Frequently+Asked+Questions

2009 Technology FAQ ** How has the school dealt with distractions and misuse? Do I need a computer at Episcopal Collegiate? Can I bring my own computer? ** What is the IdeaPad pilot? media type="custom" key="3386806" What is included in the $150 fee? Are there second hand laptops available? What is the difference between the computers Episcopal offers in bundles and ones I can buy retail or online? What are the 2009 events? What about Apple? If I have questions about purchasing or using a computer, what do I do? If something goes wrong with my computer, where do I go? What is covered under the 2008 Laptop Program service warranties? How is work backed-up on the laptop?
 * Episcopal Collegiate School:
 * How has technology been used in classes this year?
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How has technology been used in classes this year?** The easiest way to see is by checking the registry. It documents many projects happening across campus, and it is updated regularly. The registry entries indicate the classes involved, the time frame, and the media type="custom" key="3386832" highlighted in the lesson. Generally speaking, the ISTE/NETS help focus the use of technology in the lesson on creativity, collaboration, information fluency, critical thinking, digital citizenship, or operational skills. Please note that the list of lessons is mostly project based. We strive for more lessons that use technology outside of specific projects. Many things are happening on an ongoing basis and may not be reflected in the registry. If you have any comments or questions, please ask. The comment/question form will be sent to Christian Rogers and Don Stalls. Either will make sure your questions are addressed.

**How has the school dealt with distractions and misuse?** In our efforts to help our students acquire the information technology skills required in today’s world, open up new avenues for innovative and collaborative learning opportunities, and increase the opportunities for more personalized learning, we have had our challenges. We have had our share of inappropriate use, network and wireless connection problems, and general misunderstandings about use and expectations. We continue to learn, train, collaborate, and communicate, and we will continue to grow and learn. Conversations and research about best practices and uses are ongoing. The newly implanted teacher wiki and café learning opportunities have been well received. Our hope is that by sharing our successes and challenges with our whole community, we will be better able to minimize misuse and maximize meaningful technology immersion. Everyone plays a part. **Do I need a computer at Episcopal Collegiate?** All Upper School students will need to bring their own laptop computer to school every day. Desktop computers will continue to exist in the Upper School library. The Middle School computer lab and library desktop computers will remain, and two laptop carts will be available for classroom use in the Middle School.

**Can I bring my own computer?** Next year, students entering grades 9, 11, and 12 will have two choices in meeting the requirement to participate in the Laptop Program. First, Lenovo bundles from the school will continue to be offered to students next year due to the early success of the Lenovo ThinkPads and the belief that on-site technical support is important. Second, Episcopal Collegiate School understands the value of choice and recognizes the fact that much of what we do in class is not platform or manufacturer specific. For these reasons, students may choose to bring a laptop of their choice to school. Laptops need to meet minimum specifications. Students choosing to bring a non-school-issued laptop will need to pay an annual $150 usage fee.

**What is included in the $150 fee? ** The fee will provide students with a copy of Microsoft Office w/ OneNote, Inspiration, and Symantec EndPoint Security. Additionally, the fee will be used to ensure that each student has access to school email, network storage and resources, and a loaner laptop whenever their laptop is out of service*.


 * Loaner laptop use will be recorded and limited to 15 days. Anything past 15 days will accrue a $25 a day fine.

Currently, two families have laptops they will not be needing next year. We keep a running list and can provide contact information for interested families upon request.
 * Are there second hand laptops available? **

**What is the difference between the computers Episcopal offers in bundles and ones I can buy retail or online?** When comparing computers, be sure to read the fine print. Episcopal Collegiate laptop offerings include Microsoft Office Enterprise, Symantec EndPoint, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Adobe Premiere Elements, Adobe Acrobat Pro, Inspiration, VitalSource, case, 4 year complete service warranty, and school support and service including access to loaner laptops. Be sure to compare all specifications carefully, and if you decide to go with a different laptop, make sure it meets Episcopal Collegiate School’s minimum specifications.

**What are the 2009 Events?** February 23, 2009 Parent Information Night We will discuss the Episcopal laptop options and answer questions about purchasing laptops from other sources. We will discuss curriculum, early successes and challenges, policy, security, and finance, and we will leave lots of time for questions and answers.

March 20, 2009 Laptop orders due I will need you to select one of the laptop options from Episcopal or indicate a decision to provide your own laptop. A $500 deposit will be due with Episcopal orders. I will need you to choose one of the summer training dates at this time as well.

April 17, 2009 Student-provided laptops due for Network setup and software installation Student provided laptops need to be delivered to the technology center. They will receive Microsoft Office, Symantec EndPoint, Inspiration, Premiere Accessibility Suite, etc. They will be configured for network usage at that time. The 2009-2010 $150 network usage and software fee will be due on this date as well.

May 1, 2009 Student provided laptops will be returned May 23, 2009 Episcopal laptops will be distributed July 16, 2009 Training Day - 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. (Option 1) July 23, 2009 Training Day - 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. (Option 2) July 30, 2009 Training Day - 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. (Option 3) August 6, 2009 Training Day - 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. (Option 4)

**What about Apple?** Just like any laptop purchased outside of the Episcopal bundles, support will be very limited. We are only authorized to repair Lenovo / IBM laptops at this time. Although we aim to add more manufactures to the list of what we can support on campus, we are not there yet. That aside, one critical note on using an Apple is that it will not run Microsoft OneNote. We have been testing many options since the beginning of the school year, and we have not been satisfied with any. The collaborative and communicative power of OneNote has not been matched in any third party application. It is widely used by our faculty in very meaningful ways. At this time, students using Apples will need to run Boot Camp with XP Pro or Vista Business. Office Pro for Windows with OneNote will be provided to families as part of their $150 annual software and usage fee.

**If I have questions about purchasing or using a computer, what do I do?** Click the yellow button on the wiki and fill out the comment form. Someone from the technology support team will get back to you within 24 hours. Also, you can call the Episcopal Collegiate Tech Center at (501) 372-1194 ext. 670 or Don Stalls at (501) 372-1194 ext. 520.

**If something goes wrong with my computer, where do I go?** Tech Center staff members are available to assist students with software issues and diagnosis of hardware problems. The Tech Center is located in Upper School 209.5, next to the 2nd floor elevator entrance in the Upper School.

**What is covered under the 2009 Laptop Program service warranties?** The warranty covers almost everything; however, it does not cover theft, loss, fire, or intentional damage. Parents are given an option to insure laptops for loss and theft at $35 a year through Student Insurance group. As is standard, batteries only have a one-year warranty.

**How is work backed-up on the laptop?** Students can back up work to their network user folder while on-campus. Students are also encouraged to use CDs, DVDs, portable flash drives, or an external hard drive to back up and archive work.