FCPSOn is going to charge $50 a computer

[Anonymous]

I will have 4 kids in high school at once. We have plenty of computers and iPads for everyone at home so I'm not that interested in a $200 technology fee.

[Anonymous]

I'm the OP and the "old fuddy duddy" thing is exactly why I posted this here. Maybe I am overreacting and just beyond annoyed because I am old fashioned. That's why I wondered if other people agree with me or if I'm way off base is this is life in 2019 so I'd better just get over it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know how the trial went in the Chantilly pyramid?

https://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/AQZLPF553D1B/$file/JHU%20Evaluation%20Report%20of%20FCPSOn%20Phase%20One%20Schools.PDF

Anonymous wrote:How many were lost or stolen or broken?

There is anecdotal information in the report.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know how the trial went in the Chantilly pyramid?

https://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/AQZLPF553D1B/$file/JHU%20Evaluation%20Report%20of%20FCPSOn%20Phase%20One%20Schools.PDF

Anonymous wrote:How many were lost or stolen or broken?

There is anecdotal information in the report.

This is the Year 2 report.

https://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/B2HHGR465616/$file/John%20Hopkins_Year2%20Evaluation%20FCPSOn_.pdf

[Anonymous]

By the time mine get to HS the fee will be like $100 watch (mom of a 4th grader)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you are so poor that you are worried about $50...you are likely on the free or reduced meal plan , so now you only have to worry about $25 or nothing...

sheesh...

Not that at all. We bought each child laptops for school use only. I don’t want to pay $50 each for them to be issued a second laptop if it’s not necessary. It’s not a financial issue. I simply don’t see the need and know we already have access in our house. I think it is a good option for those who are not able to afford one for each child and glad they have an opt out option.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:More technology and less teaching. It’s a babysitter.

Yup. This.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know how the trial went in the Chantilly pyramid?

https://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/AQZLPF553D1B/$file/JHU%20Evaluation%20Report%20of%20FCPSOn%20Phase%20One%20Schools.PDF

Anonymous wrote:How many were lost or stolen or broken?

There is anecdotal information in the report.

This is the Year 2 report.

https://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/B2HHGR465616/$file/John%20Hopkins_Year2%20Evaluation%20FCPSOn_.pdf

I just skimmed it--and, I admit it has been years since grad school and I have forgotten some of the technical aspects of a study. However, I do remember what I think was called the "Halo Effect" and I wonder how much this has been considered. The anecdotal information about loss, breakage, and glitches was mentioned as a weakness--but I did not see anything that would give me an idea of its significance.
it
I would like to have seen some data which reflected how much money was needed to address the loss, breakage, and glitches.

I'm thinking this is like so much else in education--FCPS is jumping on a bandwagon when they need to be a little more moderate.

Certainly, all students need to be able to use technology effectively. But, I'm thinking this may be over the top.

[Anonymous]

I don't have a problem with it at all.

FCPSOn is a wonderful program, but it can be expensive to maintain. I've taught in a CHS-pyramid school for three years, the entire time FCPSOn has been in practice, and I am grateful for the blended learning the program affords. I see tremendous benefit from expanding the program, and I would gladly pay the $50 fee if my kid were in an FCPSOn school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't have a problem with it at all.

FCPSOn is a wonderful program, but it can be expensive to maintain. I've taught in a CHS-pyramid school for three years, the entire time FCPSOn has been in practice, and I am grateful for the blended learning the program affords. I see tremendous benefit from expanding the program, and I would gladly pay the $50 fee if my kid were in an FCPSOn school.

Article VIII of the Virginia Constitution guarantees children the right to a free primary and secondary education. If a laptop is required for all students in all classes, they should be provided without additional fees. The $50 technology fee is like charging students a building use fee.

Secondly, I am not impressed by the technology/computers FCPS has purchased in the past. I’d prefer to invest that $50 a year on a product of my choosing. Anyone know which company won the FCPS computer contract?

Will FCPS provide cases for their laptops? Are students liable if their laptops break, get lost or stolen? How does FCPS plan to protect their investment? I predict there will be increased theft and vandalism in certain schools.

[Anonymous]

Secondly, I am not impressed by the technology/computers FCPS has purchased in the past. I’d prefer to invest that $50 a year on a product of my choosing. Anyone know which company won the FCPS computer contract?

Years ago, I saw things "happen" with state textbook selection committee. I cannot even begin to wonder about this. I sure hope there are lots of watchdogs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:More technology and less teaching. It’s a babysitter.

Yup. This.

+100
Enough with the technology. Teach these kids how to write and write well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Secondly, I am not impressed by the technology/computers FCPS has purchased in the past. I’d prefer to invest that $50 a year on a product of my choosing. Anyone know which company won the FCPS computer contract?

Years ago, I saw things "happen" with state textbook selection committee. I cannot even begin to wonder about this. I sure hope there are lots of watchdogs.

THIS. Some of the textbooks are horrific. And there is also an online math program in high school (can't remember the name) which is godawful, but FCPS is insisting on keeping it because they already contracted with the provider. It is AWFUL. They don't think things through before they jump on the bandwagon.

[Anonymous]

Are they supposed to bring these computers to and from school each day - along with their already incredibly heavy backpacks?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:More technology and less teaching. It’s a babysitter.

Yup. This.

Really depends on the class.

And if it serves as a babysitter it is because the kid is a baby and is not willing to do the work old school on paper and pencil. Computers are only used to baby sit bad students.