More staff laptop options!

Our district recently announced the replacements of our staff laptops (previously posted info).  On Jan 23rd, we had our first session and we had approximately 62 people exchange their old laptop for the new laptop. Overall, I think things went really well. In fact, all 62 participants finished the entire process in under 3 hours, with many finishing in under 2 hours.

For the next few weeks, our laptop exchange sessions will be reserved specifically of staff who have already taken the 15hr laptop course and have the current HP6455b laptop.

However, we are now opening additional sessions that schedule for Feb and March, for the following scenarios….

1) Salaried staff who do NOT have a laptop, but would like to take just the four hour course to get the laptop.  Please register for a class using this site:  http://moreonlaptops2014.sched.org/

2) If you currently have a laptop –  but its NOT the HP6455b (its probably an older model), then your upgrade path starts with… Email Brian Abeling, abelingb@wdmcs.org to let him know what model you currently have.  I’ll then work with you to determine whether you need help backing up your files and then I’ll direct you to the right course options for where you can get your new laptop through a 4 hour course.

3) If you want the 15hr credit option –  that means you have the HP6455b laptop and you want the new laptop, but you’d like to earn the 15hr credit for licensing renewal or for Drake credit.  We’ve decided that there’s no way we can stretch the content related to the laptop to make it 15 hrs, but have come up with the following idea.  

Step 1)  Sign up for an existing laptop exchange course (which takes approx. 3 hrs)  Sign up is available at:  http://laptoprefreshersignup2014.sched.org/

NEXT..  Step 2) Participants will then sign up for a future 12 hour course related to either Microsoft Office 2013, Google Apps, or related content.  At this time, we do not have dates/times for these courses, but we have a group of trainers who will working on that class during Feb and we’re hoping to have the classes available starting in March.

Q. What if I’ve already taken the laptop course for Drake Credit, can I still get additional credit for the new course?
A.  We are working to design the course so that the content is different – which will allow you to receive Drake credit.

Registration starts on Wed for staff laptop replacements!

We recently announced to our staff that their laptops are set to be replaced during the next couple of months.

Q1. When will staff be able to register online to have their laptop replaced?
A1.  Registration will begin at 7pm on Wednesday, Jan 15th, 2014.  We will send an email out with the website and registration directions on Wed at 7pm – and registration will be first come, first served.

Q2.  Who can sign up for these classes?
A2.  Anyone who has already taken the teacher laptop course and has the current staff laptop (HP 6455b), as you are REQUIRED to turn in the HP 6455b and its power adapter in order to obtain the new laptop.

Q4.  How do I register for a class?
A4. All registration will done online – we will email directions out to staff on Wed at 7pm.

Q5.  Is there someone I can call or email to do my registration for me?
A5.  All registrations will be reserved online, we are not accepting registrations by email or phone.

 

Q6. What dates/times will the courses be offered?

Thursday, Jan 23rd  4:30pm to 8:30pm, at Stilwell Jr High (100 seats available)

Saturday, Jan 25th, 8am to 12pm at Valley Southwoods (100 seats available)

Wednesday, Jan 29th, 3:30pm to 7:30pm, at Indian Hills Jr High (80 seats available)

Thursday, Jan 30th, 4:30pm to 8:30pm, at Valley Southwoods (80 seats available)

Monday, Feb 3rd, 4:30pm to 8:30pm, at Jordan Creek Elementary (60 seats available)

Tuesday, Feb 11th, 4:30pm to 8:30pm at Westridge Elementary  (90 seats available)

Saturday, Feb 15th, 8am to 12am at Learning Resource Center (80 seats available)

Wednesday, Feb 19th, 3:30pm to 7:30pm at Valley High School (100 seats available)

Tuesday, Feb 25th, 4:30pm to 8:30pm at Stilwell Jr High (80 seats available)

Wednesday, March 12th, 3:30pm to 7:30pm at Valley High School (100 seats available)

Monday, March 17th, 8am to 12noon, at Learning Resource Center (80 seats available)

Thursday, March 20th, 8am to 12noon, at Learning Resource Center (80 seats available)

Q7. What is happening with the old laptops?  Are they for sale?
A7. They are not for sale – the laptops will belong to the company that is providing the new laptops.  In fact, you are REQUIRED to turn in your HP 6455b and power adapter in order to get the new laptop.

Q8.  Will there be other options available for staff who want a laptop  – but do not fit into this category?
A5.   Although this first wave is strictly for those who already have taken the course and have an HP6455b laptop, we are working on the following options…

a.  A 15 hour course where you can replace or get a new laptop and receive PD/college credit

b. a course for those who have a laptop that is not the HP6455b, but they still want to trade it in for a new laptop

c.  salaried staff who do not have a laptop, but would like one and are looking for shorter/condensed class.