Frequently Asked Questions

Teaching & Learning with Tablets

What are the Goals of this program?
At St. John’s our primary mission has always been the one our Lord gave us in Matt 28:19-20 (The Great Commission).  At St. John’s Lutheran School our teachers and staff are dedicated to sharing God’s love with our students and equipping them to share that same message with others.
How does technology fit into this Great Commission?  Throughout history those sharing the Gospel have used whatever means and technology they had available to them to communicate the message to as many people and as many languages as possible.  The technology tools available to us today are a powerful means by which we can accomplish this goal.  To that end, we believe that by making technology available to students, using it to teach them, and training them to use it themselves, we will be equipping them with powerful skills to continue this mission. 
By putting a computer in the hands of every student, we hope to provide a stronger and broader foundation for self-directed learning, development of problem-solving and higher-order thinking skills, creative expression, and a learning environment that encourages collaboration - one which extends learning beyond the physical boundaries of the classroom.  We believe that this technology will be instrumental in helping our students become effective communicators, not only providing tools to help them become better writers, but enabling them to express themselves through various audio and visual media as well.  Finally, we expect to train our students follow Christ’s example and demonstrate good online citizenship and ethical behavior so they can be an example to others.

Why one computer for every student?
By equipping each student with their own computer we are giving them a powerful tool that will enable them to express themselves with more than just text, but with pictures, audio, and video.  It also provides a more effective and dynamic method of curriculum instruction.  Using tablets, notes can be taken directly on the screen, info from web sites can be cut, pasted, and annotated. Assessments can be taken online and provide the student (and parent) with immediate feedback. Since the students have access to the technology 24/7 they can get information or work on their projects anytime and not be locked into a "computer lab" schedule that only allows access 1 or 2 hours a week.  The technology becomes more than just a novelty, or a "special computer activity", it becomes integrated into their regular day. 

What is the advantage of each student having their own computer?
Currently in our middle school, students use computers on a mobile lab cart.  We have 60 computers for approximately 250 students.  When teachers plan a lesson or project that requires use of the computers they have a limited amount of time available to them. Because some projects are dependent on the use of certain software, those projects can only be worked on at school on the mobile lab machines.  Often they must be postponed or scaled back because the technology is not available.  With their own Tablet PC, the student’s computer at school is also their same computer at home so they are free to work on their project anywhere, revise and review their work, submit it electronically, or share it with their class without having to depend on computer availability, or moving files back and forth with flash drives.

Will the laptops be used every day in every class?
The type and frequency of tablet use will vary based on the curriculum. Traditional instruction will not disappear completely just because the students have a Tablet PC.  The computer will be used when it is the appropriate learning tool for a lesson or activity and, while it may not be used in every class every day, we do expect that it be used daily, requiring students to bring their computer to school every day and to use them for homework each evening.

Aren't you afraid students will break, lose, or not take care of their computers?
Students feel respected when entrusted with these expensive devices.  In all the schools we have visited and researched, we learned that students have exceeded expectations and taken much better care of their own computers than ones that were owned by the school. We expect that our students will demonstrate that they too are competent and worthy of our trust. We have also provided 3 full years of Accidental Damage and Destruction coverage to provide immediate replacements if they don't.

What will happen to books?
Initially, the Tablet PC will not replace all print resources.  This year, our Social Studies curriculum is available digitally.  Over time we expect more classroom material will be available in digital form. We at St. John's are not willing to concede to a sub-par curriculum, just because it is digitally accessible.  We will continue to provide your students with the best curriculum available, whether it be in a printed format or a digital format.

Will there be training for students and parents?
As part of the One-to-One program, all parents and students will attend one of three Tablet Orientations.  Each 6th grade homeroom will have a separate orientation session.  At the orientation all paperwork and forms will be completed and checked, computers will be distributed to families, and parents and students will receive basic training for operating their Tablet PC's.  Training will cover setup, basic operations, connecting to the Internet, troubleshooting, and an introduction to some of the tablet software.  The orientation should last approximately 90 minutes.

Orientation nights have not yet been scheduled and will be determined by the shipment date of the computers.  We anticipate the orientations will scheduled sometime during or after the week of August 17th.

Computer Policies

Must I purchase the Tablet PC recommended by the school?  Why can't I go out and buy a cheaper one?
Having a standard machine that is used by everyone makes it much easier for the teachers and the tech staff to provide help and technical support.  Volume purchasing helps us provide students with better machine, better warranty/support, and a significantly lower cost than would be available through retail outlets.  The $1500 cost includes more than just a computer.  It also includes:

• 3 year extended warranty with next day replacement.  This provides quick repair/replacement for any hardware failure that is not the fault of the user.
• 3 year accidental damage coverage with next day replacement.  The covers any unintentional damage to the machine due to spills, drops, or other accidents.
• Additional Battery after 2 years.
• Microsoft Office Software that goes with the machine, when the child leaves.  Not typically included on most school based computers.
• The costs of the additional servers, filters, and an additional networking administrator, and the DyKnow and One Note interactive software for instruction are all being covered completely in this program.

I already have a laptop computer. Can my child use that instead?
Machines purchased outside the school program will not be able to connect to the school's network or have the same filtered Internet protection.  Students must get their machine through the school.  (See the Purchasing & Finance section.)

Why Tablets?  Why not a normal laptop?
Even though the tablet PC may not be the prominent platform in the business world, it offers opportunities for students to work and learn at school that would not be possible with a normal laptop machine.  Our DyKnow system and OneNote software take advantage of tablet technology for collaborative note taking, student response, and content replay. Working directly on the screen with a stylus is more natural and integrates well into math classes, digital art projects, and other multimedia projects. We feel strongly that using tablets will give our students advantages not available in traditional laptop machines.

Can students load their own software on the machines?
The software included with the tablets is all a student needs for working on school projects and homework.  We strongly recommend that students do not try to install their own software or games.  Any software that is not provided by the school will not be supported by the tech staff.  In the event that such software interferes with the operation of the tablet it may be necessary to re-image the machine to it's original condition.


Purchasing & Finance

How much does it cost?
The combined cost of the Tablet PC, extended warranty, accidental damage coverage, replacement battery, and software is $1500.

What payment options are available?
Option 1:  A one time purchase of $1500 due before the student starts 6th grade.
Option 2:  Ten monthly payments of $150 to be completed by June 2009.  No interest.
Option 3:  Three year lease. An annual lease payment due at the beginning of 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.

Option 4:  The school also offers tuition assistance through the school endowment fund.  Those with need who apply may be eligible for a tuition assistance to help offset the cost of the Tablet PC.
Option 5:  In the event of financial hardship beyond tuition assistance, a limited number of loaner computers will be available.  Applications for the program are reviewed during the spring enrollment period for the program based on financial need. Loaner computers belong to the school and parents are only require to pay the insurance costs.  At the end of the year, students in the loaner program are required to return their computers to the school.




Logistics & Infrastructure

How long will the computers last? Will they need to be replaced?
Typically, notebook computers last about 4-5 years.  The model of laptop we have selected is a commercial unit, which is designed and built to higher standards than those sold through retail outlets.  We anticipate the computer should be sufficient the serve the students through grades 6-8 and even into high school.  To further increase the usable life of the machines, our purchase agreement also includes one free battery replacement after 2 years of use.

How will teachers be prepared to teach in a 1 to 1 environment?
Middle school teachers already use Tablet PCs so they will be familiar with the hardware.  They are also involved in ongoing professional development and training to design lessons and projects that integrate technology skills into standard curriculum.  The focus will not be on learning "computers", but leveraging the available technology to help students gain a better and deeper understanding of the current curriculum (Math, Literature, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies) and help them become better problem solvers and independent learners.

How will students carry their computers and other books and classroom supplies?
Students will be expected to carry the computers in protective backpacks. We are currently working with our school auxiliary to evaluate different backpacks.  The current plan is that the Auxiliary will be funding the backpacks as one of their projects for Silent Auction proceeds. As far as books go, our current Social Studies curriculum is available digitally.  We have two sets of science books so students can keep one at home and the other at school.  Those are at least two books the student should never have to carry between school and home.  As more materials go digital we anticipate the backpack loads will continue to decrease over the next few years.

What about wireless access at school?
We currently have one access point for every two classrooms providing wireless access to all students in the Middle School building.  We will continue to re-evaluate and improve our network as the 1 to 1 program grows.

Will there be places for students to charge their computers? What about security?
As part of being prepared for class, students will be expected to fully charge their computers before coming to school each day. Each 6th grade homeroom will be also be equipped with a locking cabinet for storing and charging student PC's. This will keep the computers safe during lunch, PE, and after-school events. 

Will Internet access be controlled/filtered?
Part of our education plan includes teaching students about appropriate use and safe Internet habits.  To ensure safety, each student computer will also be configured so that any Internet access goes only through the school's proxy server. This way they can connect their computer to the Internet anywhere and still have the same filtering and protection they have here at school.

Repair & Support

How will technical problems be resolved?
Students will learn some basic troubleshooting techniques as part of their technology training.  In the event they're unable to solve a problem on their own, students can take their tablet to the technical service center on campus.  Depending on the extent of the problem, the student may be returned to class with a loaner, wait for their's to be repaired, or scheduled to return and pick up their repaired unit.


How will students protect their data on the Tablet PC?
While work on daily assignments could be lost, just as any written assignment can be before it's submitted, work submitted through the students Angel or DyKnow classroom environment will be protected. If students are working on a project offline and wish to backup their data before submitting the finished work they could do so by using a small USB thumb drive.

Other Questions

What if I have a question that is not answered here?
Please contact the school office (714) 288-4406 or e-mail dgrice@stjohnsorange.org.