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Why am I required to purchase my computer through NCS rather directly from Apple? |
| Software vendors will enter into an agreement with an educational institution to purchase a “site license” which allows for their software to be installed on all computers that are purchased through the educational institution and that are used as a learning tool by students on their campus. However, there are three important requirements under this site license: |
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The computer must be purchased through the school with the vendor selected by the school; |
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The educational institution must install the software on the computers and maintain complete control of the computers’ ‘image’. In this usage, ‘image’ refers to any software or related data stored anywhere on the computer. |
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When the student leaves the educational institution either because of graduation or withdrawal, the computer must be re-imaged back to the original image and all software must be removed that was used under the educational site license. |
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At a minimum, how frequently will I be required to purchase a laptop computer for my student(s) while they are enrolled at NCS? |
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Student laptop computers must be replaced at a minimum of every four years; |
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Parents may choose to replace their student’s laptop more frequently; parents can select the three year option for 8th graders and purchase a new computer when the student is a junior instead of a senior. |
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Students new to NCS and the Anytime Anywhere Learning Program will be required to purchase a computer. |
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In 2012-13, all laptop computers in the Anytime Anywhere Learning Program will be owned by the student’s parents. |
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Why did you choose the Apple MacBook? |
| After meeting with multiple vendors and reviewing many different options, it was decided that the Apple MacBook would be the best choice for enhancing learning in the classroom because of its price, student familiarity with the MacBook, the ability to run both Windows based programs and Apple programs, the software that is a part of the Apple environment, and the peripheral devices that are built into the computer. Also, NCS believes that In the 21st Century the new literacy is less about enough information and more about creativity, innovation, collaboration, and integration of skills and we believe that Macs are the best tool for our students to develop those skills. |
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Who will own the Laptop Computer? |
| NCS Owned: (will not be offered to students new to the Anytime Anywhere Learning Program) |
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The NCS-owned Standard Cougar MacBooks will be the property of NCS and will be assigned to students for their use in a manner similar to textbooks and other resources and will be subject to the same restrictions. Students will not have any administrative rights on the NCS-owned computer and will not be allowed to install and uninstall any software. |
| Parent Owned: |
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Under the site license agreement with our vendors, Northland is required to retain an ownership interest in all computers in order to maintain the image on the MacBooks purchased by parents until the student graduates or withdraws from NCS, at which time the ownership interest will pass to the parents. In this usage, ‘image’ refers to any software or related data stored anywhere on the computer. |
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This image will contain the software that is purchased under the NCS site license. Giving NCS the authority and responsibility of maintaining the image ensures that your student will always have access to the necessary software tools that are required for instructional purposes while a student at NCS. |
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In the event of any type of mechanical failure, the Tech Office will have the ability to re-image the computer. |
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From the practical standpoint, the computer will be the student’s machine and it will be in their possession 365 days a year. |
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What added value do I get by allowing Northland to control the software installed on the computer? |
| Each Cougar MacBook will have additional software loaded that will be needed for specific classes. These instructional tools will be school-owned and purchased at a school level discount. Educational software has three different price levels: retail, single education price, and school site license price. Many of our software programs are purchased at significant discounts because we purchase a school site license and part of the site license agreement is that we control the installation and removal of the software when the computer leaves our campus. If we did not function under this guideline, we would have to purchase software at a much higher price, making the cost of the Anytime Anywhere Learning Program significantly higher. |
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What is the difference between the $275* annual Technology Fee and the $875* annual Instructional Fee? |
| One of the benefits of purchasing a laptop computer is that in future school years, you will only pay the $275* Technology Fee. The Technology Fee will allow NCS to continue to provide quality software tools for each student. However, if you chose in 2009 to use an NCS-owned Standard Cougar MacBook computer, you will continue to pay the $875* Instructional Fee each school year. The Instructional fee will be used to provide quality instructional tools for each student and will include the use of the Standard Cougar MacBook laptop computer. |
| The fees ensure that NCS will continue to have the ability to maintain all of our instructional programs to meet the needs of the 21st Century student. This will include: |
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Classroom software
Online academic resources
Internet access
Support staff
Digital instructional tools
Online classes
Warranties (NCS-owned machine)
Monitoring programs
Ongoing professional development
Computrace Tracking software (NCS owned machine)
Standard Cougar MacBook Computer (if using an NCS-owned machine) |
| *Amount subject to change in future years |
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Will all of the computers purchased through the NCS Anytime Anywhere Learning Program have Windows™ installed on it? |
| Windows™ will only be installed on machines when a class specific software requires Windows™ to operate. More information is available on how to run Windows™ programs on the Apple website. |
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Do I have to purchase additional insurance? |
| NCS owned Standard Cougar MacBooks: |
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If a Standard Cougar MacBook is damaged, and a repair that is not covered by the AppleCare Warranty is necessary, the cost of the repair is the responsibility of the student’s parent; |
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Any charges incurred by NCS from Apple to repair the MacBook/MacBook Pro and return it to working order will be passed on to the student’s parents and must be paid prior to returning the computer to the student; |
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Standard Cougar MacBooks owned by NCS will include Computrace, which is the tracking software that will allow the MacBook to be found and recovered by local law enforcement officers if the computer is lost or stolen; |
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NCS also recommends that all parents consider purchasing personal articles insurance for your school-owned MacBook, as an addition to your existing homeowner’s insurance policy. (Note: Most homeowners’ policies have very limited coverage for computers with a high deductible, unless an additional personal articles policy is purchased for a nominal cost.) This can be a very cost-effective way to guard against the expense of a lost, stolen or damaged computer. Policies vary, so each family should consult with their insurance agent for more specific details. |
| Parent owned Cougar MacBook: |
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Parent may choose to purchase insurance through a third party that covers accidental damage (Safeware or their homeowner's policy); |
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AppleCare covers only normal wear and tear on the computer (the determination of normal wear and tear is made exclusively by Apple); |
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Parent may choose to purchase a personal articles policy as part of their homeowner’s policy; |
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Any charges incurred by NCS from Apple to repair the MacBook/MacBook Pro and return it to working order will be passed on to the student’s parents and must be paid prior to returning the computer to the student; |
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Parents may choose to purchase Computrace tracking software; |
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If the Cougar MacBook is stolen, NCS will provide a ‘loaner’ Standard Cougar MacBook for one month to allow the parent sufficient time to replace the stolen computer. |
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If the parent chooses not to replace the stolen computer, they must pay $600 to use a school-owned Standard Cougar MacBook for the remaining portion of the school year. |
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What is the difference between the AppleCare warranty and CompuTrace? |
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Warranty is “AppleCare” and covers repairs for normal wear and tear but does not cover accidental damage; |
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Computrace is the software that allows the computer to be tracked if it is stolen (similar to Lo-Jack on vehicle). |
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Will the MacBook run all day on a single battery charge? |
| The battery typically runs approximately seven hours, depending on your settings and how it is being used. Each classroom will have six foot long power strips that will allow multiple students to charge their computer simultaneously during class. |
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Will I be able to keep the Laptop Computer after I graduate? |
| You will retain the laptop when you graduate, if you chose the purchase option and the following steps have been taken: |
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Payment has been received in full;
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The MacBook/MacBook Pro computer has been submitted to the Technology Office for the removal of all NCS owned software; and |
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The re-imaging process has been completed. This re-imaging process is required to ensure that all school-owned software is removed from the computer. |
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If you used an NCS-owned Standard Cougar MacBook, it will remain the property of NCS and will be treated the same as any other instructional resource that the student is issued. |
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What if I graduate or withdraw from Northland before the conclusion of the four-year warranty I purchased for my computer? |
| The warranty is registered through the serial number of the computer and goes with it to any Apple Store where you would receive warranty repair services. |
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Will the MacBooks purchased for the 2010-2011 school year be issued to students prior to the end of the current school year? |
| The order for parent owned MacBooks purchased for use in the 2010-2011 school year will be placed by March 15, 2010. Once they arrive on campus, they will be added to the NCS domain and imaged with all of the necessary software tools. They will be issued to students when this process is completed and basic training will be conducted prior to the conclusion of the 2009-2010 school year. From the practical standpoint, the computer will be the student's machine and it will be in their possession 365 days a year. |
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Will I return the Cougar MacBook Laptop Computer at the end of each school year during the period it is assigned to me? |
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Students whose parents purchased their MacBook will retain it for their use during the summer months; |
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If a software upgrade is purchased by NCS, the school will require access to the parent-owned Cougar MacBook for a designated period of time during the summer to re-image the computer with the upgrade; |
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Students who use an NCS-owned Standard Cougar MacBook will return their MacBook at the end of the school year and it will be re-issued to the student at the beginning of the next school year; |
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There is a MacBook Summer program in which students can choose to participate. The fee for that program is $100*. |
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Will I be able to use an Apple MacBook that I already own to participate in the Anytime Anywhere Learning Program and purchase the software from NCS? |
| An Apple MacBook purchased by a parent prior to this introduction of the MacBook at NCS is not eligible to be used in the Anytime Anywhere Learning Program for the following reasons: |
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All Apple MacBooks used as a learning tool in the Anytime Anywhere Learning Program must be purchased through NCS and have the NCS image; |
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The NCS software site license requires that we retain the control of the image on the machines; |
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MacBook models purchased previously could have different specifications and our image would not function on that model; |
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Students would not have access to software that is used specifically for a class such as Spanish, Geometry, Physics, Chemistry, etc. |
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Who will be the registered owner of the MacBook/MacBook Pros purchased through Northland? |
| Northland will be the registered owner of all of the computers purchased through our program. However, the serial number is registered so when your student graduates you can take it to any Apple Store for service. |
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How should I decide which computer to purchase? Is the standard computer sufficient or should I upgrade? Do some classes require more computing power or special features? |
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The white 13" standard computer is what all 6th graders wil purcahse. It is sufficient for NCS students' educational needs, is extremely comfortable to carry and use, and comes at an attractive price. This computer will be more durable;
OPTIONS FOR NEW HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: |
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The aluminum 13" upgrade offers improved speed and additional memory in the same comfortably sized computer. The key difference that students may notice is the lighted keyboard, which is convenient when using the computer in a darkened room but slightly shortens the battery life; |
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The 15" MacBook Pro versions offer more power and screen space, which is suited to a "power user" who routinely runs multiple applications separately. It also offers an upgraded video card, which is useful for video editing and similar graphically intensive purposes. If your student is an "electronic artist" or aspiring computer programmer, this is probably a better choice. However, these computers are slightly larger and bulkier than the near-ideal size of the 13", so they will not be as convenient to store and carry. |
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If I purchase a MacBook/MacBook Pro can I sell it to another student? |
| The computer was purchased through the school as a tool to be used in the Anytime Anywhere Learning Program by your student and you cannot sell it to any other family. NCS has the right to control how it is used because it is an education tool purchased primarily for use at NCS and because of our site license agreements with our software vendors. The MacBook can be used by a younger sibling in the Anytime Anywhere Learning Program. |
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Who will repair the Laptop Computer if it stops working properly? |
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NCS Technology Office will maintain and repair all minor problems on the MacBooks purchased through the Anytime Anywhere Learning Program. Other repairs will be completed through an authorized Apple Service Center. When a student takes their MacBook directly to the Apple Store for repairs, they must take their Apple Store receipt to the Technology Office if they need a loaner MacBook while theirs is being repaired; |
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NCS Technology Office will coordinate efforts with the local authorities and Computrace in the event of loss or theft issues related to the NCS-owned Standard Cougar MacBook; |
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If a parent purchased Cougar MacBook is stolen or lost and Computrace was purchased, the Technology Office will also coordinate efforts with the local authorities that are required to retrieve that computer; |
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A limited number of loaner Standard Cougar MacBooks will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis for those students whose parents purchased their MacBook and their computer is stolen. |
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The loan period will be limited to a term of one month. |
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For repair issues, students will take the MacBook to the Technology Office where a diagnosis will be made and necessary action taken; |
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The students are responsible for saving their data to a back-up drive, flash drive, or a CD. If a computer has to be cleaned and/or re-loaded because of installation of software that caused computer failure, a $25* fee will be assessed. |
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If the Operating System is upgraded, will Northland upgrade all of the computers? |
| If Apple issues an operating system upgrade, the NCS Technology Office will upgrade all student computers. |
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What grades are included in the Laptop Computer Initiative? |
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All Secondary campus students Grades 6 through 12 will participate in the Anytime Anywhere Learning Program and have their own computer. |
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Grades PreK-5 will share access to portable computer labs. |
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Why is it important for my student to have his/her own Laptop Computer? |
| NCS is in agreement with the concepts and ideas detailed in our country’s new National Education Plan that every student needs to learn in new ways and develop 21st Century skills. The only way to ensure that students have the opportunity to learn in ways that benefit them, and to develop and apply these new skills in every class, is for every student to have access to the right instructional tools twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. |
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21st Century Skills |
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Improved basic skills (math, writing) ;
Improved digital age literacy skills (technological, cultural, global awareness) ;
Improved inventive thinking skills (creativity, problem solving, higher order, sound reasoning) ;
Improved effective communication and interpersonal skills (writing, public speaking, teamwork, collaboration) ;
Improved productivity skills (create high quality products).
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Will I keep the same Laptop Computer each year? |
| Students who participate in the NCS-owned Laptop Program will use the same Standard Cougar MacBook for four years. However, NCS reserves the right to issue a different MacBook to a student when necessary. |
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How will my student know how to use the Laptop Computer? |
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A training course will be conducted for all students at the time of distribution of the MacBooks; |
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Ninth grade students are required to take the Communication Applications and Technology course; |
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All Middle School students will have an opportunity to enroll in a Technology class and learn to use the MacBook and the software for various creative projects. |
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Computer skills also will be taught in each academic course which requires technology use. |
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Will students be responsible for “backing-up” their own files? |
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Yes, students will be responsible for backing-up copies of their files to their personal space in First Class; |
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It is recommended that the students also copy their files to CDs and/or flash drives; |
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Every laptop will have the ability to “burn” CDs and will have ports that allow them to plug in memory sticks and flash drives. |
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Will all of my student’s textbooks be on the Laptop Computer? |
| It is the goal of NCS to choose the best resources for our students to learn. If the choice is between printed and digital resources, then the school will choose the digital resource. |
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What do I do if my question is not answered here? |
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*Amount subject to change in future years.
Updated: February 2011 |
