Transcript Computers For Pupils

Information for Parents
Computers for Pupils
 Government Funded
 Project led by the LEA (Education Authority)
 Challenge College has been selected to take part in this
phase of the project.
 Provides computers and internet access
 About 300 homes
How Much Will it Cost ?
Nothing
For the first 2 years.
After that, you may need to pay for
line rental
Internet access fees
The Computer
 The computer is on loan from Challenge College.
 If you have a child at Challenge College, you will be
able to keep the computer at your home.
What Can I Use it For ?
 The computer will have access to a range of educational
software, compatible with programs used in school:
 Office Suite
 Word Processor
 Spreadsheet
 Database
 Graphics
 Filtered Internet Access
What Can I Use it For ?
 You will also have access to
 The School Website and VLE
 School e-Mail
 Programs and Files on the School Network
Parents Can Access
 Your child’s records
 The school VLE
 Your child’s work
Note that you can do this on your home computer now.
It doesn’t need a special computer.
This Computer is Different.
 It is connected to a very powerful computer in
Bradford, which does all of the work.
 You cannot install your own programs
 It will work only if it is connected by our special phone
line.
 It is intended for Educational Use Only.
 Some Internet sites are blocked.
The Computer
The computer is not like a normal computer
 It is silent
 It uses very little electricity
 It has to connect to a main computer in Bradford to work
properly
 It is worthless if stolen
 But it looks and feels like a normal computer !
Must I Have One ?
No
 If you have a computer already, you may not want another
one. The free computer doesn’t do anything extra.
 We have around 300 computers and about 600 eligible
pupils, so some people may be disappointed.
We Have a PC Already
 OK, but you may want one of these computers if:
 You share a PC with someone else who is at school.
 You can’t use your home PC because other members of
the family want to use it.
 Your own computer doesn’t have broadband internet
access.
The Connection
(A special phone line)
 The computers will not work unless they are connected to
the main server by a special telephone line.
 A connection will be provided free of charge.
Home Information Form
Information Required
 Your Address
 Full address (including postcode) where the
computer is to be used.
Information Required
 The Name of an Adult.
The adult must be someone who can
 Speak English
 Plan two dates for the workers to install the system.
 Be at home on the dates agreed
Important. If the workers call, and there is no one at home,
you will not get the computer.
Information Required
 Phone Numbers
 Please provide us with
 Home Phone Number
 Mobile Phone Number
 Work Phone Number
So that the workers can arrange 2 dates with you.
Information Required
 Do you have a British Telecom Phone Line ?
 Do you have a phone line at home ?
 Is it a British Telecom line ?
 Is it provided by a cable TV company ?
 You need a BT line for this computer.
 If you don’t have one, we will install one for your computer to
use.
Information Required
Who Sends you your Telephone Bill ?
It might be British Telecom (BT)
But it could be:
Virgin Media, Sky Tv, Tiscali, PlusNet, ……
Return the Form to School
 We need the form as quickly as possible.
 Please make sure that it is easy to read …
 … and that there are no mistakes.
 Hand in the form at Student Reception.
What’s the Catch ?
 There isn’t one.
 Except – there are only about 300 computers available
 After the first 2 years, you will have to pay the line rental
and for your connection to the internet.
Who can have one ?
We are offering the computers to all pupils in Years 7, 8, 9
and 10 at the moment.
Not all families will want one – you may have a perfectly
good computer and internet connection already.
How Do We Choose
 If more than 300 families want a computer, we will have to
make a choice.
We hope that we will be able to provide one to every pupil
that wants one.
If not, we will select pupils at random.
Rules
 Read the Acceptable Use Policy
 The computer is a school computer.
 The same rules apply.
 The LEA will carry out regular checks on the system.
 Files and records of internet access are not private.
What do I have to Do ?
 Complete and return the form to school.
 Agree to the Acceptable Use Policy
 Decide where the computer will be placed
 Provide 3 Power sockets – An extension lead will be
OK.
 Arrange 2 dates with the workers
 Be at home when the workers are due to call.
Workers
Someone from Synetrix will contact you to
arrange two dates.
1) To fit / test the phone line.
2) To install and test the computer
You must be in on the date and time that you
have agreed. If you are out, they will not
arrange a second visit.
Access your Child’s Records
Please collect a copy of this form.
Fill in your e-mail address.
And your child’s details.
We will e-mail you with the information that you
need to access your child’s details