FAQ

Why is ACSD providing devices to students?

21st Century Learning Initiative Vision

• Create 21st Century Learners that create, collaborate and communicate
• Eliminate digital divide
• Personalized learning for all students centered around individual learning needs and goals.
• Become good digital citizens
• Use digital tools for academic and personal learning

How is the school paying for these devices?

All devices are being purchased using PPEL and Statewide sales tax funds. These are designated funds and cannot be used to pay for personnel. No large purchases for devices are coming out of the general fund and not staff hours/contracts were reduced to fund this initiative. If you have further questions about the financing of this initiative please contact the district CFO at 515.268.6600

Can I buy my students' laptop at the end of the year or after graduation?

No, the district policy for selling and disposal of school properties (DN) doesn't allow for this to happen. We can provide for you the specs for the device and resellers if you are interested in getting a similar device for your student when they graduate from ACSD.

Are the laptops filtered on-campus?

Yes, Per federal law (CIPA) we have a filter in place when the devices are at school. We work to block obscene or harmful content. Our policy relating to filtering and computer use is policy (INI)

Are the laptops filter off-campus?

No, After significant board discussion and technology committee discussion, it was decided that the district would like to allow parents/guardians to be involved and allowed to make decisions about device usage in their own homes. Following is a bit more information regarding ways you can monitor at home.

AT HOME MANAGEMENT:

Talk with your student. Ask questions. Get involved. Some good ground rules that may work in your home.

• Know all passwords: Computer, Social Media, etc
• Set rules where devices can be used ie: only in public areas
• Check internet history on a regular basis (Firefox|Safari|Chrome)
• Disconnect wifi at a certain time each night
• Subscribe to teachers calendars to know about homework deadlines

Any filtering options that require administrative access will not be allowed. As the District IT staff finds tools that will work we will post them here. District IT staff cannot help setup/configure your at home network. Staff can only point you in the direction of resources.

OpenDNS: Free At home internet filtering tool that will work with school issued devices. Follow the instructions for configuring your wireless router.

Is there a fee associated with participation?

No, Starting with the 14-15 school year, ACSD as eliminated the refundable computer deposit.

What happens if the computer is damaged?

The student is responsible for maintaining a 100% working device at all times and shall return the device and accessories at the end of the school year or earlier as required. The student shall use reasonable care to ensure that the device and accessories are not damaged. If the device is damaged, the student will need to notify their teacher (Elementary schools) or take it to the Media Center (AMS and AHS).

What happens if the computer is lost or stolen?

Students and parent/guardian must report any device damage or loss immediately to the Principal, Assistant Principals, or Media Tech. If the device is stolen or vandalized while not at ACSD Schools or an ACSD sponsored event, the parent/guardian must file a police report within 48 hours.

In the event the device and/or accessories are lost or stolen, the student and parent/guardian may be billed the full cost of replacing the lost items. Examples of instances in which charges may apply include but are not limited to loss resulting from gross negligence as determined by the Technology Advisory Committee, such as leaving the device unattended and unsecured.

Can I fix the computer myself or take it to a friend/business to get it repaired?

No, All repairs and replacement parts must be taken care of through the school. We are a certified repair location for our devices and for ones we cannot repair in house there are only specific places that can do repairs that maintain warranty on our devices.

Can I install my own applications?

Yes and No. High School students will have access to the Mac AppStore and programs can be loaded in this manner. However, applications that require admin credentials cannot be installed and applications are blocked from running on the desktop and other non-approved locations. All educational applications will be made available through Self-Service or remote install.

At AMS, the Chromebooks cannot have any applications installed on them in the traditional sense. There is a long list of extensions and apps that the District will make available on the devices and there will be a controlled list of other extensions and apps available for installation by the students.

Can my student individualize their device?

Yes, as long as the customization is not permanent. All students will be able to change their desktop pictures. Students can add decals or skins to their devices as long as they will come off when the device is returned in the spring. Any device that is turned in with stickers or permanent changes will be assessed the appropriate fine.

Examples of acceptable customizations:

• Skinit.com
• Speck.com
• tech21.com
• mCover iPearl.com

Will staff or teachers be able to control the webcam on my students' device?

No. The District testing out a software tool that will allow teachers to see student screens while they are in class, but no ACSD staff will remotely access a devices webcam for any reason.

What is a Chromebook?

A Chromebook is a laptop. More information can be learned here (LINK)