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Q: What is the philosophy behind this initiative? Hide

A: The School believes that providing the opportunity for students to have and use laptops anytime and anywhere deepens students engagement, and improves the learning experience by allowing teachers to assign work and interactions using software and equipment that all students will have. Advances in networks and software allows for innovative collaboration and presentation of results by students.

Q: Why laptops? Hide

A: Students use digital technology naturally as a tool of the learning process and extend their learning community. The tool itself becomes transparent -- utilized as an integral part of the learning process. A vital aspect of the 21st century classroom is offering a variety of ways to communicate with students and the laptop provides the exact connectivity needed at school and away from school.

Q: Will the laptops be used in all classes? Hide

Teachers still direct what happens in their classrooms. The laptop is now another tool each teacher has at ready disposal to use in the classroom and as an extension of the classroom. Assignment of homework is made with the confidence that all students can accomplish their work, using the laptop if that is the expectation. This maximizes discussion and conceptual exploration during class-time. Compared to our current system, more face-to-face contact with teachers is achievable compared to time spent managing computer carts and moving to and from labs. Every teacher will use the laptop differently to fit the needs of time and task.

Q: Do I need to bring the laptop to school each day? Hide

A: Generally, yes. There may be times where your teachers, announce that you may leave the laptop at home. This might include days where there are all school events, no class, field trips, or no application of the laptop for that day.

Q: Who owns the laptops and why? Hide

The Blake School owns the laptops and issues the laptops to students. The cost of the laptop is part of the tuition. The cost includes the laptop, computer software, warrantees, and sleeve. The school reviewed carefully various ownership models. School ownership actually reduced the cost of ownership to the family. School software licenses may only be installed on school owned laptops.

Q: What if we already have a laptop? Hide

A: All students are issued a laptop as part of their education at the Upper School. When using the school issued laptop, students have access to the same version of software installed on teacher laptops. The troubleshooting by students, teachers and support staff is streamlined when the school maintains laptops.

Q: When will we be able to receive the laptop? Hide

A: The Technology Advisory Committee is working with upper school administration to determine a time line. Details of the rollout will be emailed to all parents of current 8th-11th graders in the spring.

Q: Do I need to be concerned about the laptop being stolen? Hide

A: Laptops are attractive items to thieves. Please use the issued sleeve, a carrying bag, and your school provided locker and lock to help you protect the computer while at school. Hiding your laptop is not the same as locking it. If you need to leave your laptop at any time in a vehicle, place the laptop in the trunk before leaving. Do not leave your laptop unattended when at school or away from school.

Q: What happens if the laptop is stolen or lost? Hide

A: Families are responsible for the full cost of replacement of the laptop during the time in which the laptop is assigned to them.

Q: Social networking websites are a concern. What is the school policy on their use? Hide

A: The Network Use Agreement neither condones nor prohibits the use of such tools. Students must abide by the school's Network Use Agreement whenever Blake equipment or services are involved. This includes school laptops, regardless of location. Websites such as Facebook have become an integral part of the life of some of our students. The use of social networking websites provide services for a wide range of purposes, such as maintaining connections with friends outside of Blake, as means of creative self-expression, and building common interests among a broader community.

Q: If you have additional questions, whom should I contact? Hide

Contact Marilyn Kelley, mkelley@blakeschool.org, 952-0988-3408 or Dan Trockman, dtrockman@blakeschool.org, 952-988-3796.