Wheatland Web Computing

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Netbooks@Wheatland

What is a netbook?


A netbook is a small laptop computer primarily designed for web computing. It is about the size of a small textbook, and weighs significantly less than a full-sized laptop computer. A netbook can provide anytime, anywhere access to information and learning. 

Wheatland will be using the HP 110-3018CL, featuring a 10.1" screen, webcam, 9 hour battery life, Open Office software, virus protection software, and will also be configured with wireless access to the internet.  The netbooks do not have CD-DVD players/burners.

What is the cost to families?

Each netbook costs $350.00, including the power chord, six cell battery, warranty, and comes with educational software programs and a backpack/carrying case.  Families will have 2 options :
 
1. Pay $50 per year for each of their remaining middle school years, and will be allowed to keep the netbook after graduation
 
2. Pay $15 per year for maintenance of the mini and return the mini to the school upon completion of each of their grade school years.
 
How much will it cost to implement the program? 
 
The funding for the netbook program will come from funds returned from the leasing program, a decrease in the replacement of existing lab computers, and reduced numbers of purchased textbooks.  There will not be any increased cost to the district. 

Who owns the netbook?

During the four years of middle school, the netbook remains the property of the school.  The same netbook is leased to the student each year until 8th grade graduation. The netbook may be used at home and during the summer.  In the 8th grade year of middle school, the student will own the netbook once the final payment is made. Until the program is fully mature, the cost to keep the netbook will be prorated as the current middle school students (5th - 8th) move through the program.

We already have a laptop/computing device, can my student use that?

The laptop/computing device must be given to the Information Technology Committee to determine if the laptop or mobile computing device meets the minimum basic requirements needed to function within the educational setting.  If so, once the device has been configured, it may be used by the student.  If not, the student must lease a netbook from Wheatland.  All maintenance of a non-Wheatland computer will be the responsibility of the parents.

Will students/parents be faced with costs for netbooks associated with normal wear and tear repair?

Normal wear and tear issues will not be charged to the student/parent.  Additional costs will only be associated with damages to the computer through negligence. The cost of replacing a computer that malfunctions due to no fault of a student will be the responsibility of Wheatland Center.   If a computer needs to be replaced due to negligent behavior, or a lost/stolen netbook, the cost would be the responsibility of the student/parent, just as it would be if a textbook needed to be replaced.  The replacement cost would never be more than the original purchase price of the netbook.

What if a family cannot afford the lease fee?

For those students who qualify for free and reduced lunch prices, the costs of the computer will vary similar to the reduction given for other program or registration fees.

What if you do not have Internet at home?

Students will be instructed how they can download materials during the school day that they will need for homework in the evening.

Will the netbooks be traceable?  Are they specifically assigned to a student?


Each student's netbook will have both a Wheatland asset tag and an HP serial number, both of which will be assigned to specific students. Prey is a free program that helps locate a missing laptop by sending timed reports with information of its whereabouts. This includes the general status of the computer, a list of running programs and active connections, fully-detailed network and wifi information, a screenshot of the running desktop and with approval - a picture of the thief.

 
What would the netbook be like?

The Wheatland Center School District will be purchasing the HP 110-3018CL .  The mini-notebook has a non gloss carbon fiber-like finish and, with proper care, serve the student throughout their middle school years..


The netbook has Intel Atom N450 1.66Ghz processor, 1GB of RAM, 802.11b/n/g WiFi, Bluetooth, and a 160 / 250GB hard drive. Battery life is quoted at 9 hours on its 6-cell 48Whr battery.

 
    


 



 
Subpages (3): Leased Netbook Agreement(s) Maintaining your Notebook Student Information