1	eLearning Student’s FAQ 2007- 2008
2	What laptop am I getting?
3	How long will I keep my laptop? It will be yours to use for four years so take good care of it. (We will keep them in the summer for maintenance and upgrades.) At the end of 4 years, you will have the option to purchase it. If you do not purchase it, you will return it to the school.
4	Do I have to use the case the school provides or can I bring my own? Yes, you have to use the case that the district has provided. It is specifically designed for laptops. You MUST keep your laptop in the case at all times. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action. The cases will protect your laptop from damage.
5	If my laptop breaks, how soon will it be repaired? When they are available, spare laptops at the school’s helpdesk to loan while yours is being repaired. Repair costs are below:
6	All of the cases look alike- what can I do to make it look different? You may put school appropriate keychains or non-permanent identifiers on your cases.
7	How will I be using my laptop in the classes? You will be doing assignments on the laptop using Word, Moodle, Powerpoint, etc. You will be using the Internet to find information and do simulations. You will be using e-mail, Moodle and network folders to transfer your work to your teacher. You will make web pages, photo albums and movies for class projects.
8	How will I get to the Internet? Your school has been equipped with wireless transmitters that connect you to our network and the Internet. Your laptop has an antenna built into it so that it can communicate with these transmitters.
9	Do I have to bring it to school every day? Yes, bring it to school with the battery fully charged. Yes, your teachers have found valuable resources pertinent to their subject. While you may not use it every day in every class, you will use it as needed.
10	What will I do with it after school? You will be taking the laptops home with you after school. If you have after-school practices or activities, your coaches, teachers or bus drivers will designate a locked area for the laptops to be stored. If your activity is off-site, you will need to give your laptop to a responsible adult for safe-keeping while you are engaged in that activity.
11	What do I need to know about caring for a laptop? Keep your laptop in the case at all times. Don’t throw it on the floor, use it as a backrest on the bus, cram it in your locker, etc. Protect your power adapters. Do not “snatch” the cord from a power outlet or from the laptop. Be sure to protect your laptop from the weather. Never leave it in your car or hot sun for long periods of time. Small changes in temperature can cause big problems down the road. Do not place materials between the screen and the keyboard when you close the lid. It could be yours after 4 years! Take care of it!
12	What if I need help with my laptop at school or at home? At school, you will: Ask at least 3 friends for help Ask your teacher Visit the school helpdesk (outside of class) At home, you will: Ask another family member Call a friend Call the after-hours help line – 316 6644
13	Can I load my own software on these machines? Yes, you have the legal right to do so if you purchased the software for your laptop if it is public domain or offered for download or you created it. You need to understand that if technical problems occur, your software will be erased.
14	So I can install IM and games? Yes, but you must abide by the eLearning AUP that states: Students are prohibited from sending non-instructional related e-mails, instant messages, and/or hosting personal web pages with their eLearning computers during school hours unless otherwise directed by the classroom teacher. Downloading music, games, and videos from the Internet during school hours is prohibited unless otherwise directed by the classroom teacher. Chat rooms are not to be accessed during school hours unless otherwise directed by the classroom teacher.
15	What happens if I violate the eLearning AUP? You will be subject to the discipline policies of your school. Repeated violations will result in the loss of your laptop for the remainder of the school year.
16	Can I let my friends use it? NO. If your laptop is involved in a violation of the DCPS Acceptable Use Policy, YOU will be held responsible.
17	Can I use it to listen to music? Not at school, unless directed by your teacher for a class assignment.
18	With so many kids on the Internet, won’t it be slow? The Internet will be slow if you use things like: Streaming music or video Spyware and parasites like “Bonzai Buddy”, “Gator”, “Hotbar”, “Comet Cursor” Programs like Kazaa, Bearshare and WinMx etc. You can help by abstaining from using any “roadhogs” during school hours.
19	My backpack is heavy. Do I have to carry the laptop all of the time? Many of your books can be installed on your computer from the network – your teacher will tell you how to do this. You will not need to carry your book. Go to your locker between classes and after school and carry ONLY the books you need.