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Frequently Asked Question - Digital Learning

Frequently Asked Questions

What is digital learning?

Digital learning is a combination of technology, digital content and instruction used to strengthen a student's learning experience. It helps our students meet the Florida Standards in order to prepare them for the 21st century workplace.

What is the difference between one-to-one and BYOD?

One-to-one is an initiative to equip every student with a district-provided device to grant them access to digital content and instruction. BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) is an initiative that encourages and permits students to bring their personally-owned device to school 21st-century access digital content and instruction.

What is the difference between blended and flipped learning?

Blended and flipped learning are combinations of both online and in the classroom learning. In a blended model, students typically interact with new content at school and practice or interact with complementary content online. Flipped learning exposes students to new content online and uses classroom time to apply material in the form of problem-solving or discussion.

How will digital curriculum change teaching and learning in the classroom?

It will make learning more interactive as well as allow for differentiated instruction to meet the individual needs of your child.

Will my child still use paper and pencil?

Yes, your child will still need to use paper and pencil to work out problems, as well as learn handwriting and other necessary skills. Your child will turn in both paper and digital assignments. The digital assignments will be turned in via Canvas. Use of paper assignments varies based on your grade level.

Where will my student access their textbooks?

Student textbooks are available in both online and offline formats. Online textbooks are accessible through LaunchPad.

Where will my student produce and store work?

Students will produce and store all work in a cloud-based platform such as GSuite for Education, which offers applications for word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, and more.

How will digital learning impact students with disabilities?

Students with special needs will benefit from having a device to support their Individual Education or Section 504 Plan. Based on their unique learning needs, devices may be equipped or modified to include adaptive software and programs. We ensure accessibility to instructional materials. The staffing specialist will determine what is best for each student based on their unique learning needs.

Is using digital curriculum required?

No, it is not. Parents who choose not to allow their child the use of a device or the use of any software provided by the district must formally notify their principal and will be provided alternative assignments where reasonable and feasible. Some learning experiences such as those that are adaptive or those which use simulations may not have an alternative. This does not apply to state assessments.

Will my child use their device for testing?

Yes, all devices work with the online specifications for the Florida Standards Assessment and classroom assessments.

Where can I find digital learning policies and procedures?

Policies and procedures regarding digital learning can be found at digital.ocps.net.

Devices for Digital Learning

Will students be bringing devices home this year?

For the 2021-2022 school year, students in grades 3 through 12 will continue to take their devices home each day. Students in Kindergarten, grades 1 and 2 will keep devices in charging carts in the classroom at the end of each day.

Who is responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices or peripherals when the laptop is away from school?

Similar to any other instructional material, the student is responsible for their device. If loss or theft is suspected, parents should immediately notify OCPS by calling 407.317.3290. Additionally, students should immediately report a lost or stolen device to their teacher. Damaged devices will be evaluated by the school to determine whether they can be repaired and what fee if any should be assessed.

What are the consequences for lost, stolen, or damaged devices or peripherals?

The financial consequences are outlined in the Family Technology Handbook.

What if I can’t pay the fine?

If this is a concern, please speak with your school-based administrator.

How long do I have to pay the fine?

The responsible parties will have ninety calendar days from the date of assessment.

How am I notified if there is a fine?

Currently, students are notified by the school within 10 days of when they are levied with a fine just as they are with library books. Parents may be contacted by administrators if the fine is of a large sum or overdue. Students are responsible for paying all fines prior to withdrawing from school or graduating.

How and where do I pay the fine?

Fines can be paid using School Pay or in the media center by cash or money order made out to the student’s school.

How will my child get technical support if they encounter issues?

Students will receive technical support from the Technology Service Representative during school hours.

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 laptop 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 emergency recharging as needed throughout the school day.

What if my student moves or transfers during the school year?

Each laptop is the property of OCPS. If a student moves or changes schools during the school year, the student will need to return the device to the campus within 48 hours.

Will my student get the same device from year to year?

This depends on the school. Speak with your school administration about this option.

If my student already has a personal device, do I need to use the district provided device?

As long as the device meets the district specifications and is registered, then the student may use the device at school. However, personally-owned devices will not receive technical support at school. Specifications can be found at byod.ocps.net.

To what extent can my student customize the device?

Students may not adhere any decorative or personalizing stickers or labels to the device, which leaves residue upon removal. Students may not draw or otherwise mark the device in lead, ink, or paint. However, students may change the desktop or screen saver on their device so long as the image is school appropriate.

What is the best way for students to disinfect their OCPS devices?

Information on how to clean devices at home can be found on the website www.digital.ocps.net. Click on “Device Tips" and then select "Clean Devices."  You will find detailed directions from each device manufacturer on how to clean their device safely. 

Internet Access for Digital Learning

We cannot afford internet at home. Is there assistance available?

For families who have at least one child in k-12 and who do not have internet access at home, Connect2Compete may be a viable option. C2C is a low cost option for families who qualify for the National School Lunch Program. The following local Internet Service Providers have taken the Keep America Connected Pledge and are offering low and no cost services at this time:

 

For families who cannot afford the C2C option, please contact the school’s media specialist. With the help of our partners, we may be able to issue your student a hotspot that will provide internet access to complete schoolwork at home. More detailed information can be found in the Family Technology Handbook.

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What is Connect2Compete?

Connect2Compete is a program for K-12 students and provides affordable Internet service to students and families that qualify for the National School Lunch Program. Eligible customers receive fast, affordable Internet for as low as $9.95 per month (plus tax).

How do I qualify for Connect2Compete?

A family may qualify for Connect2Compete program if they satisfy the following requirements:

  • Have at least one child eligible or enrolled in the National School Lunch Program.
  • Have not subscribed to Internet service within the last 90 days.
  • Have no outstanding bills or unreturned equipment.

How will inappropriate content be handled?

The OCPS firewall will be in place to block inappropriate sites on campus. We will follow the OCPS Code of Student Conduct, and follow the same procedures as is done for paper-based offences. In addition to the OCPS firewall, teachers are equipped with monitoring software to monitor in class Internet use of the devices.

How can I filter Internet access at home?

You can add parental controls to your router. Contact you Internet service provider for assistance. Parents are not able to add additional parental controls to the device itself.

I saw hotspots may be distributed with devices for students. Will everyone receive one?

No. There is a special program offered to families who do not currently have internet access. If a family is in need of internet assistance, they can click here to learn about low-cost internet options at home or to request a hot spot for student use. 

Parents of Digital Learners

What is expected from me as a parent?

You should familiarize yourself with textbooks, applications being used by schools, and the student devices. Remind your child to charge their device every night. Encourage student responsibility and organizational skills. Communicate with school personnel regarding any concerns about digital learning or the device.

What specific resources do I need to know about?

LaunchPad:

  • This is how students access instructional software, textbooks, and more. The website can be accessed on any device with an Internet connection.

Canvas:

  • This is how teachers and students communicate regarding school assignments. Parents can sign up for a free account and get the Canvas parent app for iOS, Android, or Windows mobile devices and see what assignments their students have.

Skyward:

  • This is where teachers post student grades. Contact your student’s guidance counselor for your unique parent login information.

Google Apps for Education:

  • This is where students create, collaborate, and save files. This is also where students check their email and keep their calendars up to date. Students can access their Google account on any device.

What if I don’t know much about computers?

OCPS values the school-home connection. Students are “tech savvy” and are great technology teachers to adults. Have your student show you what they are working on using their device, their school’s website or how to view grades online.

How can I monitor the use of my student’s device at home?

OCPS encourages families to routinely engage and observe their student’s technology use. Setting expectations and rules for home use of the device is critical to ensuring your student’s success. Encourage your student to use their device in common areas only. Additionally, ask your student to share any work they’ve completed or studying they’ve done using their device. Designate a charging station in your home and ensure students have the device plugged in by a time you’ve established.

Do I need to limit screen time for my student?

If you are concerned your student may be spending too much free time on non-academic activities using their device, you may want to limit screen time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children age 6 and older have consistent limits on screen time but does not prescribe a particular number of minutes rather focusing on ensuring that children have adequate time for sleep, physical activity, school, and reading. Have a conversation with your student to reach an agreement on screen time limits during the week and/or on weekends. For more information on screen time, visit. www.commonsensemedia.org

Will there be any training provided to parents on available technology to support their child's learning?

. Parents can go to www.digital.ocps.net for assistance with low-cost internet providers, community Wifi maps, the Family Technology Handbook, help videos and frequently asked questions. If a parent is unable to find answers to their questions online or at your child’s school, they can email [email protected]. Please make sure to include your child’s name , student number, and school.

Student Data Security

How does OCPS protect student data and information?

The district requires all vendors complete a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) regarding safety and security of student data.

What software does the district purchase?

The district is public and transparent with all solicitations and purchases. The Procurement Department processes are captured here.

Does the district use adaptive software? Why?

The purpose of adaptive software is to provide students with highly personalized learning experiences which allow students to move at their own pace. Adaptive software is most frequently used in English Language Arts and Mathematics where skills build sequentially and there is a significant research base on the learning progressions of students. Adaptive software is never used as a replacement for teacher-led instruction but is rather used independently by students for intervention and enrichment.

Examples of adaptive software include but are not limited to:

i-Ready, Math XL, My Math Lab, Mathspace, Carnegie, Reading Plus and Khan Academy.

LaunchED School Sites:

  • All OCPS middle schools
  • All OCPS high schools
  • Baldwin Park School
  • Millennia Elementary School
  • Millennia Gardens Elementary School
  • Pinewood Elementary School
  • Sunrise Elementary Wetherbee Elementary
  • Windermere Elementary School