Visit the Virtual Learning Support for Students Website for virtual learning support and assistance.
VISION FOR 21ST CENTURY TEACHING AND LEARNING
Mission of DCSD
The mission of the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is to ensure student success, leading to higher education, work, and lifelong learning. In the DCSD strategic plan, our core beliefs guide us to always focus on teaching and
learning with a goal of embedding an equitable and accessible 21st Century Learning Environment. This learning environment should be supported by the use of emerging technologies throughout the curriculum.
What is 1:1 (One–to–One)?
In most cases, going 1:1 simply means one device to one student.
In DCSD, the definition does not stop here! A successful 1:1 implementation transforms how teachers teach and how students learn.
- Learning becomes more interactive, meaningful, and FUN!
- Students become evaluators and producers of knowledge.
- Teachers become builders of learning experiences that use authentic, real-world tasks grounded in district standards and curriculum
Collaboration, interpretation, and evaluation are made possible when each student has a device in their hand. Transformational learning MUST extend beyond the walls of the school allowing our students to dream big in their digital world.
DCSD’s 1:1 initiative not only provides a device for all students in grades 6 – 12, but it also unveils a learning journey made just for you powered by a rigorous curriculum, effective teaching, and innovative technology.
About Device
Congratulations! You are a Digital Dreamer who is about to be assigned a device to use while you are a student or staff member with the DeKalb County School District.
Devices will be distributed at your school by the DCSD Information Technology Division. Upon receiving your device, you and your parent/guardian (for students) will need to sign the DCSD 1:1 Device Agreement Form.
Device Ownership
DCSD retains sole right of possession and ownership of all devices utilized in the Digital Dreamers Program, and grants permission to the student and staff member to use the device according to the rules and guidelines set forth in this handbook in accordance with the District’s “Acceptable Use Policy”.
Failure to follow the terms of this policy will result in disciplinary action. This includes but is not limited to confiscation of any and all devices lent to the student or staff member and revocation of access to DCSD technology, as well as any other disciplinary action deemed appropriate by DCSD policy. DCSD reserves the right to monitor and log the use of its technology and network by all users and examine user files and materials as necessary. Moreover, DCSD administrative staff retains the right to collect and/or inspect the device at any time, including via electronic remote access; and to alter, add, or delete installed software or hardware. There is no reasonable expectation of privacy while using DCSD computers, networks, or technology.
Caring For Your Device
You are responsible for the general care of the device, which will be issued by the school. Devices that are broken or fail to work properly must be taken to the assigned location in your school. If a loaner device is needed, one may be issued until the device can be repaired or replaced. The device screen can be damaged if subjected to rough treatment. The screens are particularly sensitive to damage from excessive pressure on the screen.
- No food or drink is allowed next to your device while it is in use.
- Cords, cables, and removable storage devices must be inserted carefully into the
device. - Never carry your device while the screen is open unless directed to do so by a teacher.
- Devices should be shut down when not in use to conserve battery life.
- Devices should never be shoved into a locker or wedged into a book bag as this may break the screen.
- Do not expose your device to extreme temperature or direct sunlight for extended periods of time. Extreme heat or cold may cause damage to the device.
- Always bring your device to room temperature prior to turning it on.
- Do not lean on top of the device.
- Do not place anything near the device that could put pressure on the screen.
- Do not place anything in the main area of the carrying case that will press against the cover.
- Do not poke the screen.
- Do not place anything on the keyboard before closing the lid (e.g. pens, pencils, notebooks).
- Clean the screen with a soft, dry anti-static, or micro-fiber cloth.
- Do not use window cleaner or any type of liquid or water on the device. We recommend using pre-moistened lens cleaning tissues.
Returning your Device
Devices and accessories (charger and etc.) will be collected at the end of each school year for maintenance over summer vacation. Any student or staff member who transfers out of the “assigned” location within DCSD will be required to return their device and accessories. If a student or staff member transfers to another DCSD school or site, a device will be issue at that site. If a device and accessories are not returned, the parent/guardian will be held responsible for payment in full or the property not returned will be reported to the prosecutor’s office.
DEVICE USE AND APPROPRIATE CONDUCT
Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
Having a device to use for school is a privilege that carries responsibilities. The AUP outlines the rules and guidelines for using DCSD devices and network resources. In other words, the policy explains what you can and cannot do.
Such as:
- You will use the internet system for instructional purposes only as it relates to classroom and co-curricular assignments and activities.
- You will make every effort to safeguard any information from unauthorized users.
- You will not post, publish, or display any defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially or religiously offensive, sexist, or illegal material.
- You will not violate network security by entering the system under a User ID other than their own, share your user IDs, passwords, or user accounts with others.
| Technology-Related Violation | Equivalent “Traditional” Classroom Violations |
|---|---|
| Email, messaging, internet surfing, computer games (off-task behavior) | Passing notes, looking at magazines, games (off-task behavior) |
| Missing case | No binder/missing supplies |
| Cutting and pasting without citing sources (Plagiarism) | Plagiarism |
| Cyber-bullying | Bullying, harassment |
| Damaging, defacing, or endangering device or accessories | Vandalism, property damage |
| Using profanity, obscenity, racist terms | Inappropriate language |
| Accessing pornographic material, inappropriate files, or files dangerous to the integrity of the network | Bringing pornographic or other inappropriate content to school in print form |
| Using an electronic resources account authorized for another person | Breaking into or using some else’s locker |
For students, the AUP can be found in student handbooks and has been reviewed by your teacher. For more detailed information about the AUP, refer to Appendix A and/or the Student Code of Conduct (/student-relations/code-of-student-conduct). Employee AUP can be found in Board Policy IFBG.
Digital Citizenship
Your online safety is important to parents, the school district and the community. We are committed to educating all users on online safety, appropriate online behavior, interacting with other individuals on social networking websites, and cyber bulling awareness.
Here are a few tips:
- Don’t post any personal information online – like your address, email address or mobile number.
- Think carefully before posting pictures or videos of yourself. Once you’ve put a picture of yourself online most people can see it and may be able to download it, it’s not just yours anymore.
- Keep your privacy settings as high as possible.
- Never give out your passwords.
- Don’t befriend people you don’t know.
- Don’t meet up with people you’ve met online.
- Remember that not everyone online is who he or she says they are.
- Think carefully about what you say before you post something online.
- Respect other people’s views. Even if you don’t agree with someone else’s views doesn’t mean you need to be rude.
Internet Access and Monitoring
- While you are at school, you will have access to the Internet through the school network.
- When you are not at school, you may access the Internet on district devices if you have internet access at home or other locations.
- Remember, the device is the property of DCSD. As a result, there is no reasonable expectation of privacy while using your device or the network. In addition, the school district may search your device when deemed necessary at any time.
In addition, for Students:
- Your device will continue to be filtered. This means sites that are “blocked” at school could also be “blocked” in other locations.
- Make sure you abide by the rules your parents or guardians have put in place for internet use as well as those of the school district.
Device Use & Management
Logging into your Device
- Enter your DCSD username (e.g., e12345678 for employees OR s12345678 for students)
- Click Next.
- Enter your DCSD account password.
- Click Login.
Connecting to the Student Portal
LAUNCHPAD is a student portal that provides access to a multitude of digital tools and academic resources provided by the district.
- Click on the Launchpad Rocket at the bottom of the screen OR go to the following website: students.dekalbschoolsga.org
- Enter your username and password. Your username is your studentnumber@dekalbschoolsga.org (e.g., s1234567@dekalbschoolsga.org). Your password is the same password that you use to log into the device.
These tools are provided as a resource for aiding instruction while using 21st century learning techniques at home and at school to promote collaboration and technology usage within the district.
Connecting to the Employee Portal
DCSD has an employee portal that is available on to staff members. This portal provides access to all critical digital tools used by staff members in the district, as well as links to district announcements, calendar, and division information.
- Click Chrome icon at the bottom of the screen OR go to the following website: portal.dekalbschoolsga.org
- Enter your username and password. Your username is your enumber@dekalbschoolsga.org (e.g., s1234567@dekalbschoolsga.org). Your password is the same password that you use to log into the device.
Managing Your Files and Saving Your Work
You will have access to documents in your Office OneDrive account or Google Drive Account. You get to choose! Saving to either of these locations will make your files accessible from any computer with internet access.
Remember!
Using Your Device Outside of School
You will definitely be able to use your device at any location with a wi-fi internet connection. Internet connectivity is required to use your device in most cases.
Bringing the Device to School
You MUST bring your device to school ready and fully-charged each day to support your learning. That’s why the district is giving it to you, right? Your teacher will have great learning experiences for you and you need to have access to your device to be “plugged into learning”.
- Keep your assigned device in the carrying bag provided by DCSD at all times.
- Don’t put it in another bag, like a backpack or athletic bag unless the bag is specifically made for digital devices.
- Students who accidentally leave their device at home will NOT have access to a device that day.
Shutting Down the Device
Remember to shut down your device if you won’t be using it for a while.
Simply putting your device to sleep and not using it for several days can drain the battery to a point where it may no longer accept a charge.
Technical Support
Repairs
Occasionally, unexpected problems do occur with the devices that are not the fault of the user (computer crashes, software errors, etc.). The Information Technology Division will assist students with having these fixed. These issues will be remedied at no cost.
Loss or Theft of Devices
Devices that are lost, stolen, or vandalized need to be reported to the school’s main office immediately. In addition, stolen or vandalized devices should be reported to the police.
The circumstances of each situation involving lost equipment will be investigated individually. Students/families may be billed for damaged or lost equipment.
Insurance
The price that the district paid for the device includes: the device, case, batteries, a 3-year warranty, a 1-year extended care package and insurance.
Required Forms & Legal Stuff
DCSD 1:1 Student Technology Device Agreement
Each parent and student will complete the DCSD 1:1 Student Technology Device Agreement that holds you accountable for the material discussed in this manual. So, see Appendix A at the end of this handbook and make sure you read it.
Parent’s/Legal Guardian’s Right to Waive 24/7 Access
Parents/Legal Guardians have the right to waive their child’s 24/7 access to the device by filing a written waiver with the school’s main office. The student will still have access to the device while at school, but will not be allowed to remove the device from school. A location will be provided to store and charge the device at school. The decision to either waive the right to 24/7 access or to participate in 24/7 access to the device can be made at any time during the school year.
Appendix A
DCSD Acceptable Use Policy
DCSD Board Policy IFBG
Use of the School District’s Internet and technology resources obligates students to observe the following terms:
- Students will observe the standard of courtesy and behavior consistent with the practices and policies of the DeKalb County Board of Education when sending or publishing messages or transmitting data or other information on the Intranet.
- Students will use the internet system for instructional purposes only as it relates to classroom and co-curricular assignments and activities.
- Students will exhibit appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and chat rooms.
- Students will make every effort to safeguard any information from unauthorized users.
- Students will not initiate or participate in any form of cyberbullying.
- Students will not send or receive inappropriate or offensive messages or pictures from any source. For example, students will not post, publish, or display any defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially or religiously offensive, sexist, or illegal material.
- Students will not post messages and attribute them to another user.
- Students will not violate network security by entering the system under a User ID other than their own, share their user IDs, passwords, or user accounts with others.
- Students will not disclose, use, or disseminate personal information of other minors/students.
- Students will not use the internet system for any purpose that violates federal or state law.
For more details on the DCSD Acceptable Use Policy, please see Student Code of Conduct (/student-relations/code-of-student-conduct) or Board Policy IFBG