Q. What tablet will the Class of 2014 be using?

A. The students will all have the Lenovo X201 Tablet.

• Core i7 620lm Processor
• 3 GB Ram
• 250 GB Hard Drive
• 8 Cell Battery
• Integrated Camera
• 8 Cell Battery Warranty
• 4 year ThinkPad Protection warranty

Q. What educational advantages are gained with a 1:1 Tablet Initiative?

A. Through research of existing 1:1 programs, visitations to, and conversations with 1:1 schools we have consistently found the following benefits of the program.

• Provides opportunity for “anywhere, anytime learning”
• Provides development of skills for the 21st century job market (“jobs that don’t even exist today”)
• Better prepares students for the technological savvy college environment
• Increases opportunity for student/teacher and student/student collaboration
• Increases student interest, motivation, and engagement
• Allows more opportunity for innovation both by teachers and students
• Increases student research opportunities, skills and abilities
• Encourages peer review, peer editing, and peer critiquing
• Encourages teacher - student learning partnerships
• Allows classes to take advantage of and be involved in university lectures, scientific and medical experiences, virtual tours and museums, etc.
• Promotes collaborative, student-directed, student centered learning
  Improves our students’ ability to access information, to take and organize notes and to view and listen to multimedia content during class
• Enables students to use the internet and other electronic sources to contribute to discussions and lectures
• Allows students to access and turn in homework and assignments electronically
• Provides our students with technology which is accessible at all times
• Increases student collaboration on projects
  Promotes student engagement
• Develops critical thinking, communication, and problem solving skills
• Facilitates different learning styles and multi-sensory learning
• Builds technological fluency
• Embraces the learning styles of today’s student

Q. Why Lenovo?

A. Lenovo machines have a proven track record in durability, quality construction, and reliability. Lenovo's self-maintainer program and accidental breakage policy rank among the best in the entire industry. The X201 tablet comes with a hard drive mounted on rubber rails for protection against breakage and is also equipped with an accelerometer which senses possible drop or fall and automatically protects the integrity of the student's data. Our faculty has used the Lenovo tablet for 4 years and we have been very pleased with the performance.

Q. Why a tablet and not a laptop?

•  Note taking is much easier
• The student can freely mark on or highlight documents
• Students can be mobile - walk and write create documents, drawings, or notes while in class, on a field trip, or while doing lab work
• It is much easier to do math equations, problems, and scientific notations
• Allow a real choice of content input. Depending on learning styles and preferences, a student can type, draw, speak, and write.
• The tablet supplies a wide choice of electronic paper (lined, notebook, college ruled, graph, musical staff, etc.
• The stylus allows freehand drawing and use of many programs (for example - dissection of a frog) that a regular keyboard cannot accommodate.

Q. What is the purchase price of the 1:1 Tablet Initiative Program?

A. YEARLY PAY - Total cost over 4 years is $2210.00 plus $175.00 buyout.

·         Payments will be assessed at $490 per year

·         $250 Down Payment – Due by May 7, 2010

·         $490 per year – first payment due by July 2010

Ø  One Pay -  $490.00 due by July 1, 2010

Ø  Two Pay - $245 due July 2010 and December 2010

Ø  Monthly - $49.00 x 10 months starting July 2010

·         $175 buyout at end of lease

Q. Can I purchase the tablet up front and if so, what will it cost?

A. Yes. Your up-front price will be $1840. This represents the total system cost without interest and the final "buy out". The final buyout price of $175 will be paid on graduation at which time total ownership (hardware and software) reverts to the student. We will need to know by May 21 if you wish to take this option for 2010.

FULL PAY – Total Cost $1840.00 plus $175.00 buyout.

·         $250 Down Payment – Due by May 7, 2010

·         $1590 Purchase Price – Due by July 1, 2010

·         $175 buyout at end of lease

Q. I can buy a laptop for less money. Why do we have to pay more?

A. Many things are included in the price of the McNamara tablet that do not come with a retail purchased laptop.

• The tablets are bundled with school licensed software which we are able to purchase at a reduced rate. The standard laptop usually comes with trial software that must be purchased after a period of time.
• The tablet price includes a 4 year warranty called Thinkpad Protection which covers the cost of all repairs, breakage, or damage. Most store purchased laptops include a year warranty.
• We provide a PC Hospital with a Lenovo certified technician who can make all repairs quickly and return the tablet to the student with very little down time.
• The price includes network security and software that filters the content for virus protection and content material
• The price includes the use of a loaner pool which has loaners that are handed out to the students when the repair on their laptop is such that it can’t be done on the spot thus allowing them to continue their studies without interruption.
• The price supports servers that house the software programs utilized by the students and provide for storage for student information.
• Digital books and other educational software are imaged on the tablet for the student use. If you were to compare the price of the store purchased computer with all of the added extras that the McNamara tablet includes-the price would be higher than the purchase price of the McNamara (Lenovo) tablet.
• 
  Q. I have already purchased a laptop, why can't I use it?

·         The tablet that has been chosen is extremely durable and reliable.

·         McNamara will purchase the licensing for the required educational software at a reduced rate. To purchase all this software privately and to pay the sales tax (that McNamara students do not have to pay) would make the cost of even the most inexpensive laptop more than the Lenovo tablet

• Our self maintainer program only allows for repairs to the Lenovo tablets. We would not be able provide repairs or service any non standard computer.
• Lenovo loaner tablets will be provided for students if their tablets are being repaired. This would not be possible with non-standard computers.
• The educational program & tablet curriculum require that all students identical systems.

Q. What is the warranty on the Lenovo tablet and is it included in the purchase price?

A. A four year manufacturer warranty with accidental damage protection is included in the cost of the machine. This warranty covers the machine from virtually all possible damages that can occur insuring near 100% availability for our students. Warranty repairs are completed in house insuring a fast and expedient turn around. Repairs will be done at no cost to the student.

Q. Will I own the tablet?

A. Because the software is licensed to Bishop McNamara Catholic High School and to insure the negotiated pricing of warranty repairs, the school must maintain ownership of the tablet until the student graduates, at which time the student will be offered the option to purchase the machine from the school for $175. There is a significant financial saving in software licensing that is the result of school ownership.

Q. Will I be able to use the tablet at home?

A. Yes. Part of the advantage of having a tablet for school use is the "anytime, anywhere" computing concept. There will be times when use of the computer will be required for your student to complete their assignment at home.

Q. How do I get internet connection at home?

A. There is no single answer to this question. If you already have an Internet Service Provider (ISP) such as Comcast, AT&T, HughesNet, et cetera you may be able to connect with a wired or wireless connection to your current infrastructure. We will be providing an FAQ and some help pages which should allow most users to connect to an already existing network in a fairly simple fashion. Commercial assistance may be accessed through Best Buy or others. You may need to contact your specific internet provider for instructions.

Q. Will I be able to have my tablet at home during summer?

A. It is our intention to have the machines available to you for most of the summer. We will setup several windows for returns (e.g. Last day of exams, June15, June22). During that time the units will be tested, repaired, updated and may be re-imaged, then returned to students about a week after initial turn in. If the tablets are not turned in during that window a late fee of $75 is charged and added to the tuition bill. Times for the 2009-2010 have not yet been scheduled.

Q. Is my child’s tablet protected against viruses?

A. All the systems will be protected, both at home and school, with an antivirus system from Trend Micro. While this system is robust, there is still no better protection than a vigilant user. Net safety will be incorporated into our general freshmen computing program

Q. Do students have to bring their tablets to school each day?

A. Yes. Students should bring their system fully charged and operational. If there is an issue that requires repair, the student should bring their system to the PC Hospital before the start of school.

Q. By what date does the down payment have to be made and when will my child receive the tablet?

A. We will be ordering systems in late April to have delivery in early June. This timeline is subject to change. We will be imaging systems in July and expect a rollout and training in early August. A non-refundable $250 down payment will be due May 7, 2010. This is necessary to insure a fully imaged tablet by the start of school. The August date of distribution and orientation meeting will be announced later.

Q. What is the policy if the tablet does not work or is accidentally damaged?

A. An on-site help desk will be available from 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. to repair or help with any problems your child may have with their machine. The warranty covers any repairs that need to be done. Students and faculty will be trained in basic trouble shooting. If these approaches fail, the computer will be taken to the PC Hospital. Repairs will be made on site if possible and shipped away for repair if not. A loaner will be made available. Repeated or negligent damage may result in co-pay. All other repairs are done at no charge to the student.

Q. How does the Loaner Pool work?

A. We will provide a loaner pool for student computers, should the student's tablet fail. The loaner pool will have replacement computers that are similar, but not necessarily identical to the student’s computer. We cannot guarantee the length of time for repair but will work to have most repairs completed in a few days. There is no charge for the use of the loaner machine while repairs are in progress.

Q. What is PC Hospital?

A. PC Hospital is the on-site help desk that will be available from 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. to repair or help with any problems that the student may have with the tablet. Repairs are covered by the ThinkPad Protection warranty.

Q. What is PC Jail?

A. PC Jail is where the tablet will be held if there are any misuse or non-payment issues. The machine will be returned when the disciplinary action for misuse is completed or when the payment issue is corrected.

Q. How long will the tablet hardware and software last?

A. With proper care, your machine will last a long time. The warranty provided ensures that you will have a properly cared for and well kept machine the entire 4 years you are at Bishop McNamara. Software lasts forever, but a useful life of 4 - 6 years for basic function is probably safe to assume. We expect the tablet hardware to last 4 - 6 years also.

Q. What is the distribution plan for the tablet and when will this happen?

A. The tablets will be distributed in August (the date will be announced) before the start of school. A technology orientation day will be scheduled for both parents and students at that meeting. This training will cover the most basic of functions (startup, shutdown, logon/log off, file access and maintenance, connecting to the Internet, et cetera). General training will occur in freshman computing class.

Q. Do I need to purchase any additional items for the tablet?

A. The only item that you will need to purchase is a protective carrying case. These may be purchased in stores locally and various models will be available in the Hammes Book Store. You will be provided with everything you need to fulfill the educational requirements of the program.

Q. What Operating System will be used on the tablets?

A. All machines will be licensed for Windows 7. The operating system (OS) actually used will be Windows XP. Migration to Windows 7 will probably take place during the 2011-2012 academic year.

Q. What happens if a student forgets or does not bring the tablet to school?

A. They will miss a day of use. Loaners are only for software/hardware problems.

Q. How will the tablets be marked or tagged so each student can identify his/her own?

A. Computers will be tagged and there are serial numbers on cases and system software

Q. Is there a policy that explains what is accepted and expected of the students and their use of tablets at school?

A. This is detailed in the Diocesan Acceptable Use Policy which is available on line, in addition the Bishop McNamara Catholic High School Acceptable Use Policy is published in the Student Handbook (also on line).

Q. When will the machines be ready?

A. August 2010

Q. What is the tech support for the 1:1 tablet program?

A. There will be an A+ Certified technician (http://certification.comptia.org) on site who will staff a PC Hospital from 7:30 - 3:30. All warranty repairs are performed by our Lenovo certified technician. Because our on-site repair program allows the school to order a replacement part before returning the damaged or defective one, laptop repairs are often completed within 24 hours.

Q. Will the students be able to use the tablet when they graduate?

A. Yes. There is a $175 buyout option at the end of the lease.

Q. Are there any areas in the school where the tablets cannot be used and where is wireless access available?

A. Currently we envision no restrictions on the "where" of computer use with obvious common sense exceptions such as bathrooms, locker rooms, e.g. areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy. Teachers will determine the use patterns in their individual classrooms. Wireless access is available anywhere in the building.

Q. What is the policy on uncharged batteries?

A. Students should come to school with batteries fully charged and with power saving features enabled. They will be instructed in various techniques to minimize power consumption (e.g. turning off wireless when not in use) and will have limited access to recharging.

Q. Will be able to use our home printer?

A. Yes. Home printers may be installed but if the installation causes the computer to become unstable or malfunction, the system will be reimaged.

Q. What should a student do if there is a problem with the tablet?

A. If the student cannot fix the problem, it will be taken to the PC Hospital where student tech leaders or the Self Maintainer Technician will repair it. If necessary the tablet will be sent in for repair. During this time a loaner tablet will be issued so that the student will not miss class work.

Q. What is the insurance plan for loss, theft, or damage?

A. Each family will be required to add the tablet to their homeowner's or renter's policy. This will be part of the lease agreement.

Q. What happens if the student breaks or damages the tablet?

A. It should be taken to the PC Hospital/Help Desk for repairs.

Q. What if I lose the stylus?

A. They will be available for purchase in the Hammes Bookstore.

Q. Are any steps being taken or software being installed to help the teachers protect against misuse during class time?

A. Teachers have access to an application which allows for direct remote monitoring of student systems while they are connected to our network. Teachers also have the ability to restrict a student’s choice of available programs. These systems are meant to augment rather than replace sound classroom management. There is no provision made for monitoring systems that are not on our network.

Q. Can students install software on their tablet?

A. Yes, but if the software causes the system to become unstable it will be reimaged. Installation of software that violates the letter or spirit of the Acceptable Use Policy will result in disciplinary action.

Q. What is the student’s responsibility in protecting data?

A. The student will be responsible for backing up data. Using a thumb drive to back up is highly recommended. Thumb drives will be available in the Hammes Bookstore.

Q. What is the policy for the loaner pool?

A. Loaners are available only while a tablet is being repaired.

Q. Is an additional battery included in the purchase price and what if we want to purchase another one?

A. A second battery (included in the price) will be issued after two years. If you would want an additional battery, it can be purchased in the Hammes Bookstore at any time.