Why do you require each child beginning in Middle School to have a laptop?
GFA believes that one-to-one access is necessary in achieving the mission of the school for students to become critical, independent and creative thinkers and to become responsible users of technology. Use of technology is a necessity in today’s world and students must be able to meet the challenges of a rapidly-changing global society.
When students have their own laptops, faculty members can easily integrate technology into their curriculum. Students can become independent and responsible users of technology at an early age; thereby, giving them an advantage for the future.
What is the recommended laptop and why do you have one?
Each year GFA recommends a laptop that is current for the year. The recommended models are imaged by the school’s tech department and includes all required software and a network drive for backing up. A three year warranty is included with the recommended laptop. The GFA tech department services and supports the recommended laptop.
Standardization of laptops is essential to faculty integrating technology into the coursework and the student’s academic success. The student has access to a network drive for backing up, software that is provided by the school, printers, and technical support. If a student laptop has to be repaired, a loaner laptop will be given to the student.
My child already has a laptop. Can she/he use it?
Your child can use another laptop on our wireless network. However, he/she will not have any of the benefits of the recommended laptop.
What if my child’s laptop needs repair?
If your child has one of the recommended models, then he/she needs to bring the laptop to the tech department office where someone will diagnosis the problem and give him/her a loaner if needed. The tech department will take care of the repairs either in house or by sending the laptop out to be repaired. If you do not have a recommended model, then you will be responsible for the repairs.
How do students use the laptops in the classroom?
Each department and teacher may use technology with laptops in a different way depending on the needs of the particular curriculum.
Some examples include:
• Integrated Language Listening Center in our classroom management software including ability to download listening to IPods
• Posting of homework assignments, study questions and course materials
• Use of Wikis (collaborative workspaces), blogs and podcasting
• Foreign language websites such as WordChamp.com and conjuguemo.com
• Use of Turnitin.com Digital Assessment Suite
• Extensive library research tools including Maps 101, JSTOR,ARTSTOR, ICONN
• Electronic submission of homework assignments
• Evening chat room discussions and study sessions
• Email communication between students and faculty
• Use of Web 2.0 resources such as Sketch Up 3-D design, Google Earth & Google Docs
• Use of News Feed (RSS) software
• Use of SurveyMonkey.com survey software
• Access to online texts in some courses
How does my child print at school?
Students have access to approximately eight printers that are located in strategic areas of the school. The recommended laptops have all the printers included on the image.
Do you have Smart Boards in the classroom?
We installed Smart Boards in the Lower School classrooms in the summer of 2008. Math classrooms in Middle and Upper School were outfitted with Smart Boards in the summer of 2009. In 2010, Smart Boards were installed in sixteen additional classrooms. The remainder of the classrooms will be completed with Smart Boards during the summer of 2011.
Do you teach keyboarding?
Keyboarding is taught in the Lower School, at the tech orientation for new incoming Middle School students, and during the sixth grade computer class.
What does GFA do about internet safety?
Barracuda is the software that we use for filtering. Social networking sites are blocked along with many other undesirable and inappropriate sites. Internet safety presentations are made to the students, faculty, and parents. The school’s acceptable use policy is discussed at the beginning of the year and is strictly enforced.
As a parent, can I access your email system and my child’s email account?
GFA uses the First Class email system with faculty using it extensively for educational purposes. Parents do not have First Class email accounts. Each student, grade 5 - 12 has an account. If you want or need to access your child’s account, you may ask your child for his/her password.
How do I protect my child’s laptop at home from viruses?
The recommended laptop is imaged with virus protection that works at school and at home.
How do I make sure my child is not accessing inappropriate websites and wasting time playing games, IMing, and using social networking sites at home?
GFA recommends that every parent install filtering software on their home network and/or computers. It is also recommended that your child use his/her laptop in a public area of the home and not in a closed room. Honest discussions with your child about the internet and other uses of technology are recommended.