The Liberated Press (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} liberatedpress) wrote,@ 2006-04-19 21:28:00 |
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The Maine Idea: A Computer for Every Lap
RUNNING A LAPTOP PROGRAM
Via e-mail, The George Lucas Educational Foundation asked Laura Richter, technology integration specialist at Skowhegan Area Middle School, to explain the mechanics of running a laptop program. Here is her reply:
In September, I meet with all the students to go over laptop basics: I introduce them to the OS X system – how to add printers, how to organize their folders, and how to access e-mail. The state of Maine provides every middle school with a First Class mail program called MiddleMaine. It is here that students send e-mail and back up their important files. This is also how teachers access troubleshooting help from Apple in regards to software, hardware, and mail.
Next comes the parent training, because all must attend in order for the students to take the laptops home. They too receive the basics and are encouraged to take a look at the resources and the work that is being done on the laptops.
When a laptop does not work, students bring it to the technician and it is diagnosed. Apple has a VERY efficient system set up where we call in, and they ask tech-oriented questions regarding the functionality. If it looks like something we cannot solve here, we mail it in and give the student a spare. Since it is an essential tool, they are not expected to be without it. The turnaround is very fast, and I get the machine back within a few days. Parents may choose to purchase insurance, and we pay the deductible of $100. However, Apple has a buffer pool from which we have replaced machines that have serious damage. Apple has paid for all damage so far. If it is a situation where a student has intentionally damaged a machine, then the insurance or the school has to pay. We have budgeted the money for the deductible, as I said earlier, but have not had to use it. The students are very respectful of the machines and little damage has been done. I use the "care and feeding of your baby" analogy when I train them, and I believe it has helped tremendously. I tell them to be very careful, hold it gently and keep it fed regularly - charge it, that is. If a screen breaks, we write up an accident report and Apple has so far covered this. (continued...)
From: http://ali.apple.com/ali_sites...
RUNNING A LAPTOP PROGRAM
Via e-mail, The George Lucas Educational Foundation asked Laura Richter, technology integration specialist at Skowhegan Area Middle School, to explain the mechanics of running a laptop program. Here is her reply:In September, I meet with all the students to go over laptop basics: I introduce them to the OS X system – how to add printers, how to organize their folders, and how to access e-mail. The state of Maine provides every middle school with a First Class mail program called MiddleMaine. It is here that students send e-mail and back up their important files. This is also how teachers access troubleshooting help from Apple in regards to software, hardware, and mail.
Next comes the parent training, because all must attend in order for the students to take the laptops home. They too receive the basics and are encouraged to take a look at the resources and the work that is being done on the laptops.
When a laptop does not work, students bring it to the technician and it is diagnosed. Apple has a VERY efficient system set up where we call in, and they ask tech-oriented questions regarding the functionality. If it looks like something we cannot solve here, we mail it in and give the student a spare. Since it is an essential tool, they are not expected to be without it. The turnaround is very fast, and I get the machine back within a few days. Parents may choose to purchase insurance, and we pay the deductible of $100. However, Apple has a buffer pool from which we have replaced machines that have serious damage. Apple has paid for all damage so far. If it is a situation where a student has intentionally damaged a machine, then the insurance or the school has to pay. We have budgeted the money for the deductible, as I said earlier, but have not had to use it. The students are very respectful of the machines and little damage has been done. I use the "care and feeding of your baby" analogy when I train them, and I believe it has helped tremendously. I tell them to be very careful, hold it gently and keep it fed regularly - charge it, that is. If a screen breaks, we write up an accident report and Apple has so far covered this. (continued...)
From: http://ali.apple.com/ali_sites...
