Technology

The minimum requirements have changed.  Do I need to purchase a new device?

No.  We understand the investment that you’ve already made and will work with your student’s device to maximize its potential.  Our first year of BYOD taught us that lower end devices were often too slow to keep up with classroom activities.  These entry-level devices also failed to provide enough storage space for required software and updates.  Going forward, we recommend families purchase laptops with a bit more computing power.  They will last longer and help your student thrive in the classroom.

Which is better — Mac or PC?

Both computing platforms offer pros and cons.  It comes down to preference.  Laptops running Windows are available through multiple vendors and offer a variety of price points.  Apple products tend to cost more upfront but may provide a longer lifespan.  Teachers use Windows devices during classroom instruction time. Students who choose to use an Apple MacBook will need to know how to navigate the different operating system without assistance.  It may not look the same as what appears on the teacher's display.

How much should I  spend?

Entry level laptops that meet our minimum requirements begin around $350-$450.  These computers, and often used computers, can be frustratingly slow.  Spending more for faster computers and additional storage space may benefit your student in the long run.  More often than not, you get what you pay for.  Sales, closeouts, and open box items can often save you 10-20%.  Be sure to ask/look for educational discounts for students.

Why doesn’t SCA negotiate with a single vendor for discounts?

We reached out to several vendors for bulk pricing, but there simply wasn’t enough savings available to make this worth pursuing.  We have established solid relationships with Best Buy (71st & Hwy 169).  These stores are ready to welcome Summit students to help you find the perfect device.

Do I need a laptop with a touchscreen?

Touchscreen laptops are not required for students.

What if my computer breaks?

Students are fully responsible for the care and upkeep of their laptop.  Summit offers computer support for school-related software, school wifi connectivity, on-campus printing, and general questions about computer usage.  Devices that are malfunctioning or having major software issues should be taken to a local computer service center or processed through your manufacturer/extended warranty.  We highly recommend purchasing extended an extended warranty for your device.

Where can my child charge his/her device?

Students are required to come to school with a fully charged laptop each day.  Much like they charge their phones at night, students should develop a habit of charging their laptops each night.  We ask students to use their battery time wisely.  Classrooms have very limited access to power outlets.

SSD vs HDD – A SSD (Solid State Drive) is less susceptible to failure due to movement and bumps as they are solid and not mechanical. However, they are more expensive than a traditional HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

Life of Device – All devices and hardware have a limited life span. This is affected by his/her treatment of the device. It’s also affected by a rapidly changing environment with software that demands more powerful operating systems and devices on an ongoing basis.
Families should plan for a student to go through a minimum of two devices between intermediate and high school years. Low-end laptops have a significantly shorter life-span and may need to be replaced after two years. Summit Christian Academy recommends that families invest in a backpack that has a pocket specifically designated for laptops.

Big Laptop vs Smaller Notebook – Larger laptops are bulky, heavy and often more difficult to carry around the school from class to class. Laptops with larger screens are generally power hogs and can drain a battery quickly. We discourage laptops with screens 15” or larger.

Software Management – Having a fast computer is good, but managing software installed on your device is also important. A computer with a lot of software installed will slow down and reduce the battery run time. Installing software from unknown or non-trusted locations may invite malware, which could cause harm to your computer and slow it down. Students need to be aware of what they install on their machine and carefully manage their software.

Supported Operating Systems – SCA only supports computers running MacOS or Microsoft Windows 10. Windows XP, Vista, and version 7 & 8 are not supported by our IT department. Please also avoid Windows version "S".

Virus and Malware Protection – Summit Christian Academy REQUIRES that all students run and install our antivirus solution, currently PANDA. All other AV software should be uninstalled. This is provided at no cost to students and faculty and will be installed during the first week of school.

Student Device Care and Security – Mishandling laptops is the largest cause of problems at Summit Christian Academy. Most devices will come with care guidelines, which we advise users to read. We recommend:

• Portable devices should be protected by a username and password. This should not be disclosed to other students.
• Always store the laptops in a protective bag. Do not store anything else inside the laptop bag. (Chargers, papers, etc.)
• Avoid storing your laptop at the bottom of your school bag – pressure from books can damage the screen and hinges.
• Carry your laptop within its protective cover inside your normal school bag. Do not overfill your school bag. (Pressure on the laptop can cause permanent damage to the screen and other components.)
• Never lift the laptop by the screen. This will stress the hinge mechanism, which also carries the data and power supply to the screen.
• Never leave your laptop in unsupervised areas during the school day.

The security of a student-owned device is the responsibility of the student. Where possible, laptops should be engraved or labeled with the student’s name.

Warranty – Most machines come with a 1-year warranty and a 3-year optional warranty. The majority of laptop warranties cover hardware problems that were not caused by the owner, such as defective keyboards, monitor problems or other issues with internal components. The laptop warranty generally covers the parts and labor for repairs.

Insurance – Most theft or damage will be covered by your existing home contents policy. Please check with your insurance provider that this is the case. In most cases, an excess will apply so you will need to weigh up whether to make a claim. The owner of the device is responsible for insurance coverage.

Saving and Backup – Students are responsible for their own backup of critical data at all times. This may be through a USB drive, SD card, external drive, or cloud-based solution. We recommend using Microsoft OneDrive to store assignments and important documents. Students have access to OneDrive via their school account with unlimited storage for their enrollment at SCA.