What led FRA to decide to use personal computers in the classroom?

FRA launched its first student laptop program in 1992. The individualized, anywhere, any time learning opportunities proved to be advantageous for FRA students. During the decade that followed, FRA developed and reorganized its technology infrastructure and continued to focus on the integration of technology with instruction.

During 2001-2002, FRA established a Wireless and Portability Committee (WAP). The WAP Committee subsequently recommended the purchase of teacher laptops and the installation of a wireless campus network for the 2002-2003 school year. In the spring of 2003, the faculty recognized the limitations associated with fixed computer labs and the feasibility of a student laptop program resurfaced.

During the following year, school personnel completed a comprehensive study of how students learn using technology, technology infrastructure issues, and laptop financial considerations. The outcome of that study was a recommendation to the Board of Trustees to consider student tablet PCs for grades 7–12.

In February, 2004, the change in focus for FRA’s comprehensive technology program was announced. Students in grades 9-12 began purchasing tablet PCs in the fall of 2005. Students in grades 7-8 started their program beginning in the fall of 2006.

Why is FRA committed to computer-supported learning?

Computer supported learning is advantageous for students in numerous ways:

• Each student’s learning environment is greatly expanded.
• Students make better use of their time, and learning is no longer confined by the school schedule.
• The frequency and effectiveness of student interaction improves.
• Computers facilitate the management, analysis, assimilation, and presentation of information with the sophistication, creativity and confidence needed for success in college and beyond.
• Computers offer students the freedom to take better advantage of their individual strengths and provides tools to shore-up their weaknesses.
• Students have immediate access to current, relevant resources.
• Every child has access to a computer any time, any place.
• Students using computers in classes have fewer absences and tardies, are better engaged in learning, and have fewer behavioral issues.
• Student organization improves.
• Students use critical thinking and research skills more frequently.
• Today’s kids are “born digital.” Technology is a tool they understand — a common language for their generation.
• Students who use computers spend more time engaged in collaborative work and participate in more project-based instruction.
• Computer use encourages students to write more, to carefully edit and to produce better quality writing.
• Students use a greater variety and number of information sources in their research.

Consider school as a student's workplace. Computers benefit adults as they complete their daily work; computers can offer the same benefits to students.

What is a tablet PC?

The tablet PC is the best of both worlds. This machine combines the full capabilities of a traditional laptop computer with the power of inking technologies. With a tablet PC, the screen is digitized. It is a hardened surface on which one can write while using a stylus (digital pen).

A tablet PC can be used as a laptop with full capabilities and software; it allows students and faculty to hand-write anything, just as they use paper and pen:

• Notes for class
• Corrections on papers
• Annotations on e-texts
• Mathematical equations
• Diagrams

How technology used in the classroom?

FRA is a technology-rich learning community offering grade-appropriate computer use:

• All Grades
  --Wireless Internet access
  --Laser printers (including color printers)
  --Projectors (some wireless)
• Grades Pre-K–4
  --Computers on wheels (COWS) offer tablet PCs for use in classrooms.
• Grades 5 & 6
  --Computers on wheels (COWS) offer individual tablet PC use during the school day.

• Grades 7-12
  --Tablet PCs are standard learning tools for every child.
  --Computers can be used either at school or at home, during the school year, and the summer.

When will my child receive his or her tablet PC?

Students receive their tablet PCs during the summer. There will be scheduled roll-out days for small groups of students. FRA's technology staff covers various issues including back-ups, printing, downloading software, proper use of the tablet PC, etc. Every student is required to attend an orientation session. Make-up sessions are offered just before school starts to accommodate vacationing families or students who are away for the summer.

How much will the tablet PC cost?

The total purchase price of the tablet package is about $1,599.99 as an up-front purchase (2011). There are options for a three month payment schedule.  Also, contact the business office for financial aid options.  See specific information on the tablet PC home page.

Will seniors have to purchase tablets? (4^th year machines)

Tablet computers purchased where the senior is a 4^th year student, the purchase of a new unit will be optional.

What hardware and software comes with the tablet PC?

The school provides as much software as possible as part of the initial purchase package. This reduces additional cost for individual software that might be needed later. The package includes Microsoft OneNote, Microsoft Office, antivirus software, spyware protection, and Internet access. Additional software may be required for specific classes.

What is the school licensed software agreement?

The school licensed software agreement reduces the cost that families pay for various software programs. The bundled package of software provided by the school saves families money compared to purchasing their own copy. The school purchases the software and owns the software. Students use the software during their time at FRA. Once you leave FRA, families should remove the school licensed software. The package includes Microsoft OneNote, Microsoft Office, antivirus software, spyware protection, and other class specific programs. Please see the academic year order form for specific software installed on the machine and what needs to be removed.

NOTE: Parents should be mindful that software required after your child leaves FRA must be purchased. For example, Microsoft Office must be removed from machines when the child leaves FRA. You may purchase Microsoft Office Student Edition at a price about $149.00. In addition, most colleges offer a school license for new students. This would enable you to continue an agreement that saves money. If you prefer to purchase software in advance and own your copy of the software, please contact the help desk.

Sample Software Comparison
Software	School License Cost (ONE TIME COST)	Retail Purchase
Microsoft	$50.00	$149.00
Anti-Virus	$25.00	$69.95
Anti-Spy	$25.00	$49.95
SketchPad	$20.00	$99.00
Total	$120.00	$367.90

Why is it important that I purchase the tablet PC through FRA? 

Each family is asked to purchase the designated FRA tablet PC. Although tablet PC advertisements may offer lower list prices, these deals do not include missing software and a correctly imaged hard drive that function with the school network. Other aspects of the tablet PC program such as warranty, software, damage protection, and on-site repairs are available only when the designated tablet PC is purchased through FRA.

Example: Software

If a family purchased the Microsoft Office software package from a local vendor, the cost would be $149. The same software purchased under a school license agreement is $60.

Example: Major Repair

If a tablet PC screen breaks, the standard one-year warranty on a personally selected model would not cover the $900-$1,100 cost of repair. The approved FRA package includes insurance for screen breakage.

Example: Minor Repair

For routine repairs, families would need to take a non-FRA tablet PC to an authorized repair center and go without a loaner computer until the system is fixed. Typically, accidental damage is not covered, and repairs can run $95/hour or more, plus parts. The FRA tablet PC can be repaired on-site by FRA technology staff in most cases. Accidental damage will be covered. A pool of loaners is available so students will have access to a tablet PC while theirs is being repaired.

How does purchasing the designated tablet PC save money?

 The technology department recognizes the current economic challenges; therefore, we have negotiated a cost which represents a substantial savings for our FRA families. Your cost for the FRA Bundled Package will be a total of: $1,599.99 - This represents a savings of 46% off the suggested retail price. Please note the comparison chart below, which specifies the retail cost of the Fujitsu T-900 tablet vs. the FRA bundled tablet package cost. 

What else will I need to purchase?

Families may want to consider the following choices:

Additional Battery

The standard warranty on a tablet PC battery is one year and protects against manufacturing defects. Batteries are considered consumable items and may not last beyond one year. Depending on the choices we have for the particular unit/vendor, you may need to purchase an additional battery after the first year.

Home Expenses

Families may want to purchase the following items for their home:

·         High Speed Internet Access: $39.95-$49.95 per month

·         Wireless Access: $70-$90 (one time cost)

·         Wireless Printer: $100-$250 or more. If you have a printer connected to a desktop, you may be able to print to the attached printer. 

What if a tablet PC is stolen?

In the event that a tablet PC is stolen, the student will be issued a loaner until insurance claims can be completed and processed, and until the stolen tablet PC is replaced. Details regarding insurance and access to the loaner pool are covered during the student/parent orientation and rollout in July.

How are repair, loaner, and replacement services managed?

The FRA technology staff has the resources and expertise to repair most malfunctions on-site and same day. Many parts are self-contained and can be swapped out while a student waits. When a tablet PC requires service by the manufacturer, the FRA staff packages the computer, ships it to the repair center, and monitors the repair process until the machine is returned to the student.

Loaner machines are available for use while machines are being repaired. Hard drives are easily swapped, so students are able to work with their own files even on a loaner machine. A basic inventory of keyboards, hard drives, touchpads, and other replacement equipment is available. No student goes without a tablet PC. Once the tablet PC is repaired, the loaner is returned.

The FRA Help Desk is available for students between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. every day that school is in session and throughout the summer. (The Help Desk is located in the Upper School.) Once construction is completed for the new Upper School and Library, the Help Desk will move to a central location between the Upper and Middle Schools.

How can I keep my child safe from viruses, pornography, and other Internet dangers?

FRA periodically offers informative classes for parents regarding the dangers of the Internet. A web content filter restricts access to inappropriate material on the Internet while students are on campus. In addition, virus and security software are installed on all tablet PCs purchased through FRA. Students sign and are expected to adhere to the FRA Honor Code, which includes a section outlining the acceptable use of technology and the Internet.

Are training classes for students and parents offered?

Yes. FRA offers a number of training classes as well as help sessions to support parents. Classes offered will be published in the FRAmeWork weekly newsletter.  

How often are tablet PCs used in the classroom?

FRA does not promote the use of technology for technology's sake. Instead, the goal is reasonable and relevant use of technology. In choosing the tablet PC format, students are able to use their tablet PCs any time they would normally use a pen and paper, so the tablet PC can be used every day.

Additional use of tablet PCs varies according to the curriculum. Each faculty member decides what is reasonable and relevant in his or her classroom. FRA staff takes advantage of additional software and on-line materials as they become available.