One-to-One (1:1) Technology Program - Frequently Asked Questions
As part of Mars Area School District’s One-to-One (1:1) Technology Program, Mars Area School District provides each student at Mars Area High School (9-12), Mars Area Middle School (7-8), Mars Area Centennial School (5-6), Mars Area Elementary School (2-4) and some teachers/staff members with a District-issued device that may be used for educational purposes during the school day and at home. The initiative was established in support of the schools’ curriculum, which has become more technology driven and moved toward electronic textbooks and computer-based assignments.
The following are answers to Frequently Asked Questions regarding the One-to-One (1:1) Technology Program:
1. How will Mars Area High School and Mars Area Middle School integrate technology into classroom lessons?
Mars Area School District’s One-to-One (1:1) Technology Program sets specific goals for Student Engagement (motivation, attendance, etc.); Student Learning (increases strategic and extended thinking); Instructional Practices (re-examination of teaching methods and strategies, efficiency); and Resource Utilization (reducing costs over time through paperless, electronic textbooks and submission of assignments).
2. Will students carry fewer textbooks once they have electronic devices?
Yes. Teachers will increasingly begin to use digital content for instruction and assignments. This will be a transition over time.
3. Which students are affected by the One-to-One (1:1) Technology Program?
Mars Area School District’s One-to-One Technology Program currently affects students at Mars Area High School students (9-12), Mars Area Middle School (7-8), Mars Area Centennial School (5-6) and Mars Area Elementary School (2-4).
4. How does a student obtain a District-issued device?
District-issued devices are assigned and distributed at the beginning of each school year. Specific distribution dates will be posted on the District’s website. (Note: All District-issued devices must be returned to the District at the end of each school year.)
In addition, before receiving a District-issued device, parent(s)/students must pay an annual $50 Technology Insurance Fee in order to take a District-issued device home. And, each student and a parent/guardian is required to sign the "District-Issued Student Device Guidelines" form and the “District-Issued Student Device Technology Insurance Fee Payment & Distribution/Collection Information” form (both of which are included as attachments to District Policy 237 Electronic Devices & Personal Technology Resources; as well as the “Computer Networks/Internet Use Agreement” (which is attached to District Policy 815 Acceptable Use of Internet, Computers & Network Resources).
5. Will students have an opportunity to purchase a District-issued device?
Mars Area School District is no longer offering an opportunity for parent/guardians and/or students to purchase a District-issued device. Students may either pay the annual Technology Insurance Fee to be able to take a District-issued device home or provide their own technology.
6. Will High School students still have the option of taking their District-issued device home after the Sept. 16 fee payment deadline?
The Sept. 16 deadline is set by District Policy 237 Electronic Devices & Personal Technology Resources. Any change in policy would require a decision by Mars Area School Board.
7. Why do I have to pay an annual $100 Technology Fee?
The annual $50 Technology Insurance Fee offsets the cost of available technology and the infrastructure that supports the District’s One-to-One (1:1) Technology Program. The parent(s)/student is not required to pay the Technology Insurance Fee, as the student will be provided access to a District-issued device during the school day. However, payment of the fee enables the student to take the District-issued device home. Alternatively, a student may also choose to use a personal (BYOT) device. (Please refer to Question 19 for more information regarding the use of BYOT devices.)
8. If a High School student does not pay the Technology Fee, will he/she still receive a District-issued device?
If a High School student does not pay the annual $50 Technology Insurance Fee, the student will be assigned a District-issued device for use during the school day. The student will not be permitted to take the device home and must check his/her device in/out each day at a designated area within the High School. (Note: Theft or loss, intentional damage and/or misuse of the device is the sole financial responsibility of the parent(s)/student. The actual cost to repair or replace the device will be the responsibility of the parent(s)/student.)
9. If my High School student is not taking his/her District-issued device home, when and where will he/she pick up the device?
Students who are not taking their District-issued device home will be responsible for picking up and dropping off their device at the beginning and end of each school day at a designated distribution/collection point. (Note: The District will store devices at the school for those students who have not opted to take their computers home; however, the District and/or the school will not be responsible for charging student devices.) These students will not be permitted, under any circumstances, to remove their District-issued device from the Mars Area High School building at any time.
10. When are students expected to bring their District-issued device to school?
Just as students are required to bring textbooks, notebooks, pens and pencils to class, students are expected to bring their District-issued device to school every day as well, making sure that the device is fully charged and treated with care to protect the device from damage. The device will be a daily requirement for daily lessons and assignments.
11. Are students still permitted to bring their own laptops/mobile devices to school?
Students may bring their personal laptop computers/mobile devices to school in accordance with District Policy 237 Electronic Devices & Personal Technology Resources. Mars Area School District offer the technology infrastructure needed for a common experience for those students using District-issued devices and those who may choose to use their own mobile devices (such as laptops, tablet computers, etc. on both PC and Mac platforms).
Students may choose to bring a personal device to be used for educational purposes during the school day in lieu of receiving a District-issued device. All personal devices must comply be registered with the District at http://wiki.marsk12.org/byot/ and must comply with the restrictions set forth in District Policy 237. Note: All software and programs necessary to the curriculum and educational process will be provided on the District-issued device; therefore, students do not require a personal device.
12. Are there any restrictions for what type of personal device a student may use?
All restrictions on the use of personal devices are outlined in District Policy 237 Electronic Devices & Personal Technology Resources. Personal devices are limited to laptops and/or tablet computers only. (Smartphones and other similar devices will not be permitted for use within the classroom.) If a student is using a tablet computer, it must be accompanied by a wireless- or Bluetooth-enabled keyboard and mouse.
13. Will a student using a personal device have the same access to curriculum and education programs as those students using District-issued device?
Assuming that all requirements are met, as outlined in District Policy 237 Electronic Devices & Personal Technology Resources, students who use a personal device will have the same access to programs and software as those who use a District-issued device. A URL or App(lication) will need to be loaded on a student's personal device for the student to have access to District resources. Note: Some courses may require programs that are not available on District-issued device or personal devices and will require that students to use computers provided in the classroom or in a designated computer lab at the school.
14. Will a student using a personal device have the same access to technical assistance as those students using District-issued device?
Only those students using District-issued devices will have full access to the Technology Help Desk at each school building. No technical assistance (other than resolutions for power- and/or wifi-related issues) will be offered for personal devices.
15. If a student’s personal device stops working or breaks while he/she is in school, will he/she be able to receive a District-issued device?
If a students’ personal device stops working or breaks while he/she is in school, he/she may receive a District-issued device, assuming all requirements are met in accordance with District Policy 237 Electronic Devices & Personal Technology Resources, including payment of the annual $100 Technology Fee. (Refer to Question 13).
16. How secure is the District-issued device?
No one other than the student to whom the computer is issued is permitted to use the District-issued device. District-issued devices should never be left unattended. And, if stored in a locker, the locker should be securely locked.
Students are not permitted to divulge individual password information to anyone or to post any identifiable information about themselves on the Internet. All students must adhere to District Policy 815 Acceptable Use of Internet, Computers & Network Resources. Any online harassment or security problems should be reported to the principal immediately.
17. Will the District back up my data so that it may be recovered in the event or equipment failure?
Each student is responsible for backing up his/her own data. The District is not responsible for any lost data and recommends that students back-up and save data to their OneDrive or GoogleDrive, which may be accessed at school and at home. In accordance with District Policy 815 Acceptable Use of Internet, Computers & Network Resources, students may NOT use a personal disk, flash drive or other such device to back-up and save data in the system. Both District-issued devices and personal devices will have the same access to a student's OneDrive or GoogleDrive.
18. In the event of a power outage or disruption in Internet service, will students be given extra time to complete assignments if they cannot access the information?
In the event of a power outage or disruption of Internet service, parents and/or students are asked to communicate the issue with the classroom teacher as soon as possible. Students will be given an appropriate amount of time to complete assignments as determined by the teacher on a case-by-case basis.
19. Is a student permitted to download software on the District-issued device?
Students are not permitted to load software on their District-issued devices. Some common examples of prohibited software may include, but are not limited to, file sharing (Limewire, BitTorrent), utilities/OS (OSX or other upgrades), games (Halo, Emulators), etc. All District-issued devices are subject to spot checks for compliance by administration.
In addition, District-issued devices are locked, so that only authorized District personnel may load software. The District monitors and logs any and all attempts to modify a District-issued device that are in direct violation of District Policy 237 Electronic Devices & Personal Technology Resources. The District receives e-mail notifications of any illegal use or violations.
20. How will the District perform software updates on District-issued devices?
All software updates on District-issued devices will be “pushed out” electronically through the District’s network. When a student starts up his/her District-issued device at school at the beginning of the school day, the device will receive and load all appropriate software updates. Students may be instructed to reboot their devices periodically to ensure that all software has been updated.
21. What restrictions are in place to prevent improper use of the District-issued devices?
Mars Area School District provides filtering for inappropriate materials and websites on the Internet. Outside of school, parents are responsible for monitoring their child(ren)'s use of the District-issued device to ensure the students do not alter settings to avoid Internet filters.
22. What is considered an acceptable use of the District-issued device?
District-issued devices may be used for educational purposes only during the school day and at home. Acceptable uses of District-issued devices are outlined in District Policy 237 Electronic Devices & Personal Technology Resources.
23. Will teachers/administrators be given access a student's District-issued device?
Mars Area School District teachers/staff members and administrators have the right to examine any information on a student’s District-issued device, as stated in District Policy 237 Electronic Devices & Personal Technology Resources.
The District provides filtering for inappropriate materials and websites on the Internet. Parents are responsible for monitoring their student’s use of the device when at home to ensure that the student does not alter the device settings or bypass the Internet filters.
24. What are the consequences for misuse of a District-issued device?
Failure to adhere to the policies and procedures outlined in District Policy 237 Electronic Devices & Personal Technology Resources and District Policy 815 Acceptable Use of Internet, Computers & Network Resources may result in discipline as specified in District Policy 218 Student Discipline.
25. How will the District prevent "tech-savvy" students from changing the settings on the District-issued device?
All settings on District-issued devices are rights protected. Any attempts to alter District-established settings may result in discipline in accordance with District Policy 815 Acceptable Use of Internet, Computers & Network Resources and District Policy 218 Student Discipline.
26. What do I do if my District-issued device stops working or if I need technical assistance?
Mars Area School District will have several IT staff members on hand at the Mars Area High School Technology Help Desk to answer any questions and to address technical issues from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., during all lunch periods, and from 2 to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, when school is in session. Any changes to Help Desk hours will be posted. Note: Students using District-issued devices will have access to technology help at each school building. No technical assistance (other than power-related issues) will be offered for personal devices.
27. Who is responsible for the general care/maintenance on the District-issued device?
Students/parents are responsible for proper care of the District-issued device. The following guidelines are offered for general device care:
- The device should be used on a flat, solid surface
- Never apply stickers, marker or anything to any part of the device
- NO FOOD OR DRINK IS PERMITTED NEAR THE DEVICE
- Do not put the device in a position where there is any pressure on the device or anything on top; in a backpack or case of any kind where the device is squeezed (any situation where the device is under any pressure).
28. Are students permitted to transport their District-issued device in a backpack?
Students are permitted to transport District-issued devices in backpacks as long as the devices are not being crushed or squeezed (any situation in which the device is under pressure), as this may result in damage the device. Appropriate care and handling of District-issued devices is outlined in District Policy 237 Electronic Devices & Personal Technology Resources.
29. Is a student permitted to personalize his/her District-issued device, as to distinguish it from the devices of other students?
Students are not permitted to apply stickers or markers to any other part of the District-issued device. Failure to comply may result in discipline in accordance with District Policy 224 Care of School Property and District Policy 218 Student Discipline.
30. If the District-issued device is damaged, may I attempt to fix it myself?
Under no circumstances should the parent(s)/student attempt to repair a District-issued device.
The District will return any damaged District-issued devices to Microsoft on a weekly basis. Please note that student will be without a District-issued device during the repair period. The parent(s)/student may also return a damaged District-issued device directly to any Microsoft Store for repair and/or exchange
31. What do I do if the District-issued device is damaged, lost or stolen?
Missing or damaged devices should be reported immediately to the school office. (Note: Theft or loss, intentional damage and/or misuse of the device is the sole financial responsibility of the parent(s)/student. The actual cost to repair or replace the device will be the responsibility of the parent(s)/student.)
32. What do I do if the stylus or keyboard is damaged or missing?
Missing or damaged equipment such as a stylus and/or keyboard should be reported immediately to the school office. Parent(s)/students may purchase a replacement stylus and/or keyboard through Mars Area School District at a cost of $40 per stylus pen and $100 per keyboard. (Listed prices are those for the 2020-2021 School Year.)
33. If the District-issued device is damaged or missing, what is the cost to replace the device?
Theft or loss or intentional damage and/or misuse of a District-issued device is the sole financial responsibility of the parent(s)/student. The cost to replace the District-issued device is $170 for a Surface, $250 for a Chromebook, or $330 for an iPad. (Listed prices are those for the 2020-2021 School Year.)
34. What if the charger is damaged or does not work?
Chargers will be repaired only if defective, if the wire is torn or frayed, or if the District-issued device has visible damage that is considered accidental damage as determined by Microsoft. Students must pay for a replacement adapter from the School District. The District recommends that students leave chargers at home.
35. How will the District guarantee the security of District-issued devices, if students take their devices with them to sporting events or other after-school activities?
As with any other personal item of value, students who take their District-issued devices to practices, games and other events outside of the District are responsible for storing their devices in a secure location. All personal belongings may be locked on the bus, which will be monitored by the District’s bus contractor. Otherwise, coaches and/or activity sponsors will be asked to provide a secure location at the site of the sporting event for the storage of valuables, including District-issued student devices.
36. What is the guarantee that students and parents will be treated fairly in the determination of how a District-issued device is damaged or stolen?
Mars Area School District and its administrators will address all claims in a fair, professional and expedient manner. Damaged, lost or stolen District-issued devices are to be reported immediately to the school office.
37. How can I learn more about the District's One-to-One (1:1) Technology Program?
More information regarding the One-to-One Computer Initiative will be announced throughout the school year. Specific questions may be directed to the Building Principal. To view District Policy 237 Electronic Devices & Personal Technology Resources or District Policy 815 Acceptable Use of Internet, Computers & Network Resources in their entirety, visit www.marsk12.org.