1:1 Technology Initiative

Purpose of the 1:1 Program

The initial phase of the 1:1 Technology Initiative at Assumption involves providing all junior and senior students with a school-issued laptop. Though the benefits of this initiative will be widespread, some of the goals of the program include:
•    Increased student engagement and enthusiasm for learning
•    An increase in collaboration with individuals in our community and across the world
•    A reduction in consumables (i.e. workbooks, worksheets, etc.)
•    A better understanding of the various ways technology can be used to further society

Acceptable Use Policy
Student Laptop Program Acknowledgement Form

Laptop Use and Policies

1. Technology Fee: The Student Technology Fee at Assumption is $100 per school year. The fee will help offset the cost of laptops, maintenance of hardware and software, and extended warranties. 

2. Computer Damages   

• If a computer is damaged, the school needs to be notified immediately.  Any repair costs incurred outside of warranty will be the responsibility of the student and will be assessed to the student’s school account.
• If a student has a question about a computer, but the computer is still useable, he/she can communicate the question via email to ahshelpdesk@mail.assumption.pvt.k12.ia.us or by visiting the Assumption Help Desk at http://helpdesk.assumptionhigh.org:9675/portal.
• If a student computer is unusable, the student should bring it to Mrs. Frieden in the library. She will have a temporary “swap computer” that the student can check out while the problem with his/her original computer is addressed by the technology support team.

3. Student Use in Classrooms: Students will be required to take their computers to class each day unless a teacher directs them otherwise. When a computer is not being used for class, it is to be closed or put away. 

4. Student Access to Internet: At school, students will have access to the Internet. When not at school, students will be able to access the internet wherever it is available to them (home or other locations). When at home, parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor student time and activities on the computer.

5. Students Access & Monitoring

• Computers are the property of Assumption High School, therefore the school has the right to determine appropriate use. Assumption reserves the right to search computers at any time.
• Assumption’s internet filtering software allows for the blocking of inappropriate websites and is in effect whether students are accessing the internet at school or in their homes.
• Students who attempt to access inappropriate sites using school computers will face disciplinary action from Assumption administration in accordance with the Acceptable Use Policy.
• Students who attempt to access websites in class that are unrelated to classroom activities will face disciplinary action from teachers and/or administrators in accordance with the Acceptable Use Policy.

6. Bringing the Computer to School: It is necesary for students to bring their computers to school every day. Teachers will be designing lessons and classroom activities based on students having access to their computers.

7. Charging of Computers: It is a student’s responsibility to have his/her computer charged each day before coming to school. With proper power settings, a fully-charged laptop will be able to last an entire school day. Students will not have access to outlets in classrooms.

8. Lost Computers: A lost or stolen computer needs to be reported to the school office immediately. If the computer is not recovered, the replacement cost will be assessed to the student’s school account.

9. Downloading Programs & Personalizing the Computer:

• Only Assumption administration and Assumption’s technology service has the ability to download programs to student laptops.
• Students will be able to personalize their laptops through the legal downloading of music. Screen savers, wallpaper, and other pictures may also be placed on the computer. All items must be appropriate and not violate school policy. 
• No permanent markings can be made on the outside of the computer.  Removable laptop skins are allowed as long as designs are appropriate. 
• Each computer is identified through a barcode. A numbered sleeve accompanies each laptop for both protection and identification purposes.  

10. Bringing Computers from Home

• Students are allowed to bring home computers for use in the 1:1 program. Students who bring their own computer will be able to access the internet through the Assumption wireless network, but personal computers will not have access to the Assumption server or printers. 
• Repair of personal computers is the responsibility of the student and his/her family. Assumption will not provide any support for privately-owned computers.

11. Ear Buds: With teacher permission, students may listen to music or other educational materials on their computers using ear buds as long as the volume is at a level that does not promote the distraction of other students. The use of ear buds in study hall is at the teacher/supervisor’s discretion. 

12. Saving Work

• Students will have their own username and password to access their computer, and should save all work to the Skydrive folder associated with their outlook email account.
• Work that is saved to the Skydrive folder on student computers will automatically sync to their online Skydrive folder when the computer is next connected to the internet. 
• Students are responsible for backing up their own files.

13. Student Printer Use: Students will have access to printers in study halls and the library. All other printers in the school can be accessed by teachers only. 

Laptop Care

Students are asked to treat computers as if they are their own property, and are expected to use common sense and follow all guidelines for computer care to prevent any damage to their laptops. Students assume full financial responsibility for loss or damage to student laptops.

1. Keep the computer in a safe place.

• Never leave the computer unattended in an unlocked location. 
• Never leave the computer on the floor where it might be stepped on or within reach of small children or pets. 
• Avoid exposing the computer to extreme temperatures. Avoid storing computers in cars other than in a locked trunk as excessively hot or cold temperatures can damage equipment.
• Laptops found unattended may be confiscated by faculty or staff as a protection against theft. If confiscated, the student will receive a warning before getting the laptop back from the front office. If the laptop is confiscated a second time, the student’s parent or guardian will need to come in to the office to claim the laptop. Unattended and unlocked equipment, if stolen – including at school – will be the student’s responsibility.

2. Computer Sleeves: The numbered sleeve accompanying each laptop is intended for both protection and identification. When the computer is not in use, the safest place for it is inside the protective sleeve. 

3. Avoid Liquids:  Exposure to liquids will severely damage a laptop and may result in large repair costs. Open cans of pop and cups of coffee (even those with lids) are especially dangerous. Do not put a bottle of water/pop/etc. in a backpack with a laptop, even if it is sealed.

4. Physical Structure of Computers: Do not attempt to remove or change the physical structure of the computer. This includes the keys, the screen cover, and the plastic casing. Doing so will void the warranty, and the student will be responsible for 100% of the repair or replacement cost.

5. Authorized Users: The only users authorized to use a computer are the student issued the computer and his/her parents or guardians. Loss or damage that occurs when anyone else is using the computer will be the responsibility of the student issued the computer.

6. Cleaning the Computer:

• In most cases, a soft, dry, lint-free cloth should be used when cleaning the computer. Computer screens show fingerprints and smudges easily, so be sure to follow proper cleaning procedures to keep your screen looking new. Never use cleaning products with acetone or ammonia. 
• Read and follow any maintenance alerts from the school technology personnel or Assumption administration.

7. Shutting down the computer:  Shut down the computer when it will not be used for an extended duration.

8. Closing & Carrying the Computer:

• Always completely close the computer before moving it from one point to another, even for short distances.
• Always store the computer in its laptop sleeve.
• If placing the protected laptop inside another bag, be sure to take great care of that bag. Throwing a backpack around is a bad idea if the backpack has a laptop inside!