Laptop & Tablet Program FAQ

List of 15 frequently asked questions.

• Is the Laptop and Tablet Program mandatory?

  The laptop program is mandatory for students attending the Middle and Upper School. The iPad program is mandatory in the Lower School for grades 2 through 5. The Benjamin School's technology staff will be able to provide only best effort support for your personally owned technology.  All additional costs, required software or extended support will fall to the responsibility of the family.  Again, please understand that students will be required to have an acceptable and functioning laptop or tablet in class.
  

• How will instruction be different with the program?

  
  Students will have more project based learning that will require the use of computers to access, process, and communicate information. Students will use Microsoft OneNote, an electronic notebook that will store their information on a server so that they do not lose their notes. The electronic notebook will also enable them to save web-pages, pictures, graphics, and teacher handouts. Their computer will be an electronic scrapbook where they can store everything.

• Can my rising 6th grader continue to use the iPad they already have?

  The same iPad that your Lower School student has used will be acceptable for use in the Middle and Upper School Bring Your Own Device programs.  However, your student may find that the rigors of the classwork at these higher levels exceed the capabilities of an older iPad.  All devices in the BYOD program must conform with the current required specifications and be in working order.

• Which model laptop does The Technology Department recommend?

  For Middle and Upper School students, The Benjamin School's Technology department recommends a modem Windows or Apple laptop that was purchased in the last two years.
  
  For Lower School students, a modern iPad that was purchased in the last two years should be sufficient. 
  
  Requirements for laptops and tablets can be found here.

• Do I have to buy the accidental damage protection (ADP) warranty?

  Families are advised to purchase a warranty or other support option. Having a warranty with accidental damage insurance helps to make certain that students will be able to have the required acceptable and functioning laptop or tablet for class.

• Will the school provide on-site repair and support for the students' computers?

  Students who bring an acceptable device as part of The School's BYOD program will receive best effort support from the Technology Department. This means that every effort will be made to help insure the students can use their device at school. But, the scope of possible devices and configurations available to choose from make it impossible for the school to provide more thorough troubleshooting or repair services.

• If my child's computer needs a repair, will the Technology Office provide a loaner?

  The school is unable to provide loaner or rental laptops to students under any circumstances.  Please ensure that your student has access to a device that meets The School's minimum technical requirements.

• What software will my child need on the computer?

  Students will need to have a number of programs installed in categories. These include office productivity, note taking, collaboration, science and foreign language. The Benjamin School is licensed to provide many of these applications at no additional cost to currently enrolled students who purchase a serviceable laptop through the authorized reseller.
  
  

  For students who choose to bring another acceptable device to school, all additional costs, required software or extended support will fall to the responsibility of the family.

• Given the issues that students face about making poor choices about online use, aren't we playing with fire here? What is the school going to do to ensure that all of the children make appropriate choices?

  We believe that the School has to address this problem head on. Computers are not going to disappear in the future, and there is broad consensus that that they will become a more integral part of our lives in the near future. School administrators are stressing to families that the laptop is a “family” machine, and as such parents have a right to monitor student work on computers. The School also recommends that students work on their laptops in a fairly public part of the home, not in their rooms. As a parent, you need to monitor the choices that your child is making. In school, students will have extensive training and education about the proper use of computers. The School seeks to work in partnership with you to help your children make good decisions.

• What technology do you recommend to prevent my student from viewing inappropriate content?

  The Benjamin School employs a network based content filter to prevent students from viewing this type of material while they are connected to the school’s network. At home, this filter is not in place. The most effective solution would be to install a home network based content filter. There are several choices available. At the time of this writing, the Circle family content filter is available for under $100 and requires no additional fees.
  
  The Circle can be purchased at local retailers and online.  We do not recommend installing the additional Circle Go software on your student's mobile device as it may conflict with the content filter already in place at school.

• What are you doing to ensure that the students stay on task in class and do not use the computers to surf the web and email during class?

  Students are required to sign an Acceptable Use Policy which outlines what activities they may engage in while at school.

• Can I install games or play them online?

  It is NOT recommended. The laptop or tablet is primarily an instrument for school use. Games are NOT PERMITTED for use while at school unless otherwise directed by a teacher.

• Can I use instant messaging applications at school?

  Instant messaging is NOT PERMITTED for use while at school unless otherwise directed by a teacher.

• How do I get internet at home?

  Through an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and/or by expanding your home network, either wired or wireless, to accommodate multiple computers.

• Where can I purchase a laptop bag, iPad case or portable keyboard?

  They can be found at most office supply or electronics stores. The Technology department recommends purchasing a bag with as much padding as possible.