011
Appendix B: Forest Hills Acceptable Use Policy The Forest Hills Local School District (District) believes that technology and its utilization enhances the quality and delivery of education and is an important part of preparing children for life in the 21st century. The community of technology users must understand that the Internet is a global, fluid community, which remains largely unregulated. While it is an extremely valuable educational tool, there are sections that are not commensurate with community, school, or family standards. The District believes that the Internet’s advantages far outweigh its disadvantages and will provide an Internet filtering device which blocks access to a large percentage of inappropriate sites. It should not be assumed that users are completely prevented from accessing inappropriate materials or from sending or receiving objectionable communications. Additionally, the District considers access to the Internet and computer resources a privilege, not a right. Therefore, users violating the District’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) may be subject to revocation of these privileges and potential disciplinary action. The District also reserves the right to report any illegal activities to the appropriate authorities. Ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources and upholding the published standards of the District. All students must have a current, signed AUP on file with their school of attendance or they will not be permitted to access the District Network or the Internet. The District employs a number of strategies in order to maximize learning opportunities and reduce risks associated with utilizing the Network and Internet. These strategies are as follows: General • Computer/Internet sessions will be supervised by a teacher. • Filtering software and/or equivalent systems will be used in order to minimize the risk of exposure to inappropriate material. • The school district may regularly monitor students’ Internet usage. • Students and teachers will be provided with training in the area of Internet safety. • Uploading and downloading of non-approved software will not be permitted. • Virus protection software will be used and updated on a regular basis. • The use of personal memory sticks, CD-ROMs, or other digital storage media in school requires a teacher’s permission. • Students will treat others with respect at all times and will not undertake actions that may bring the District into disrepute. Network • Students will access the Network and Internet with specific teacher permission and supervision and further understand that activities on any school computer may be observed directly or remotely. • Students will not access or use files, utilities or applications capable of altering intended computer or Network performance, settings or access. • Students will not use or attempt to gain unauthorized access to student, faculty or administrative passwords; folders, work, files, or accounts; Network administrative programs or equipment; and will protect the secrecy of home/school accounts and passwords. • Students will refrain from using the Network for financial gain, political gain, and commercial activity or for any illegal activity. September 2011
World Wide Web • Students will not intentionally visit Internet sites that contain obscene, illegal, hateful or otherwise objectionable materials. • Students will report accidental accessing of inappropriate materials in accordance with school procedures. • Students will use the Internet for educational purposes only. • Students will not copy information into assignments and fail to acknowledge the source (plagiarism and copyright infringement). • Students will never disclose or publicize personal information. • Students will only download materials or images relevant to their studies. • Students will be aware that any usage, including distributing or receiving information, school-related or personal, may be monitored for unusual activity, security and/or Network management reasons. Email • Students will use approved class email accounts under supervision by or permission from a teacher. • Students will not send or receive any material that is illegal, obscene, and defamatory or that is intended to annoy or intimidate another person. • Students will not reveal their own or other people’s personal details, such as addresses or telephone numbers or pictures. • Students will note that sending and receiving email attachments is subject to permission from their teacher. Social Networking • Students will only have access to chat rooms, discussion forums, Weblogs, messaging or other electronic forms of communication that have been approved by the District. • Chat rooms, discussion forums, Weblogs and other electronic communication forums will only be used for educational purposes. School Web Site • Students may be given the opportunity to publish projects, artwork or school work on the World Wide Web in accordance with clear policies and approval processes regarding the content that can be loaded to the school’s Web site. • The Web site will be checked regularly to ensure that there is no content that compromises the safety of students or staff. • The publication of student work will be coordinated by a teacher. • Students’ work may appear in an educational context on Web pages. • Personal student information including home address and contact details will be omitted from school Web pages. • Students will continue to own the copyright on any work published. Personal Cellular Devices Students using their own cellular technology in school, such as leaving a mobile phone turned on during school hours, using it in class without teacher permission, or the unauthorized taking of images with a mobile phone camera (still or moving) is in direct breach of the District’s Acceptable Use Policy as well as the District’s Student Code of Conduct. Students may use cellular technology in class for educational purposes with teacher permission. Sanctions
September 2011
Misuse of the Network or Internet may result in disciplinary action, including written warnings, withdrawal of access privileges and, in extreme cases, suspension or expulsion. The school also reserves the right to report any illegal activities to the appropriate authorities. General Provisions Students and parents should familiarize themselves with information on the following legislation relating to Internet use: Children’s Internet Protection Act of 2000 (CIPA) The District will have the following in continuous operation, with respect to any computers belonging to the District and having access to the Internet: 1) A qualifying “technology protection measure,” as that term is defined in CIPA; and 2) Procedures or guidelines developed by the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and the department of Information Services which provide for monitoring the online activities of users and the use of the chosen technology protection measure to protect against access through such computers to visual depictions that are obscene, pornographic, or harmful to minors, as those terms are defined in CIPA. Such procedures or guidelines will be designed to: 1) Provide for monitoring the online activities of users to prevent, to the extent practicable, access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and the World Wide Web; 2) Promote the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications; 3) Prevent unauthorized access, including so-called “hacking,” and other unauthorized activities by minors online; 4) Prevent the unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors; and 5) Restrict minors’ access to materials “harmful to minors,” as that term is defined in CIPA.
September 2011
Appendix C: Suggested Laptop Specifications Notebook
Processor
Minimum Specifications Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 Ghz or equivalent
Video Memory
Integrated Graphics 2 GB DDR3 SDRAM
Storage Network-Wireless Network-Wired
160 GB Hard Drive G band Wi-Fi (ABG) 100 Mbit Ethernet Windows XP Mac OS X v10.4 Linux 12”-14” XGA (or higher) 2.0-6.0 lbs.
Operating System Screen Size Screen Resolution Weight
Recommended Specifications Core i5 Intel or equivalent 256 MB (or higher) discrete graphics card 4GB DDR3 SDRAM 320 GB (or higher) Hard Drive N band Wi-Fi (BGN) 100/1000 Mbit Ethernet Windows 7 Mac OS X v10.6 Linux 12”-14” XGA (or higher) 2.0-6.0 lbs.
Netbook
Processor Video Memory Storage Network-Wireless Network-Wired Operating System Screen Size Screen Resolution Weight
September 2011
Minimum Specifications Intel Atom N450 1.66 GHz or equivalent Integrated Graphics 1 GB DDR2 667 MHz 160 GB Hard Drive G band Wi-Fi (ABG) 100 Mbit Ethernet Windows XP Mac OS X v10.4 Linux 7”-10” VGA+ 1 – 3 lbs.
Recommended Specifications Intel Atom N450 1.66 GHz or equivalent 256 MB discrete graphics 4 BG RAM 320 GB HD N band Wi-Fi (BGN) 100/1000 Mbit Ethernet Windows 7 Linux 7”-10” VGA+ 1 – 3 lbs.
Tablet PC
Processor
Minimum Specifications Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 Ghz or equivalent
Recommended Specifications Core i5 Intel or equivalent 256 MB discrete Graphics
Video Memory Storage Network-Wireless Network-Wired Operating System Screen Size Screen Resolution Weight
Integrated Graphics 2 GB RAM 160 GB Hard Drive G band Wi-Fi (ABG) 100 Mbit Ethernet Windows XP Mac OS X v10.4 Linux 12”-14” XGA (or higher) 4 – 6 lbs.
Please note: These are suggested guidelines only. Still have questions? Please contact: Cary Harrod District Instructional Technology Specialist caryharrod@foresthills.edu Also, be sure to peruse our website: http://fhsdppl.wetpaint.com
September 2011
4 GB RAM 320 GB HD N band Wi-Fi (BGN) 100/1000 Mbit Ethernet Windows 7 12”-14” XGA (or higher) 4 – 6 lbs.
Appendix D: Resources Partnership for Powerful Learning: http://fhsdppl.wetpaint.com ISTE Standards for Students: http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students.aspx st
Partnership for 21 Century Skills: http://www.p21.org/ National Educational Technology Plan 2010: http://www.ed.gov/technology/netp-2010 Cyber Smart: http://cybersmartcurriculum.org/ Common Sense Media: http://www.commonsensemedia.org/ Rethinking Education in the Age of Technology by Allan Collins & Richard Halverson Disrupting Class by Clayton Christensen Grown Up Digital by Don Tapscott Making Lessons Whole by David Perkins Five Minds for the Future by Howard Gardner Why School? by Mike Rose The World is Open: How Web Technology is Revolutionizing Education by Curtis Bonk The Global Achievement Gap: Why Even Our Best Schools Don’t Teach the New Survival Skills our Children Need and What We Can Do About It by Tony Wagner
September 2011