FAQs
Why do we need provide each student a personal device for learning?
In order to engage and challenge today’s learners, the school environment must reflect the complexity of the modern world. One-to-one learning allows each student to experience this kind of learning environment that is rich in digital media, with instant access to resources all over the world, and support critical thinking skills. Students at NWLSD will experience a dynamic environment on a daily basis and, in turn, become lifelong learners who are active, knowledgeable and creative.
What to do if something is not working?
Please shut down your device, make sure the power cord is plugged into the wall, and restart it. If that does not correct the issue, please submit a helpdesk ticket at helpdesk@nwlehighsd.org. You can also ask your teacher if you can see the school's Technology Support Technician.
How do you clean your device?
Please review this article. Students may also take their Chromebooks to the Tech Support Office for cleaning of the track pad and/or screen. Remember do not spray cleaning solution directly on the laptop. Spray it on a cleaning wipe to use on the laptop.
If a student’s laptop charger and/or bag are lost or stolen, how much will it cost to replace them?
In the event that laptop accessories are stolen or lost, students should report the lost items to the Technical Help Desk. Students will be charged for the cost of the replacement if the accessory cannot be found.
What will students do with their laptops during Fitness classes, while at LCTI, and during after-school activities?
Students are responsible for the care and security of their laptop. Students will carry the laptop in a protective sleeve to all classes on the NWLSD campus. Secure laptop storage carts are available to protect the laptops during fitness classes, and also allow students to charge the laptop. The size of the laptop also lends itself well to securing the laptop in the student lockers on a short-term basis. They must be hung by the strap from the hook. DO NOT put the laptop on the bottom of your locker.
Will students be able to install software on the laptop?
No, students installing software on a school-owned computer is a direct violation of the NWLSD Computer Policy. Students who violate the policy will be disciplined. All the software necessary to integrate the laptop technology into the curriculum is installed prior to the laptop being issued to the student. Security monitoring software is used on all the computers to assure that additional software is not downloaded on laptops. Students will be able to install printer drivers for home printers if necessary.
Will students be able to e-mail, chat and play games on their laptops?
Students may not use personal e-mail, IM chat and/or play online games while connected to the District network. However, the District allows students to use their District issued e-mail to communicate about school assignments. Although personal e-mail and IM chat are not permitted on the District network, students may, with parent permission, use those applications at home.
Can a student use their iPod or digital camera with the laptop? Can students load music and photos onto the computer?
Yes, students may connect their iPod music player or digital camera to their laptop. Students should check with the help desk first. Students will also be allotted a certain amount of drive space on their laptop to load music and digital pictures they have obtained legally. Students will not be able to “back-up” their music and photos to District servers.
What will students do without a computer in their classes if their laptop unit is being repaired or replaced?
Northwestern Lehigh High School will stock a limited number of laptop computers that can be loaned out to students for students with computers being repaired. This will minimize “down-time” for students.
Do students need a printer at home?
Students do not need to own a printer since printers are located near classrooms and in the library.
Will there be facilities to back up the files students create on their laptops?
Yes. All students are provided with a district Google account with unlimited data storage. Students are responsible for backing up all school documents on a regular basis.
What will the school do to help prevent students from going to inappropriate sites while at school?
The NWLSD has a software/hardware product that is designed to help monitor all Internet sites students might attempt to access at school. This software/hardware blocks inappropriate sites and also logs a history of every site that each user opens. Students who attempt to find inappropriate sites will be disciplined. The current NWLSD content filter meets federal CIPA (Child Internet Protection Act) guidelines.
What will the school do to help prevent students from going to inappropriate sites while at home?
The NWLSD does have limited filtering software on the computer for home use. The filtering is less restrictive than the filter used while at school. It is designed to filter out specific pornographic, hostile, terroristic, or weapons related content. Parents and guardians are advised to always monitor web usage when the laptop computer is at home.
Will all teachers be expected to use the laptops with students?
All staff members have both a laptop and the training to support its use with students as well as its integration with the curriculum. The District recognizes that part of having this new tool is determining when and how to use it appropriately. For example, we don’t want math students typing out complex math calculations that could be done quickly by hand. The point is not to use a laptop as often as possible, but to use the tools the laptop and network provide to improve learning.