Laptop and Technology Usage
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Expanding technologies take students and staff beyond the confines of the classroom and provide tremendous opportunities for enhancing, extending, and rethinking the learning process. We provide technology devices at no cost for use during the school year. The goal in providing these resources is to promote educational excellence by facilitating equity and accessibility to high quality technology resources for all students, teachers, and staff. Below, you'll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive.
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What is the cost for the laptops?
Just as District 209 provides textbooks and other instructional materials, we will supply the devices at no cost to families. However, an annual $40 technology fee has been implemented in the District fees schedule to supplement the cost of accidental damage to the device.
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Will families be able to opt out?
No. These devices will be an integral part of classroom instruction, and without a device your student would be unable to participate fully in classroom activities and assignments.
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Will my student need to bring their laptop to school every day?
Yes. There is an expectation that your student will bring the device every day, charged and ready to go.
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Will students be able to take the devices home?
Yes. The device will be assigned to the student for the rest of the school year.
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What happens if the laptop is damaged, lost, or stolen?
Warranty and accidental damage coverage are included with the devices. Damage will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. If it is determined that damage to a device is eligible for coverage, District 209 will be responsible for ensuring that the repairs are made. If the device is lost, stolen, or damaged due to negligence, families will be responsible for the cost of the replacement or repair. Families are also responsible for replacement costs for lost or stolen laptop components such as batteries, power cords, AC adapters, or bags that have been damaged beyond normal wear. A detailed list of repairs and components is listed in the Laptop and Technology Usage tab on this webpage. The cost of a new device is $536 for the 2019-2020 school year.
If the laptop is lost or stolen, the police must be notified within twenty-four (24) hours of the discovery of the theft or loss. A police report, detailing the circumstances of the incident, must be filed and a copy submitted to the principal’s office. Failure to do so within the timeframe will result in the parents’ or guardians’ complete responsibility for the replacement of the technology.
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Is there an insurance option for families?
District 209 does not have a relationship with any laptop insurer. Families may elect to purchase insurance on their own or, it is possible that they may already have coverage. For example, homeowner insurance may cover the cost of the laptop in the event of certain types of theft. Please check with your personal insurer.
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Are there policies which let my student know what is acceptable when using a District 209 issued laptop?
The laptop and all of its components are the property of District 209. To that end, there are policies and guidelines that govern the student’s use of technology on and off the school’s campus including, but not limited to:
- Access to District 209’s network must be for “the purpose of education or research, and be consistent with the District's educational objectives.”
- District 209 makes no claim of privacy. Devices, software, files, and email may be reviewed by an administrator at any time.
- It is unlawful to disclose, use, or disseminate personal information regarding minors (students) without the expressed consent of the parents or guardians. Students must respect the privacy rights of others.
- Students are not to submit, post, publish or display any defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, harassing, or illegal material.
For more information, please review the Student Handbook for Internet Acceptable Use, Guidelines for Student Distribution of Non-School Publications, Technology Acceptable Use, and District 209 Board of Education Policy 6:235, Access to Electronic Networks.
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Can a student bring his/her own laptop?
No. From a support, training, and consistency with teacher planning perspective, we are insisting on a standardization of the student devices. Additionally, we do not allow non-district owned devices access to our wireless network.
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Will families need to have Internet access at home for the laptop to work?
Regardless of device, Internet access is becoming more and more important to the educational process. Teachers are continually finding and using information, resources, tools, and programs on the Web to enhance their curriculum. While the laptop will be equipped with productivity applications that can be used when the device is not connected to the Internet, there may be some projects and assignments that do require Internet access.
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What if I don’t have Internet at home for my student?
Students have access to the school’s network during Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs) and after hours for tutoring. The laptop issued to your student is able to sign in to most open WiFi networks including those at libraries and businesses that offer free WiFi. Additionally, many Internet service providers offer discounted services to families. Comcast is currently offering an Internet Essentials plan for families that qualify for free or reduced lunch. Learn more at http://www.internetessentials.com.
