PC Student Tech Tool Laptop Decision Twenty-one of our 3-6 grade classrooms now have Student Tech Tools (STT) as part of our pilot project. This project was designed to help us test our plan for computer use and professional development. While much of the pilot has been very successful, we have learned some lessons that will create changes when we implement the next wave of STT rollouts. We have reconsidered the decision to provide desktop computers for STT classroom, and instead, provide laptops for the following reasons: 

• Laptops provide more flexibility for student centered learning The cost of rewiring classrooms for 7 computers outweighs the cost difference between the desktop and the laptop As teachers move around, on-going rewiring costs could be incurred
• With laptops, fire safety regulations are easier to comply with since there are fewer cords to manage

 How will we address issues that come up with this shift from desktop to laptop?

• Theft
  • We will provide the theft detection software on all laptops so they can be tracked.
  • Laptops will come with some sort of locking cabinet (to be determined) so they can be safely stored and charged nightly or a means to lock them down on desks.
  Warranty and Accidental Damage
  • Each laptop will include a 3 year warranty including accidental damage. This means if a student trips and drops a laptop, it will be repaired or replaced within the first 3 years.
  Battery
  • When the laptops are new, the batteries will last 7-10 hours, due to the type of new processor these computers have
  • Each laptop will come with a voucher for a replacement battery, to be used within 3 years of purchase
  Management
  • Initial Student Tech Tools professional development will address effective classroom management strategies using laptops with students.
• Budget
  • We have found that the cost to the district to rewire classrooms is significant and the process time-consuming.  Therefore, if we continued with desktop computers, we would have to find additional budget to cover this expense. The Classroom Tech Station project has been completed.  We spent less than budgeted for this project, due to reductions in equipment prices, and have reallocated the funds to the Student Tech Tools project.
  • We have also negotiated a reduction in the cost of laptop computers with Gateway that has brought the cost closer to our initial budgeted amount.

FAQHow many laptops will a classroom receive?

STT classrooms will receive the same number of laptops as they would have desktops.

·      K-2 – 4 computers, digital camera, headphones, external mice, color printer
·      3-6 – 7 computers, digital camera, headphones
·      7-12 – Math – graphing calculators, graphing calculator emulator, on-line simulations database
·      7-12 Science, Social Studies, English – 7 computers, online databases to support curricula
·      Other content areas – to be determined as applications are accepted

 What are the Gateway laptop specs?

Gateway M25514.1” diagonal screen
Dual core processor (faster, more energy efficient)
80 Gig hard drive
1 Gig RAM
CD-RW/DVD ROM (no DVD burner)*
Wireless network card
4 USB ports
1 Firewire port
7 in 1 media card reader
Windows XP Pro
Extra Power adaptor
And regular software bundle depending on grade/content area
*Extra external DVD burners will be available  

I am in a Mac to PC transition school. What type of STT will I receive?

If you have not already switched your instructional laptop to PC and you receive STT, you will receive iBook laptops that were formerly issued to teachers across the district and/or receive iBook laptops that were scheduled to be a part of the Mac mobile labs. 

Can I still get desktops instead of laptops for my Student Tech Tools?

Since we have already purchased some desktop computers for the Student Tech Tools project, initially, we will allow exceptions, if the cost to rewire your classroom is not excessive.  After these computers are assigned, you will be issued laptops. 

Will primary students really be able to use laptops as easily as desktops?

Yes. We have a number of primary classrooms across the district who have been successfully using laptops.  We will be issuing external mice with laptops in primary classrooms. We will work with all teachers to help them learn how to manage laptops in the classroom. 

How do I get Student Tech Tools for my classroom?

Student Tech Tools are issued through an application process. You can find out more about this process at: http://www.edmonds.wednet.edu/capitallevy/technology/staff/stutechres.html