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=Buffalo Seminary Laptop Program (Tablet PC)=

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Increasingly, students must function comfortably in a technological world as well as acquire the traditional skills of an independent school education. The young women who graduate from Sem will be well prepared for a future expanded by opportunities to learn beyond the walls of their classroom, by access to information 24/7, and by teachers who appreciate the creative possibilities of computers in the classroom.

=FAQs=

What is a Tablet PC?
The Lenovo Tablet PC is a laptop/notebook computer. The screen can swivel and fold down to lie flat creating a writing surface. With a stylus, the user can write either in her own handwriting, or can manipulate the desktop as if she were using a mouse. Sem's specific customized model will resemble those listed on the [|Lenovo site].



Why Tablet PCs instead of laptops?
The versatility of the Tablet PCs helps to ensure Sem's unique classroom atmosphere. Writing on the Tablet PC is a more natural form of input than typing on a keyboard, specifically in math and science where notes include sketching and drawing symbols.

How will this program change teaching and learning at Sem?
Dynamic and engaging teachers will always be the most important component of a Sem education. This technology allows these teachers to provide additional creative and interactive learning opportunities. We are dedicated to integrating technology seamlessly into all aspects of a Sem education.

What is this going to cost?
The major cost of the pilot project has been covered for the 2008-09 school year. Buffalo Seminary has received an initial incentive gift to support the Tablet PC program and is committed to funding this. The funding will cover the use of the hardware, all specialized software and full accidental damage warranty and support during this first year. Students and parents will be charged for a carrying case, an additional stylus if one is lost or damaged, and will be responsible for loss or theft of the computer. A detailed agreement form will be signed by parents and students when the computer is issued. Funding plans for the 2009 - 2010 school year are still in the planning stages.

The Tablet PC and any school issued software will remain the property of Buffalo Seminary.

Who will get these Tablet PCs?
For the school year 2008-09, the Tablet PCs will be issued to the incoming freshman class and teachers. With the success of the first year pilot program, Tablet PCs will be issued to all Sem students and faculty for the fall of 2009. By starting with the freshman class, we will have an entire year to focus on integrating this new technology in the most productive way.

When will the Tablet PCs be distributed?
Tablet PCs are issued to the incoming freshman during the month of August. Students will be scheduled in small groups based on their availability for a full day workshop on Tablet PC use and care.

Why can't my daughter use the laptop she already has?
The Lenovo Tablet PC comes pre-installed with the software necessary for your daughter's coursework. It will be supported by the Lenovo extended warranty and Sem's technology department. All schoolwork will be safely backed up on our server and a loaner unit will be available if her Tablet PC is in need of repair. Our limited technology resources and school insurance will support only Sem's laptops.

What software will be loaded on the Tablet PC?
The initial software list is: [|Microsoft Office Suite], including: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, [|One Note] [|Adobe CS3 Design Standard], including: Photoshop, Acrobat, InDesign, Illustrator [|Inspiration] mind mapping software [|Google Earth] [|Synchroneyes] specialized software depending on class: [|Geometer's sketchpad], [|Art rage]

Does this mean I have to buy another computer for her to use for personal use?
We plan to give students liberal use of these machines. They will be allowed to load most personal software including music and games. Since the Tablet PCs do not include a CD drive, there will be external CD drives which will be available at school for your daughter to use. (You may purchase one to keep at home if you wish.) Students will be instructed that all non-school related files must be saved in a separate folder which does NOT back up to our server. We recommend that families purchase external hard drives to back up personal files. //**There will be a list of prohibited software. When in doubt, students are encouraged to check with the technology dept. If prohibited software is loaded, students will be allowed time to back up personal files, then the computer will be re-imaged and the cost charged to the parents**.//

Will my daughter get to keep the computer over the summer?
Students will have their computers for most of the summer. The Tablet PC will need to be checked for damage and re-imaged to keep it working optimally. We will try to make arrangements for students to only be without it a short while.

Do I have to get wireless access at home?
In order to make the best possible use of these Tablet PCs, we recommend Time Warner or Verizon broadband Internet. Additionally you should purchase a wireless router. Detailed information and support will be available to all families who need help with this.

What happens if the Tablet PC needs to be repaired?
Simple issues will be resolved in school by our tech department. The Tablet PCs are all under warranty for manufacturers defects and for accidental damage. We have been using Lenovo computers for several years. The support is fast and reliable, they are usually able to turn around repairs in a day or two. Loaner units will be available for your daughter if her Tablet PC needs service.

What happens to student work if the computer crashes or the computer is lost?
All school files will be backed up daily to our network server while your daughter is at school. A CDP device backs up all changes to files as they are edited. Note: Documents completed at home are not considered secure until the student arrives at school and connects to the Sem network.

What happens if there is a problem with the Tablet PC at home?
First, you should consult our tablet handbook. If you can't find the information you need, additional phone support is available.

What if the Tablet PC is lost or stolen?
Sem subscribes to a service called Computrace. If a tablet is stolen and subsequently connects to the Internet, it will broadcast a tracking signal. Local law enforcement will be contacted and will attempt to recover it. If it can not be recovered after 60 days, the student is responsible for replacing it. (You might want to contact your insurance agent and add a rider to your policy).

Will Sem block access to all non-educational websites?
While we block websites which are categorized as pornographic, gambling, firearms, or hate-sites, Sem maintains a policy of minimal filtering. Strict filtering inadvertently blocks many useful web resources. We feel that we have a responsibilty to teach our young women how to be safe online and how to make the best use of their Internet time. We have a proxy server which creates a log of all websites visited by each member of our network. This log is monitored periodically.

What if the students instant message and play games in their classes, or waste time during free periods?
Students are required to sign the Acceptable Use Policy. In class, each teacher will make the rules clear. Students who are not following these rules will face disciplinary consequences. We are educating young women to be responsible and manage their time wisely.

Will my daughter still have to carry around heavy textbooks?
Many textbooks are now available with a digital component so that students need not carry the book with them. Many are not. There will be a natural shift towards more electronic resources in the future. This may not happen as quickly as we would like. Many courses will continue to require specific textbooks.

Will students have school email addresses?
We will issue all students buffaloseminary.org email addresses to be used for schoolwork. Google is our email provider. In addition to email, [|Google provides schools] with many other very useful learning tools at no charge.

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