If you would like more information on which laptop to purchase, there are numerous websites that have buying guides at different price points. Two of the most popular are cnet.com and wirecutter.com. You may want to do a Google search for various buying guides. Another option is to visit a store that sells laptops, and ask them to show you options that meet the required specs.

No. The school provides devices for 4th Grade (iPads) and Academy V (PC Laptops) for school use only. Purchasing a student device for school is not required for these grades.

These iPads and laptops will stay on campus. Students will learn the basics of technology and will be instructed to save all work and documents on the cloud.

Yes. These specs ensure that your child’s laptop has enough processing power to allow him/her to complete required classroom tasks/assignments.

This depends:

1. If the laptop is close enough regarding specifications, and can handle daily tasks, then you do not necessarily have to buy a new laptop.
2. If the laptop doesn't have sufficient processing power to deal with daily schoolwork, then you would need to purchase a new one.

Again, these outlined specifications allow us to ensure that your student has a device that can handle required classroom tasks/assignments.

Yes. Students will be required to have a device at school each day. Guaranteeing that every student has access to technology in each class creates a consistency for teachers. They can plan on having guaranteed tools for each activity or lesson. This is particularly important as our teachers begin to embed 21st Century Skills into the content of their subjects.

Oaks has invested in a Mobile Device Management system that will oversee the activity of any device that is utilizing the school network. In addition, most students will be required to organize and store information using the school provided Microsoft Office 365 accounts which are monitored by our I.T. department.

Yes, this is very important. Updates fix potential security issues and enhance the performance of the device.

While BYOD devices are required daily, the greatest advantage is that they are student owned. However, students are responsible for any repair needs. This includes any damage from accidents, abuse, or neglect. The OC Technology Team does NOT provide device repair, though they may from time to time provide technical assistance or trouble shooting.

Yes. Laptops will be available selectively through the library. All other extenuating circumstances needing a loaner must be approved by the librarian. Each student is allowed a total of 20 checkouts per year. Parents should communicate with Amber Nungester (anungester@oakschristian.org ) our MS Librarian, as to the status of a repaired device.

It depends. If you have a higher value device (Macbook, etc.), we highly recommend insurance. Cost effective devices may not necessitate insurance policies. We also recommend checking with your vendor at the time of purchase.

As technology is used more and more in the classroom, you’ll see more and more of a need for technology at home. We strongly suggest setting up parameters regarding technology use BEFORE the school year begins. Devices should always be used in an open setting in the house and never alone with the child in their room. We also strongly suggest turning off all social media on smartphones while doing homework. The school can easily monitor any activity on school accounts. Getting access to your child’s Microsoft, AXIS, and other various accounts is a great way to build positive accountability online. Writing a family contract that includes when, where, and how computers can be used at home will help create healthy use of technology. Remember, neglecting to talk about tech usually means it will default to poor habits of use.

Learning to use AXIS at the beginning of the school year is your best way to view your child’s academic work and grades. This helps us partner with you by informing you of upcoming assignments, due dates, grades, etc. We encourage all new parents to attend the various AXIS training events at the start of the school year. For additional help, please contact Tammy Kuku (tkuku@oakschristian.org)

Students should charge their devices each night so as not to need charging during the day. That said, we do have secured charging stations located in each pod. Students may be allowed to plug in to outlets in the classroom, but they must have teacher approval as multiple cords can cause safety hazards with walking space.

More and more, students need to move away from storage on the hard drive space on the local computer and begin to store their data in their Microsoft OneDrive (within their cloud-based Microsoft Office 365 account). This way, no information is lost should something happen to the device. All 6th grade students will be required to take an Academic Technology class that teaches them to utilize the full functions of Microsoft Office 365.

Processor (CPU)

The processor basically controls all the functions of a computer, much like a human brain controls all the functions of the body. Most laptops have processors made by Intel, AMD, or Apple (M1 and M2 chip). The processor can have multiple cores. More cores equates to more power.

RAM

RAM (random access memory) refers to memory in your computer that operates much like a human’s short term memory. The higher the RAM, the larger the “digital countertop” you have to work on, and the faster your programs will run. We are strongly recommending at least 16 GB of RAM.