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Will laptops be used in each class everyday?
Most days they will; however use of laptops in class will depend on the content area and the appropriateness of technology for the lesson being taught. It is expected that the type and frequency of use will vary according to the curriculum. Laptops in the classroom can help to improve students' writing as well as allow for spontaneous, student directed learning through Internet research, data collection and analysis, and multimedia presentations.
What type of laptop should I purchase?
It is strongly recommended that you purchase one of the laptops offered through CDW-G. However, if you do purchase outside of CDW-G, please refer to the specs sheet. It is strongly recommended that you purchase the additional accidental warranty.
Must I purchase a laptop recommended by the school?
We strongly recommend that laptops be purchased through the school's laptop purchase program. Classroom instruction using technology is more effective when all students work with the same tools; consistency and compatibility reduce the possibility of confusion and wasted class time. If you decide to purchase another type of laptop, please be aware there are required minimum hardware and software standards and different service and rental charges.
What type of software should be purchased for the laptop?
All laptops must have an operating system of Windows 98 or higher already installed. The school will then upgrade your current operating system to Windows XP Professional. We will also provide students with Office 2003, Norton Anti virus, Adobe Acrobat 6.0, Microsoft Publisher, and any other school software while enrolled at the school.
How much do I have to pay for the software the school is installing?
The software the school is providing is at no charge to the parents. However, you will be asked to sign a Microsoft agreement stating that you will remove any software installed by the school if you leave. The software belongs to the school and is provided to our students as a service.
Which ISP (Internet Service Provider) can we use for Internet connectivity at home?
The ISPs that are compatible with the Pendleton Network are ATT World Net, Bellsouth, MSN, CompuServe, Prodigy, etc. AOL is NOT compatible. AOL replaces DLL files in the operating system with their own files. This may create problems with the student’s operating system and with Pendleton's network. It is a violation of the User Agreement to install AOL on the student’s laptop.
Are MP3 files and games allowed on laptops?
Downloading of music, games and the use of peer-to-peer sharing programs are strictly prohibited as they pose a direct threat to network security and functionality and violate the school’s Acceptable Use Policy. Kazaa is an example of peer-to-peer sharing programs; this program may also violate copyright laws. Students may run games from a CD at home. They may also download files from home, but in the event that those files or games are causing the laptop to not function properly, they will be deleted during a warranty or network repair without notice.
Can the students print from school?
Yes. There are centrally located network printers in the Computer Lab. In addition, over half of our classrooms also have network printers. Students logged onto the network can print from anywhere on campus to any of these printers. Students are allowed a certain amount of copies each quarter. If they exceed their limit they can go to the IT Manager and pay for additional copies.
What is accidental insurance?
Accidental insurance covers things not covered by your standard warranty, for example: dropping the laptop and breaking the screen, or cracking the outside casing of the machine, or a repair needed because a liquid was spilled on it. All laptops purchased through CDW-G will come with this coverage. Whatever brand of laptop you purchase, we recommend that you first try to get this coverage directly through the manufacturer. If it is not available, you can contact one of these two insurance companies:
RC Knox & Company – 800-619-0083 Or
Safeware Insurance Co. – 800-800-1492
How does The Pendleton School’s technical support work?
A student must bring his/her laptop to the Pendleton Lab, fill out a Request for Service form, and leave the laptop with the IT Manager. He will coordinate the repair with the technician. It is our goal to have laptops repaired within a 24-48 hour period.
Does The Pendleton School have an Acceptable Use Policy?
All students and parents are required to sign an Acceptable Use Policy before being permitted to access technology at the school. Additionally, an assembly is held in the beginning of the year to review the policy with the students. The school has a zero tolerance for technology abuse. Abuses can result in a series of disciplinary procedures and punishments. This document is accessible online from our school’s web page under Laptop Program.
Is my child allowed to use Instant Messenger during the school day?
No. This is not allowed. Only students taking three or more online classes may use instant messenger, and it may only be used in the Virtual Lab.
Are there any advantages to ordering a laptop through CDW-G?
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All laptops purchased through CDW-G meet the schools specs and standards. They also come with the three-year accidental warranty included in the price.
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All laptops purchased through CDW-G will be fully supported by Pendleton’s technical staff (this includes software and hardware support).
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Parents who purchase laptops outside of CDW-G will be charged a $100 assessment fee. The fee will cover the time for a technician to create an image for the laptop.
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All laptops purchased through CDW-G have the option of a loaner laptop, when needed, available to them free of charge. Students needing a loaner laptop who purchased outside of CDW-G will be charged $10/day.
How long should a new laptop last?
The life of a laptop depends on how well it is maintained. Typically, a laptop can function three to four years. Laptops that are not cared for will not last. A durable and well-padded laptop case provides good protection.
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