Digital Learning
Welcome! This page is being updated regularly with details and answers to questions related to the JCPS Digital Learning Initiative. Check back periodically for the latest information.
Digital Learning Initiative (DLI)
- What is the DLI?
- Why is the DLI important?
- What is the cost to parents/guardians?
- Which schools are involved?
- What is the Mission, Purpose, and Vision of the DLI?
What is the DLI?
The 2017 launch of the JCPS Digital Learning Initiative (DLI) is a culminating event representing several years of research, concept development, planning, and pilot testing. The DLI supports the JCPS mission of “engaging, enlightening, and enriching the students of Jackson County,” and it opens the door for personalized learning, innovation, and the application of knowledge.
As a result of the DLI, every JCPS high school and early college student will be provided with a digital learning device in January/February 2017. In most cases, students will be permitted to take the devices home for 24/7 access to instructional resources. Students who do not take home a device ("day-users") will pick-up their device each morning when they arrive at school and then drop it off at a designated location before they go home.
All digital learning devices will be collected from students at the end of each school year and then redistributed at the beginning of the next school year.
Why is the DLI important?
The Digital Learning Initiative (DLI) is a valuable project that allows our teachers to deliver curriculum to their students anytime, anywhere in relevant and engaging ways. It provides students with opportunities to apply their knowledge and continue learning regardless of their physical location. The DLI also helps to remove economic and geographic barriers by providing students with the digital tools they need regardless of their academic ability or socioeconomic background.
What is the cost to parents/guardians?
Thanks to our funding partners, there are NO recurring or one-time fees for the use of the digital learning devices. JCPS is one of the few school districts in the state that does not charge an annual usage fee for digital learning devices.
The only financial obligations that parents/guardians have are charges for damaged, lost, or stolen devices and/or the OPTIONAL accidental damage coverage.
Which schools are involved?
What is the Mission, Purpose, and Vision of the DLI?
Mission
To provide engaging digital resources in a responsible and sustainable way that facilitates 21st century teaching and learning and has a direct and measurable positive impact on student performance.
Purpose
To give our students a competitive advantage by removing economic and geographic barriers and giving them the tools they need to apply knowledge through the process of analyzing, evaluating, and creating.
Vision
To create a district-wide environment of enthusiastic, professional educators who are properly equipped to deliver content and curriculum anytime and anyplace to connected and engaged students who have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in innovative ways using 21st century resources. This digital teaching and learning environment will have a positive and measurable impact on all JCPS students regardless of their academic ability or socioeconomic background.
Frequently Asked Questions
- General Information
- Device Information
- Device Maintenance, Damage, & Repair
- Accidental Damage Coverage
- Day Users
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD Users)
- Personal Devices
General Information
- When will students receive a device?
- How is the purchase of student devices being funded?
- What if I choose not to allow my child to participate?
When will students receive a device?
The initial distribution of student devices will occur in January/February 2017. See the schedule at the bottom of this page. Students will return the assigned devices to the schools at the end of each school year for maintenance. The same device will be returned to each student at the beginning of the next school year.
How is the purchase of student devices being funded?
What if I choose not to allow my child to participate?
Device Information
- What type of device will be assigned to students?
- Is the device durable?
- Does a case come with the student device?
- Will the student devices be setup to print?
- Will there be a place to store or secure devices at school?
- Will students always have the same device?
- What is the expected device refresh cycle?
- What if a student's device doesn't work or they forget it?
- Will software be installed on the devices?
- Will the student devices have Internet filtering off-campus?
- Can student devices be connected to home Internet service?
- Can other family members use a student's device?
What type of device will be assigned to students?
Is the device durable?
Does a case come with the student device?
Will the student devices be setup to print?
Will there be a place to store or secure devices at school?
Will students always have the same device?
Yes, for the duration of the device's life or refresh cycle. Each student will be assigned a single device for a period of three to four school years. Devices will be collected from students at the end of each school year, and each student will receive the same assigned device at the beginning of the next school year. As long as sufficient funding is available to support the Digital Learning Initiative, each student in grades 9-12 (7-12 at BREC) will be assigned a new device at the end of the three to four year "refresh cycle."
If a student's assigned device becomes inoperable for any reason, the student will be assigned a replacement device that may be new or repurposed. If the originally-assigned device becomes inoperable due to intentional damage, abuse, or neglect, the student may be subject to usage restrictions or loss of 24/7 access.
What is the expected device refresh cycle?
The expected usable life of each student device is three to four years. As long as sufficient funding is available to support the Digital Learning Initiative, each student in grades 9-12 (7-12 at BREC) will be assigned a new device at the end of the three to four year "refresh cycle." If sufficient funding is not available, the refresh cycle may be as much as five years or more.
What if a student's device doesn't work or they forget it?
Will software be installed on the devices?
Yes. Each student device is preloaded with Windows 10 Enterprise Edition and Microsoft Office 2016. Additional software such as web browsers and other commonly used utility programs are available for students to download and install on their own as needed. A link to the self-service "Software Center" is on the desktop of each student device.
Will the student devices have Internet filtering off-campus?
Can student devices be connected to home Internet service?
Can other family members use a student's device?
Device Maintenance, Damage, & Repair
- Who is responsible for device maintenance & repair?
- Can a tech-savvy friend repair a student device?
Who is responsible for device maintenance & repair?
The JCPS Technology Department is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the digital learning devices. No repair attempt should be made by any student or a student's parent, guardian, family, friends, acquaintances, or any business or organization other than JCPS and its designated contractors. Such attempts will be considered vandalism.
Can a tech-savvy friend repair a student device?
Accidental Damage Coverage
JCPS is pleased to provide an affordable option to help offset a portion of the cost resulting from accidental damage. For more information and details about the coverage, see the Accidental Damage Coverage Agreement form.
Day Users
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD Users)
Personal Devices
- What is a personal device?
- Can students bring their own personal device to school?
- Will school personnel repair or troubleshoot a personal device?
- Can a teacher prohibit the use of personal devices in the classroom?
- Do JCPS & school policies apply to personal devices?
- What if a personal device is stolen or vandalized?
What is a personal device?
Can students bring their own personal device to school?
Each individual school determines whether or not students are permitted to bring their own personal device and use it along with or in place of a school-assigned device. In schools that permit students to use their own device, each teacher is allowed to determine if and when it is appropriate for personal devices (e.g. laptop, tablet, phone) to be used in their classroom or learning environment. While class is in session, personal devices should only be used for instructional purposes to support educational activities as directed by the classroom teacher. The use of personal devices must not disrupt the learning of others.
Will school personnel repair or troubleshoot a personal device?
No. School personnel will not repair, troubleshoot, or provide technical support in any way for a student's personal device. Students are solely responsible for the repair and maintenance of their personal devices. JCPS assumes no responsibility or liability for damaged, stolen, or inoperable personal devices or the data on those devices.
Can a teacher prohibit the use of personal devices in the classroom?
Do JCPS & school policies apply to personal devices?
Yes. All applicable JCPS and school policies including the Technology Responsible Use and Internet Safety policies remain in effect even when a student is using his/her own personal device. Violating the terms of a JCPS or school policy would be a student code of conduct violation and would be dealt with on campus by a local school administrator.
What if a personal device is stolen or vandalized?
Using Your Device
First Things First
- Protect Yourself from the Heat Generated by the Device
- Protect Yourself from the Heat Generated by the AC Power Adapter
- Prevent the Device from Getting Wet
- Handle the Device Gently
- Carry the Device Carefully
Protect Yourself from the Heat Generated by the Device
When the device is powered on or the battery is charging, the base, the palm rest, and some other parts of the device may become hot. Extended contact with your body, even through clothing, could cause discomfort or even a skin burn. Avoid keeping your hands, your lap, or any other part of your body in contact with a hot section of the computer for an extended time.
Protect Yourself from the Heat Generated by the AC Power Adapter
Prevent the Device from Getting Wet
Handle the Device Gently
Carry the Device Carefully
Carry the device in a book bag, case, or sleeve that provides adequate cushioning and protection. Do not carry the device in a tightly packed suitcase or bag. Before putting the device in any type of carrying case, make sure the device is off, in sleep mode, or in hibernation mode. Do not put the device in a carrying case while it is powered on.
Device Overview
Using the Device
Taking Care of Your Device
Charging the Battery
Handle with Care
Be Gentle
- Avoid placing objects (including paper) between the display and the keyboard.
- Do not turn the device over while the AC power adapter is connected. This could break the adapter plug.
Carry the device properly
- Before moving the device, disconnect cords, cables, and other attached devices.
- When picking up the device while it is open, hold it by the bottom. Never pick up or hold the device by the display.