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Why do Cascade Christian’s secondary students use a one-to-one learning program?

Foremost among the many positive reasons for having this program are to do the following:

  • Embrace our 21st century digital learners
  • Enhance student engagement in the classroom
  • Expand the classroom beyond our campus walls
  • Better prepare our students for college and careers

Our findings demonstrate that schools employing a 1:1 student-computer ratio and key implementation factors outperform other schools and reveal significant opportunities for improving education return on investment (ROI) by transforming teaching and learning. —www.ProjectRed.org

Why did CCS decide on the Surface?

CCS has identified the following key components as critical elements in the selection of a device for our program:

  • A device that allows students to create and produce content
  • A 2-in-1 (laptop-tablet hybrid) for flexibility and productivity
  • A device with Windows 10 that can operate as a full laptop
  • A device with a useful stylus for digital inking
  • A device that works with MS Office 365 to facilitate collaboration and content creation
  • A device that works seamlessly with other devices on the Cascade Christian campus network

We feel the Surface is the best device for our particular learning environment at this time. We value the power of a notebook/laptop in a tablet/2-in-1 form (other similar devices may be available at different price points, but this one worked best for getting our program going). The digital “real-ink” stylus for writing, annotating, highlighting, and drawing mimics the actions of writing with a pen. The Surface has an innovative keyboard design; enlarged touchpad; a bigger, brighter screen; a thinner and lighter makeup than the iPad; and a 9-hour all-day battery. We feel that a 2-in-1 device is ultimately more practical for our students.

How was this program funded?

This program was made possible through special donations, auction funds, and funding from within the current operating budget.

What software is preloaded onto the Surface?

The Surface uses Microsoft Windows 10, MS Office 2016, and standard utility software (Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Flash, Java, Windows Movie Maker, etc.). In addition, all students have a Microsoft account that works in conjunction with their CCS Office 365 account so that their apps, files, and settings are all tied together seamlessly. Students receive training on Windows 10, MS Office 365, Windows apps, etc., during the first week of school.

How do CCS students use the Surface Pro?

Students use the Surface Pro in a variety of ways:

  • Research
  • Collaboration
  • Note-taking (OneNote)
  • Audio recording
  • Various apps & presentation tools (PowerPoint, Publisher, SWAY, Movie Maker)
  • e-Textbooks
  • Communication (email, blogs, etc.)
  • File access and turn in (Office 365, MS-OneDrive, Team sites, class sites)
  • And ways we have yet to imagine …
What are the students’ options for printing?

If they log on to the student Wi-Fi while on campus, the printers available to them will show up on their list of printers. It is important that they carefully choose the printer so they do not send something to the wrong room. Several printers are available around the building for printing. If for some reason those printers are unavailable, students may go to a desktop computer in room 102 or 201 and print a file from their OneDrive. Some printing solutions include emailing the document to themselves or saving it to a flash drive or cloud storage for later printing, or printing from home. There are black and white printers, copiers, color printers, and poster printers available to all students and staff in room 102.

What if there is a problem with their device?

Please have them bring their device to the technology office located in room 102 for troubleshooting. A temporary device may be issued to them for use that day or until the problem is resolved. If we choose to reimage the machine, any personal items will be deleted from the device.

Where do they save their work?

Students are encouraged to use their Office 365 OneDrive account that the school provides. They can also save to a USB device or even email the document to themselves. It is not recommended that they save to the Surface itself.

What if students choose to bring their own Surfaces or other acceptable devices?

Parents and students must complete the Use of Personally Owned Electronic Device Permission Form [link to form] in order to use their own device. They are fully responsible for the safety and security of their device. No support is provided for the hardware. Families will still receive full access to Office 365 and the school desktop computers, but no other support will be provided.

Are students still held accountable for the Student Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) if they bring their own personal mobile device?

Yes. The AUP for CCS remains in effect even when students are using their own device.

Will students have access to their tablets over the summer?

Students are required to turn in their tablets at the end of the school year for reconditioning and software upgrades. Tablets are then reissued to the students at the start of the new school year.

Do tablets replace all classroom textbooks?

Since all of our textbooks are not currently available in an electronic format, they will be replaced on an individual basis as electronic books become available. Several hardbound textbooks will be available for checkout or use in the classroom. Workbooks will still be purchased and used where necessary.

What happens if students lose/damage their Surface or find they are not working correctly?

Any accidental damage or hardware issues will be covered only if the optional insurance policy has been purchased. Additional tablets, or loaners, will be available for students to use if their tablets are not functioning properly and they purchased the insurance policy. Students may bring their tablets to room 102 if they have concerns about them. Students will be responsible for the loss or theft of their devices.

Can students load software to their tablets?

Not at this time. Policies are in place to prohibit loading additional software to the tablet. Special credentials are needed to be able to download or modify devices. Students will be responsible for periodically backing up their personal data (document files) to a cloud-based storage location or flash drive, and always doing so before turning in a Surface for repair. This policy may change or evolve as we develop the program.

Can students recharge their tablets at school?

Students will be expected to charge their tablets at home each night, similar to charging their cell phones. Some charging stations will be available in the classrooms to assist when they forget, but there is a limited quantity.

How will students’ online safety be ensured?

CCS already has a variety of firewalls in place to provide students with safe access to the Internet at school. In addition, we will be training students regarding appropriate use of both the Surface and the Internet. We will also continue to learn from “best practices” at other schools that have rigorous programs in place. Safe access at home will be parents’ responsibility.

CCS encourages parents to have a dialog with their student at home regarding the appropriate use of technology—when it should be used, for what purposes, and where in the house it may be used. We also suggest that parents regularly monitor their student’s online activity and maintain access to student accounts as a precaution.

What if students forget to bring their Microsoft Surface to school?

There will be consequences if students do not bring their Surface to class, much like there would be a consequence if they were to not bring their textbook or anything to write with. One of our goals is to ensure that students develop the responsibility to come prepared to learn each day, and one key aspect will be for them to bring a fully charged Surface to school daily. It will be up to the teacher to decide if a loaner device is needed for a crucial assignment or activity.

What if families do not have Internet access at home?

Students have access to the Internet any time they are on campus. They also have the ability to complete assignments while offline at home and then upload their work when they return to campus. Also, public libraries, most restaurants, many coffee shops, and many other locations offer free Internet access.

What are CCS’ recommendations for computer backup?

Backup of important computer data is the responsibility of each student. With the school’s Microsoft Office 365 subscription, Microsoft provides each user with 1 terabyte of cloud storage on Microsoft’s OneDrive. Students must back up their data to the cloud, including school-related documents as well as music and video collections. Tablet PCs may be lost or stolen, and hard drives may fail. In either case, data will be irretrievably lost if it is not backed up. CCS does not provide local server-based storage for students.