Virtual Learning Plan: Technology

Technology Help Desk & Technology Ambassadors

Our Technology Ambassadors are a team of tech-savvy student leaders who manage Level One Tech Support using an online help desk to troubleshoot and problem solve around technology issues for students and staff. If you are experiencing an issue with technology, please submit a ticket using the button below or contact William Attewell at w.attewell@hfca.org. 

Virtual learning at the beginning of the health crisis and school closure taught us the critical value of technology. We committed to providing scholars with the technology tools, skills and support they will need to be successful. We believe that every student — regardless of ZIP code or background — deserves opportunities to use technology to create, design, build, explore, and collaborate.

Chromebooks

We will continue to provide devices to all families who need them so that our scholars can access and be successful with Virtual Learning. For the 2020-21 school year students will receive a new school Chromebook for their use.

The Chromebook is managed using Google Apps for Education. Along with a student log-in for the device, Google Apps provides online learning tools for writing, calculating, presenting, drawing and many other applications. Your child may use these tools for a variety of purposes in classroom assignments. Google Apps can also be accessed with other devices or computers with an Internet connection. In addition to Google Apps, many teachers will use various personalized and online learning systems that improve learning through better communication, collaboration, and increased access to curriculum resources.

It is the responsibility of the student and family to care for Chromebook and charger and ensure that it is retained in a safe environment. You must adhere to the school’s Acceptable Use Policy. Scholars will learn how to be good digital citizens when working with online learning platforms and when using social media.

Internet Access

We know that Virtual Learning cannot occur without Internet access and we will continue to work to ensure equitable Internet access for all of our scholars. Hotspots are available for check-out if your scholar does not have adequate or reliable access to the Internet at home.

It is recommended scholars should have at least a 1.5 Mbps Internet speed as a minimum requirement (both upload and download speed). To determine your Internet speed you can use a variety of Internet speed tests such as https://www.speedtest.net.

A Hotspot can also help alleviate slow load times when using online learning tools when especially when a family has shared Internet connection. Please complete the form below to reserve a Hospot.

Acceptable Use Policy

Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy (HFCA) provides filtered Internet access using a school-provided Chromebook to scholars as a privilege strictly for educational purposes. Each student and his or her legal guardian must sign this Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) after having read this document. To view or download the Acceptable Use Policy, please click the link below.

Social Media Policy

Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy (HFCA) recognizes that access to technology in school gives students, parents, families and teachers greater opportunities to learn, engage, communicate, and develop skills that will prepare them for work, life, and citizenship. We are committed to helping students develop 21st-century technology and communication skills. To that end, HFCA’s Social Media Policy applies to students, staff and families.