Frequently asked questions about esmart
Updated 07-11-2014
The eSMART Device
What type of personal mobile computing device will students receive?
- Students will receive a 16 GB, iPad® 2 with Wi-Fi capability, as well as a power block, sync cable, and case.
Do these devices have separate microphone and headphone jacks?
- No. This device has a built-in microphone and a headphone combo jack.
Do these devices have jacks for modems?
- This device does not have an analog port to accommodate a connection via modem and only works with Wi-Fi.
Will parents need to purchase additional items for the iPad?
- No. Necessary applications that cost money will be purchased by the district. Students will "purchase" any free apps required.
Should I invest in a wireless keyboard?
- Usually students become faster typists after a few days of practice and do not need a wireless keyboard.
How can I connect to a projector if I need to show something to my class?
- You will connect your device to the projector using either a iPad-to-VGA projector cable or Reflections software.
Can the district’s wireless network handle all of these devices?
- Walton County School District upgraded its wireless network to increase speed and capacity. Students will be able to access the wireless network to use their eSMART devices.
May family members use the iPad?
- No. The iPad will be setup for the student’s profile only.
What if I need to print something at school?
- Walton County School District is not supporting printing from the eSMART devices. Students may email items to themselves then print from computers in the media center if this is required.
What if I need to print something at home?
- If students print directly from their iPads at home, they will need an iPad-compatible printer at home.
- Students can also email documents to themselves then print them from home.
If my power goes out at home, can I recharge my iPad at school?
- Your school expects you to bring your device to school each day fully charged. If, however, something unexpected happens such as a power outage, you should talk to the help desk at your school.
What if the iPad stops working at home (after school hours) during the school year?
- If possible, the student should immediately email the Technology Help Desk at [email protected]. That way, the help desk staff will be able to start work on your problem early the next school day.
Will students be taking the iPad home over the summer?
- Students will turn in their eSMART device at the end of the school year and have the same device returned to them during the first week of school the following year.
Who gets a Personal Mobile Computing Device?
- All high school students receive personal mobile computing devices once they attend an orientation session with a parent/guardian and complete all the required paperwork.
Is an iPad mandatory for these students?
- Yes. Students will need the iPad during the school day just as they need textbooks, pencils, pens and other tools now.
- Your student may, however, leave the iPad at school each day if you’d rather it wasn’t taken home. If left at school, the iPad must be checked in to the school’s help desk at the end of each school day and checked out at the beginning of each school day at the same help desk.
What happens when a new student comes in? Does he use a loaner?
- The school will assign a device to a new student. It may, however, be a loaner for a period of time.
If I transfer schools within the district after I receive a mobile computing device, do I take the device with me to my new school?
- No. The iPad remains at the school that issued it. You must return the iPad, power block, sync cable and case before you transfer to your new school.
Questions about personalization of the iPad
May I use my own case?
- Yes. If you decide to use your own case, please return the district-provided case to the help desk at your school as soon as you switch cases.
May I decorate my device?
- Your personal mobile computing device is the property of the district, as are textbooks. You may not add stickers or deface it.
Questions about iPads and the school day
Will students carry fewer textbooks once they have iPads?
- Yes, over time, as teachers use more digital content for instruction and assignments. Textbook manufacturers will eventually produce more electronic versions of textbooks.
- Our district’s eSMART initiative isn’t about the devices and the replacement of textbooks. In fact, learning, in general, is moving well beyond the textbook.
- This initiative is about creating 21st century graduates, individuals who possess the necessary skills to succeed and contribute locally and globally in jobs that may not even currently exist. These students can take charge of their own learning, challenge themselves to stretch their academic abilities, think critically and creatively, problem solve and collaborate.
- Many textbook publishers do have textbooks and other supplemental resources such as practice tests online. Students can access these through the Internet.
What do I do with my device during PE or football practice?
- You should keep your device safe just as you do your textbooks, book bag, purse, wallet, telephone, or other items. The PE department is working with school administrators to determine the best place to store iPads for PE students. If you have practice after school or any extracurricular activity, it would be best to lock your iPad in your locker or another safe place.
What do I do with my device while I am at lunch?
- You may take your device with you or lock it in your locker before lunch.
How extensively will the devices be used in regular class work?
- It depends on the learning activities of each day.
- Think of the devices as a resource not unlike pencils or notebooks. Some days, students may use them quite a bit in class, working on projects or in teams, researching or problem solving. Other days, students may only use them for recording assignments, completing assignments, and storing or transmitting their work to teachers.
Questions about the eSMART Optional Protection Plan
Is there a cost or fee associated with Personal Mobile Computing?
- No. Parents may opt, however, to participate in an optional eSMART Device Protection Plan. Parents can buy this plan to cover damages incurred to the iPad while it is in the student’s possession. The optional plan is $25 each year.
What does the Optional Protection Plan cover?
- The student optional protection plan helps cover the student in the event of damage or loss. For complete details, CLICK HERE.
Where does the $25 we pay for the eSMART Optional Protection Plan go?
- The money collected at a school stays at that school in a special account created for this purpose. The money will purchase parts for repairs and pay for any outside service to the iPads.
What if I am unable to pay $25 right now?
- If the fee creates a financial hardship on the student or his family, that family may contact an administrator at the school and set up a payment plan.
Will this $25 be in addition to all of the other fees associated with the regular school year?
- Remember, this is not a fee. It is optional insurance on the device. Parents of athletes, for instance, have the opportunity to purchase optional insurance for their children who participate in athletics.
Questions about student safety and/or the district’s filter
Can I assume that students will have only safe Internet access and access to sites necessary for educational purposes?
- Yes. The district maintains a multi-tiered security solution that provides the type of protection you mention. The Internet is filtered at all times since we configure each device so that it will stay connected to this service whether the student is at school, home or any other location.
- Students are also expected to comply with the district’s Acceptable Use Policy, just as they do now when using any technology in the school.
May I use Facebook at home?
- Facebook and other sites are blocked since they are not instructional sites approved for student use on the district device. They are blocked through the school server when you use your device at school or at home.
May I access Internet email such as Gmail, Yahoo, etc., at school?
- Yes. However, the district has set up Walton County Gmail accounts for all students to use for educational purposes. This account is what the student should use when communicating with teachers, staff, etc.
Questions about misuse of the iPad
What happens to the information on my device if I have to get it repaired?
- First, each student is responsible for backing up his/her device to the cloud storage and we encourage them to regularly back up their devices. Students may also back up items to a Dropbox account, their Google Storage included with their email account, or other cloud-based storage options available to iPads.
- If students regularly back up their devices, they shouldn’t lose any data.
If another student knocks over or damages my iPad, am I still responsible?
- Yes. Your device is your responsibility.
What if the device is lost, stolen or broken?
- If your student’s device is lost or stolen, you, the parent/guardian, should report that loss to the school immediately and fill out a police report. The School Resource Officer can usually help you do this. If you are out of town, however, you should fill out a police report there.
- If your student’s device stops working, he/she will get assistance from the Technology Help Desk at his/her school.
- If your student’s device breaks, the school will investigate. Students are responsible for the entire cost of repairs to devices intentionally damaged.
What are the consequences for misuse or inappropriate use of the iPad?
- These eSMART devices are part of the district’s overall technology initiative. As such, the district’s Acceptable Use Policy and the school discipline policy apply just as they do for other technology use in the school.
Questions about applications (apps) and music for the iPad
What apps come on the device?
- Apps provided by the district are used in class to work on projects, etc. For that reason, you must leave these district-provided apps on the device.
- The following are paid instructional apps: Pages, Keynote, iMovie, and Notability.
- The following are free instructional apps: Evernote, iBooks, Nearpod, Follett Bookshelf, and Infinite Campus
- Other apps that come on the device are iTunes, Safari, FaceTime; and Photo Booth.
Can I delete the apps that came on the device?
- No. The district-provided apps will be used in class, to work on projects, etc. For that reason, you must leave these apps on your device.
May I add Dropbox™ to my iPad?
- The district utilizes Google Drive and Schoology - students should not need Dropbox.
What should I do about the applications I need for individual courses, e.g., health science?
- District or school staff will load any applications needed for instruction onto your device that are paid apps. Students will install free apps.
May I store my music on the iPad?
- You may store your music as long as you legally purchase the music, your music is in keeping with the district’s Acceptable Use Policy and you don’t take up space needed for instructional materials.
Questions about using iPads at home
Will Spanish speakers be able to change the language settings to Spanish?
- Yes. You are able to change the language on the device.
May we access our banking information?
- Students should be able to access banking websites. These sites are not blocked for access.
In order for my child to be able to successfully complete class assignments, will I be required to have wireless Internet access at home?
- Accessing the Internet at home requires Wi-Fi. Students will, however, be able to accomplish work at home without Wi-Fi. For instance, they will have resources stored on their devices such as ibooks or ebooks. They will also be able to create, save and store projects, papers, assignments, etc., and upload them to network storage when they get to school and have access to Wi-Fi.
- Many local businesses and county libraries also have Wi-Fi.
Questions about funding
How much did the iPads cost?
- Walton County School District plans to purchase eSMART devices (iPad 2) for $379 each.
How is the eSMART initiative funded?
- Walton County is purchasing the eSMART devices as part of the ELOST Referendum that started January 2012. Walton County residents voted to approve the referendum, which included $6 million to expand and upgrade existing technology at all schools.
Is there money set aside for future purchases of iPads/tablets — either for updates or to replace broken ones?
- Yes. The district has planned for a four-year replacement cycle.
End of the year questions
What will happen to old devices once these are upgraded?
- The district will repurpose them for use elsewhere in the district.
Will graduating seniors have the opportunity to purchase their devices?
- No - there is no current plan to sell devices to students at any time.
The eSMART Device
What type of personal mobile computing device will students receive?
- Students will receive a 16 GB, iPad® 2 with Wi-Fi capability, as well as a power block, sync cable, and case.
Do these devices have separate microphone and headphone jacks?
- No. This device has a built-in microphone and a headphone combo jack.
Do these devices have jacks for modems?
- This device does not have an analog port to accommodate a connection via modem and only works with Wi-Fi.
Will parents need to purchase additional items for the iPad?
- No. Necessary applications that cost money will be purchased by the district. Students will "purchase" any free apps required.
Should I invest in a wireless keyboard?
- Usually students become faster typists after a few days of practice and do not need a wireless keyboard.
How can I connect to a projector if I need to show something to my class?
- You will connect your device to the projector using either a iPad-to-VGA projector cable or Reflections software.
Can the district’s wireless network handle all of these devices?
- Walton County School District upgraded its wireless network to increase speed and capacity. Students will be able to access the wireless network to use their eSMART devices.
May family members use the iPad?
- No. The iPad will be setup for the student’s profile only.
What if I need to print something at school?
- Walton County School District is not supporting printing from the eSMART devices. Students may email items to themselves then print from computers in the media center if this is required.
What if I need to print something at home?
- If students print directly from their iPads at home, they will need an iPad-compatible printer at home.
- Students can also email documents to themselves then print them from home.
If my power goes out at home, can I recharge my iPad at school?
- Your school expects you to bring your device to school each day fully charged. If, however, something unexpected happens such as a power outage, you should talk to the help desk at your school.
What if the iPad stops working at home (after school hours) during the school year?
- If possible, the student should immediately email the Technology Help Desk at [email protected]. That way, the help desk staff will be able to start work on your problem early the next school day.
Will students be taking the iPad home over the summer?
- Students will turn in their eSMART device at the end of the school year and have the same device returned to them during the first week of school the following year.
Who gets a Personal Mobile Computing Device?
- All high school students receive personal mobile computing devices once they attend an orientation session with a parent/guardian and complete all the required paperwork.
Is an iPad mandatory for these students?
- Yes. Students will need the iPad during the school day just as they need textbooks, pencils, pens and other tools now.
- Your student may, however, leave the iPad at school each day if you’d rather it wasn’t taken home. If left at school, the iPad must be checked in to the school’s help desk at the end of each school day and checked out at the beginning of each school day at the same help desk.
What happens when a new student comes in? Does he use a loaner?
- The school will assign a device to a new student. It may, however, be a loaner for a period of time.
If I transfer schools within the district after I receive a mobile computing device, do I take the device with me to my new school?
- No. The iPad remains at the school that issued it. You must return the iPad, power block, sync cable and case before you transfer to your new school.
Questions about personalization of the iPad
May I use my own case?
- Yes. If you decide to use your own case, please return the district-provided case to the help desk at your school as soon as you switch cases.
May I decorate my device?
- Your personal mobile computing device is the property of the district, as are textbooks. You may not add stickers or deface it.
Questions about iPads and the school day
Will students carry fewer textbooks once they have iPads?
- Yes, over time, as teachers use more digital content for instruction and assignments. Textbook manufacturers will eventually produce more electronic versions of textbooks.
- Our district’s eSMART initiative isn’t about the devices and the replacement of textbooks. In fact, learning, in general, is moving well beyond the textbook.
- This initiative is about creating 21st century graduates, individuals who possess the necessary skills to succeed and contribute locally and globally in jobs that may not even currently exist. These students can take charge of their own learning, challenge themselves to stretch their academic abilities, think critically and creatively, problem solve and collaborate.
- Many textbook publishers do have textbooks and other supplemental resources such as practice tests online. Students can access these through the Internet.
What do I do with my device during PE or football practice?
- You should keep your device safe just as you do your textbooks, book bag, purse, wallet, telephone, or other items. The PE department is working with school administrators to determine the best place to store iPads for PE students. If you have practice after school or any extracurricular activity, it would be best to lock your iPad in your locker or another safe place.
What do I do with my device while I am at lunch?
- You may take your device with you or lock it in your locker before lunch.
How extensively will the devices be used in regular class work?
- It depends on the learning activities of each day.
- Think of the devices as a resource not unlike pencils or notebooks. Some days, students may use them quite a bit in class, working on projects or in teams, researching or problem solving. Other days, students may only use them for recording assignments, completing assignments, and storing or transmitting their work to teachers.
Questions about the eSMART Optional Protection Plan
Is there a cost or fee associated with Personal Mobile Computing?
- No. Parents may opt, however, to participate in an optional eSMART Device Protection Plan. Parents can buy this plan to cover damages incurred to the iPad while it is in the student’s possession. The optional plan is $25 each year.
What does the Optional Protection Plan cover?
- The student optional protection plan helps cover the student in the event of damage or loss. For complete details, CLICK HERE.
Where does the $25 we pay for the eSMART Optional Protection Plan go?
- The money collected at a school stays at that school in a special account created for this purpose. The money will purchase parts for repairs and pay for any outside service to the iPads.
What if I am unable to pay $25 right now?
- If the fee creates a financial hardship on the student or his family, that family may contact an administrator at the school and set up a payment plan.
Will this $25 be in addition to all of the other fees associated with the regular school year?
- Remember, this is not a fee. It is optional insurance on the device. Parents of athletes, for instance, have the opportunity to purchase optional insurance for their children who participate in athletics.
Questions about student safety and/or the district’s filter
Can I assume that students will have only safe Internet access and access to sites necessary for educational purposes?
- Yes. The district maintains a multi-tiered security solution that provides the type of protection you mention. The Internet is filtered at all times since we configure each device so that it will stay connected to this service whether the student is at school, home or any other location.
- Students are also expected to comply with the district’s Acceptable Use Policy, just as they do now when using any technology in the school.
May I use Facebook at home?
- Facebook and other sites are blocked since they are not instructional sites approved for student use on the district device. They are blocked through the school server when you use your device at school or at home.
May I access Internet email such as Gmail, Yahoo, etc., at school?
- Yes. However, the district has set up Walton County Gmail accounts for all students to use for educational purposes. This account is what the student should use when communicating with teachers, staff, etc.
Questions about misuse of the iPad
What happens to the information on my device if I have to get it repaired?
- First, each student is responsible for backing up his/her device to the cloud storage and we encourage them to regularly back up their devices. Students may also back up items to a Dropbox account, their Google Storage included with their email account, or other cloud-based storage options available to iPads.
- If students regularly back up their devices, they shouldn’t lose any data.
If another student knocks over or damages my iPad, am I still responsible?
- Yes. Your device is your responsibility.
What if the device is lost, stolen or broken?
- If your student’s device is lost or stolen, you, the parent/guardian, should report that loss to the school immediately and fill out a police report. The School Resource Officer can usually help you do this. If you are out of town, however, you should fill out a police report there.
- If your student’s device stops working, he/she will get assistance from the Technology Help Desk at his/her school.
- If your student’s device breaks, the school will investigate. Students are responsible for the entire cost of repairs to devices intentionally damaged.
What are the consequences for misuse or inappropriate use of the iPad?
- These eSMART devices are part of the district’s overall technology initiative. As such, the district’s Acceptable Use Policy and the school discipline policy apply just as they do for other technology use in the school.
Questions about applications (apps) and music for the iPad
What apps come on the device?
- Apps provided by the district are used in class to work on projects, etc. For that reason, you must leave these district-provided apps on the device.
- The following are paid instructional apps: Pages, Keynote, iMovie, and Notability.
- The following are free instructional apps: Evernote, iBooks, Nearpod, Follett Bookshelf, and Infinite Campus
- Other apps that come on the device are iTunes, Safari, FaceTime; and Photo Booth.
Can I delete the apps that came on the device?
- No. The district-provided apps will be used in class, to work on projects, etc. For that reason, you must leave these apps on your device.
May I add Dropbox™ to my iPad?
- The district utilizes Google Drive and Schoology - students should not need Dropbox.
What should I do about the applications I need for individual courses, e.g., health science?
- District or school staff will load any applications needed for instruction onto your device that are paid apps. Students will install free apps.
May I store my music on the iPad?
- You may store your music as long as you legally purchase the music, your music is in keeping with the district’s Acceptable Use Policy and you don’t take up space needed for instructional materials.
Questions about using iPads at home
Will Spanish speakers be able to change the language settings to Spanish?
- Yes. You are able to change the language on the device.
May we access our banking information?
- Students should be able to access banking websites. These sites are not blocked for access.
In order for my child to be able to successfully complete class assignments, will I be required to have wireless Internet access at home?
- Accessing the Internet at home requires Wi-Fi. Students will, however, be able to accomplish work at home without Wi-Fi. For instance, they will have resources stored on their devices such as ibooks or ebooks. They will also be able to create, save and store projects, papers, assignments, etc., and upload them to network storage when they get to school and have access to Wi-Fi.
- Many local businesses and county libraries also have Wi-Fi.
Questions about funding
How much did the iPads cost?
- Walton County School District plans to purchase eSMART devices (iPad 2) for $379 each.
How is the eSMART initiative funded?
- Walton County is purchasing the eSMART devices as part of the ELOST Referendum that started January 2012. Walton County residents voted to approve the referendum, which included $6 million to expand and upgrade existing technology at all schools.
Is there money set aside for future purchases of iPads/tablets — either for updates or to replace broken ones?
- Yes. The district has planned for a four-year replacement cycle.
End of the year questions
What will happen to old devices once these are upgraded?
- The district will repurpose them for use elsewhere in the district.
Will graduating seniors have the opportunity to purchase their devices?
- No - there is no current plan to sell devices to students at any time.