Digital Learning at BCSC FAQs
What is itslearning?
itslearning is a computer system used to plan and deliver educational material, classes and training to students.
Parents can use itslearning to follow their students classes and assignments.
What does 1:1 mean?
1:1 is shorthand for one-to-one. This means there will be one device (laptop or Chromebook) assigned to each
student to use for learning at school. Some students will be able to take their devices home.
What kind of device will my child use?
Children in grades 1-8 will use a Chromebook which operates under the Chrome Operating System. Children in
grades 9-12 will use HP 645 laptops running Windows 7. Kindergarteners will share one iPad for each three
students.
Will the device be used every day?
The expectation is that our students will be prepared for class with a charged and ready device every day. We
ask that students come prepared with traditional supplies such as pencils and paper; a device is no different.
Students who are allowed to take their device home are responsible for bringing their charged device and power
adapter to school every day. Students who do not arrive prepared with a charged device are not properly
prepared for class.
Can a student “opt out” of the 1:1 initiative?
Just as students are required to use classroom textbooks and print material, lab equipment, and other
instructional resources, all students will need the device to be a successful and prepared participant in our
school. Students may not opt out of the program.
Will the district provide home Internet access?
No. The 1:1 program provides Internet access in BCSC school buildings only. Students may connect districtissued devices to home networks or public WiFi provided they seek parental approval. For students who do not
have Internet access, Comcast’s Internet Essentials program provides broadband Internet for less than $10 a
month. Details are available at http://www.internetessentials.com or via Comcast at 1-855-846-8376.
How are students protected from inappropriate content?
BCSC has installed blocking software designed to protect students from obscene material, child pornography
and other visual depictions deemed harmful to minors as defined by the federal Children’s Internet Protection
Act, while in use at school, home, and anywhere that has wireless Internet access. Improper use of the device
and/or technology including removal or tampering with the filtering settings will result in strict consequences
such as discipline, detention, and/or limited use of the device as determined by the district’s Code of Student
Conduct.
Keep in mind that no blocking technology is 100%. The best filter continues to be a parent or guardian. We
encourage you to talk with your child and be aware of his or her online activities and behaviors.
Are students and families responsible for the device?
Our students are competent and worthy of our trust; we trust that they will act responsibly and maturely with
such important personal learning devices. Students will be responsible for the care, security and safety of the
devices. Devices are to be carried in a student’s backpack or case to and from all classes and secured in lockers
when not in use.
As with any other instructional material, the student is responsible for his or her device. Teachers will work
with students on responsible use and safekeeping of their device. Each device comes with a protective bag for
safekeeping. Students are required to report a lost or stolen device immediately to their teacher.
Digital Learning at BCSC FAQs
Who is responsible for loss, theft, or damage while the student’s device is away from school?
We ask our students to treat the device with care and respect. Parents and students are not required to pay a fee
for the use of the devices. However, students and parents will be held fiscally accountable for damage or loss of
the device both on and off school grounds.
All physical damage to the device must be reported as soon as possible, but no later than the next school day.
Damaged devices will be evaluated by the school to determine whether or not they can be repaired. A loaner or
new device will be issued as needed. The parent/student is responsible for all accidental damages to district
issued devices and subject to a cost of repair or replacement of up to $100, for first time damage. For the second
incident of damage, costs/charges will be up to but not exceed $200. The third incident of damage will incur
charges of up to $300.
Parents/students will be accountable for all repair/replacement costs due to willful and intentional damage to
district issued devices and equipment.
Loss and theft that occurs off-campus will be the responsibility of the student and parent. In cases of legitimate
theft, students and parents must report the theft to the police and provide a police report of incident.
Will BCSC provide support and maintenance for the devices?
BCSC provides technology support and maintenance on all school issued student devices. If your device needs
to be repaired, we will loan you a device to use until it's returned. Under no circumstances should you or anyone
else take the device to a third party for repair or assistance. District personnel are the only individuals who
should attempt repair on the devices.
What if a student moves or transfers during the school year?
Each device is the property of BCSC.
If a student changes schools, withdraws from school officially, or is absent (Unexcused) for 10 days in a row,
you must return the device and charger to BCSC. If the device and accessories are not returned, BCSC will
contact the appropriate law enforcement authorities to recover the district device.
All devices are returned to the school at the end of each school year.
Where can I find out more about Digital Learning at BCSC?
You can find the answers to these and many more questions on our BCSC website at
http://www.bcsc.k12.in.us/Page/15236. Classroom and educational questions should be directed to your child’s
teacher and/or building leader.
Digital Learning at BCSC FAQs
Additional FAQs
What about students with special needs?
Students with special needs will benefit immensely from having a device. Based on their unique learning needs,
special-ed students’ devices may be equipped or modified to include adaptive software and programs. The
district is working closely with the Department of Special Education to ensure that all students with special
needs are appropriately accommodated.
Why the decision to go with a 1:1 model?
BCSC has chosen to implement the 1:1 model because we believe in the importance of providing every student
with equitable access to a rigorous instructional program. While BCSC will continue to provide a “Bring Your
Own Device” option, the 1:1 program insures that every child has access to technology that meets a minimum
level of capability.
What can I do as a parent?
In itslearning parents monitor student progress and view content assigned to their child. Parents have one login
to view multiple children. Examples of what is available to parents in itslearning include a list of student tasks
with due dates, a report showing how well their student is keeping up with class work, a view of the teacher’s
planner, and a secure messaging system to communicate with their child’s teacher.
In the future information will be provided specific to parent logins. For now please make sure that you are
logging in with your child and supporting their online learning experience.
Will the device go home with students over the summer?
No. District issued student devices will be collected at the end of the 2015-2016 school year for summer
upgrades, service and maintenance. The device will be reissued to your child in the fall of 2016. We are
exploring options for students to keep their devices during future summer breaks.
May students leave the device at school at night?
The 1:1 device program is a concerted effort to extend learning past the walled classroom boundaries. However,
we do understand that for practical reasons, a student may need to leave the device in school. Students may
leave the device in their locker at the end of the school day. Note that student will need to make charging
arrangements; there are no power outlets in lockers.
How was the specific device selected?
Many manufacturers and models of devices were evaluated by the district. BCSC reviewed other successful
and unsuccessful one-to-one programs as part of our preparation. It was determined that the HP laptop would
best serve the instructional goals for students in grades 9-12. The HP Chromebook was determined to best meet
the instructional needs of our students in grades 1-8.
How long does the device battery last? What if a student’s device battery runs out during the day?
Students are advised to plug in their device every evening at home to ensure that it is fully charged each day.
When students are not using the device during the day, they will power down their device to conserve its battery
life. Classrooms are equipped with electrical outlets for recharging as needed throughout the school day.
Does the 1:1 program eliminate the need to bring textbooks home?
Students will continue to have access to textbooks for most classes. Over time, however, the use of traditional
textbooks may decrease as most textbooks will be available to students digitally on their device.
May students install software or apps on the devices?
Students may install applications for learning purposes. Note that some programs require a fee. The district is
not responsible for programs purchased by students or parents. Should the device malfunction or become
Digital Learning at BCSC FAQs
infected with a virus, all existing programs and files will be wiped completely off the device, and a standard
BCSC image will be installed.
When will devices be issued?
The program will be implemented during the Fall of 2015.
Faculty professional development and training has begun and will continue into the future. Teachers will be
learning alongside the students; they will be supported by the BCSC Technology Dept.
May students use the devices on school buses or in the cafeteria?
No. To prevent damage to the technology, devices should be stored in the student’s backpack/case while on the
bus and while eating in the cafeteria.
Who owns the device?
The device is the property of BCSC and on loan to students, just like textbooks and other learning materials.
Students will be expected to care for the device as they would other district issued school supplies and
materials.
May I purchase the device when my child graduates?
Not currently. The district is exploring the future possibility of a student purchase program for graduates.
Will the district offer a parent training session?
At the student orientation/Back to School Night, more information will be presented about the 1:1 program. In
addition, we will have a Parent Technology Workcamps. Parents will have the opportunity to view the device
students will use, receive the policies that will govern this program and have questions answered. We encourage
you to mark these events on your calendar.
Additional evening parent information and training sessions will be offered during the 2015-2016 school year.
Watch the BCSC website for dates and topics.
Does a student have to bring a device home if there is already a device at home?
Students will eventually be able to take home their device in some capacity. To ensure compatibility, and
because many software applications and documents created by students will be saved on their device, the
district encourages the primary use of the HISD device at school and home.
Does a student need to have a printer to print out assignments?
Printers are not necessary. Assignments will be shared with teachers and among students using Office 365,
email, and the HUB, which is the district’s online teaching and learning platform.
Are some students not allowed to take their devices home for disciplinary reasons? If so, where are they
kept?
Those devices are kept in the office and the students pick them up in the morning before school begins.
What technology fees will be assessed by the corporation for use of the devices? Will there still be book rental
fees?
At this time, there are no technology fees related to the use of the 1:1 devices. Parents sign an agreement that
acknowledges the importance of technology in education and how it has in many ways replaced traditional
resources and therefore cannot be refused the same way that a textbook or pencil could not be refused by a
parent.
Will my child be able to bring their device home?
Students will eventually be able to take home their device in some capacity. More information will be available
for the school that your student attends.
Digital Learning at BCSC FAQs
What are e-learning days?
E-learning days will be virtual school days where a student will have their device at home and will have
assignments that they must complete through itslearning. E-learning days would count as a school day. A
student’s attendance will be subject to the work they complete through itslearning.
How will this change how my child learns?
Your child will enhance how and what they learn through their device in a traditional classroom setting and
away from school.
While the device is at home, may the parent also use it?
The devices require a password to login to the device. Separate logins and passwords will not be issued to
parents.
Do students have passwords so that others cannot access their device?
Yes, each student will receive instructions on how to login to their computer. It is important that students do
not share their login and passwords with others. Students are responsible for the care of their device.
Are students going to be taught how to use it?
Yes, each student will learn how to use their device at school. Students will also be learning digital citizenship
through “Common Sense Education.” This is a national, online program.