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Frequently Asked Questions about the ICS 1:1 Computer Program
Frequently Asked Questions about the ICS 1:1 Computer Program
ICS Staff is preparing answers for these and other questions. Please email your questions about this program to support@ics.edu.hk.
Purpose of the ICS 1:1 laptop program:
ICS continues to support our students to be better equipped with 21st Century Skills (Communicating, Innovating and Creating, Collaborating, Thinking Analytically, Solving Problems, and Finding and Evaluating Information). These skills are needed to be successful leaders, workers, and citizens. To do this, we recognise that students need better access to tools that will better meet these needs. It is essential for students to have a common platform between home and school for consistency and increased learning opportunities.
Why does the 1:1 laptop program begin in the Middle School?
By the time they enter fifth grade, students are quite comfortable with the use of technology. They are already used to it enhancing their learning. ICS is following the Technology Plan which started over five years ago. The committee, which was composed of IT staff, administrators, teachers, and parents, together determined the program that we have implemented. Planning, budgets, resources, and training have all been achieved by starting the program at 6th grade.
Do MS students have online textbooks?
When available and affordable ICS has been moving towards online textbooks. For many of the courses that we do not have online books, we try to have enough editions for students to have a home copy and a classroom copy, particularly math and science. This will allow the students not to have to carry these books back and forth from school to home. However, it is essential to know that textbooks are only one of the resources that the students are using. The curriculum is being delivered using multiple sources, including primary and secondary sources, software programs, and through accessing numerous databases.
Why must students purchase an Apple MacBook?
ICS will continue to focus on developing 21st Century Skills in our students. By having the same platform, ICS can support consistent learning in the Middle School classroom.
Our family already owns a MacBook computer. May we use a MacBook computer that we already have?
To accommodate the Middle School curriculum program, the computer specification is recommended to be: 13" screen, 8GB memory and at least 256GB storage size. To verify if an already-owned laptop is acceptable, please contact the ICS IT/AV Support team at support@ics.edu.hk.
Can tablets, iPads, and Smartphones be used at school?
The Middle School does not allow the use of devices other than the student laptops unless special permission is given by his or her teacher for a specific purpose or assignment. Tablets and Smartphones do not provide the full functionality needed to support all of the learning goals included in many lessons.
Is there a Finance Plan available to allow payment over time?
ICS does not have a payment plan available, but most Hong Kong credit card companies will finance with no interest or low interest, with a 24-month payment plan. Individuals should inquire with their bank or credit card company, or with retail stores such as Fortress, Broadway, Wilson Electronics, or other suppliers, to find out if a payment plan is available.
Is financial assistance available?
Financial assistance is not available from ICS for the 1:1 Computer Program. It is possible that some employers (or mission organizations, for missionary families) may help to cover the 1:1 computer program costs.
The price on the www.eduoffer.com website seems to be higher than the Apple store. Isn’t a discount provided?
Our child commutes a long distance to/from school. Can the computer be left overnight at school?
Yes, every student has the option to keep his/her MacBook at school in locked, overnight storage. It is vital for the student to bring the charger for their computer so it can be fully charged overnight for the next day. Many homework tasks can be completed on another computer at home, if available, though students may prefer to use their MacBook to finish some homework activities. It is important to note that some assignments may require the MacBook to complete (common platform), requiring the student to take his/her computer home or complete that part of the task before they leave school (in the library or homework club). To help with their transition to middle school, our 6th-grade students will not have homework requiring their MacBook computer at home during the first quarter of school, although they will have homework that may need access to the internet and/or complete assignments.
How can we control the amount of screen time our children have in a 1:1 environment?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting the total entertainment screen time to less than 2 hours per day. The school surveyed MS students and teachers and discovered that ICS students spend an average between 1-2 hours doing academics on the MacBook during the school day. ICS surveys over the past six years indicate that 50 percent of the 6th graders spent at least two hours of screen time for entertainment (before the 1:1 program).
The American Optometric Association offers parents these tips to decrease the risk of computer vision syndrome among children.
Location of the computer screen - Most people find it more comfortable to view a computer when the eyes are looking downward. Optimally, the computer screen should be 15 to 20 degrees below eye level (about 4 or 5 inches) as measured from the center of the screen and 20 to 28 inches from the eyes.
Lighting - Position the computer screen to avoid glare, particularly from overhead lighting or windows. Use blinds or drapes on windows and replace the light bulbs in desk lamps with bulbs of lower wattage.
Rest breaks - To prevent eyestrain, try to rest your eyes when using the computer for long periods. Rest your eyes for 15 minutes after two hours of continuous computer use. Also, for every 20 minutes of computer viewing, look into the distance for 20 seconds to allow your eyes a chance to refocus.
Blinking - To minimise your chances of developing dry eye when using a computer, make an effort to blink frequently. Blinking keeps the front surface of your eye moist.
What about accidental damage? Does the warranty cover accidental dropping, spilled liquids, getting wet in a rainstorm, etc.?
Yes, but only applicable for laptops with AppleCare+ purchased since 2019. Each laptop is covered for up-to two discounted repairs due to accidental damage and the repair isn't completely free of charge. For example, it costs HK$799 for screen replacement or $2,299 for extensive repair as a result of liquid damage. You can visit the AppleCare+ website for more details. It is essential for users to learn the importance of proper care for their personal property.
How will laptops be maintained?
The ICS IT/AV Support team, located in Room 108, can assist with software issues only. For hardware issues, the computer will need to be serviced by the Apple store, or an authorised service center. To ensure that learning is not interrupted, a loaner computer will be made available while the repair takes place.
When away from ICS, is support available?
The included 3-year AppleCare+ provides worldwide service at Apple stores and authorised service centers around the world. The wide availability of this service is a crucial component for choosing the MacBook platform.
Why is AppleCare required?
The MacBook should include a 3-year AppleCare/AppleCare+ warranty when purchased, which allows sustaining three years of computer use and maintenance for the student.
How can students be protected from inappropriate content on the Internet or too much distraction from social networking or playing games?
This is a concern for both the school and parents. The ICS MS has been collecting data on student computer usage in the home for the past six years. Long before ICS started the 1:1 program, the data has shown the need to be proactive and engaged with supervision at school and home. Ultimately, it is recognised that students must learn to become responsible for using their computer, iPad, and/or smartphones. Self-control is an important character trait that ICS wants to help build in students' lives. Of course, this is a process, and students need a physical presence guiding them both at school and at home. ICS works diligently to provide safe access, using Firewalls and other access controls on the ICS school network. ICS will continue to offer workshops and advice to better educate parents as well as provide strategies that will help the parents better manage these issues in the home.
At the same time, Learning Technology team is looking for a suitable for Education solution that will help the teacher to monitor students activities on their Laptops in the classroom environment and be able to adjust their attention to the critical direction when appropriate.
Won't having a computer in front of them distract students from learning?
Effective classroom management is always relevant, and ICS teachers will continue to receive training on effective strategies to help direct students to use technology to support their learning.
Our family prefers not to purchase a computer at this time. Are any rental units available?
After reviewing the laptops available for the rental program. They can no longer meet the requirement. The rental laptop will no be available for students promoting to middle school in school year 2025-2026.
How do I place an order from Senco Masslink?
Go to www.eduoffer.com
Choose International Christian School from the school choices in the upper right
Use the ICS student’s email address, such as yyy1303@school.ics.edu.hk
Use the password: IcsPurchase2025
For logging in the first time, if the system is complaining the account being inactive, you would need to check the student email account for "Senco eShop account activation" email for account activation.
Click on School 1 to 1 Program:
Select from the available models
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