INTRODUCTION
The digital kit is part of the Digital School program developed by the Portuguese State as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. It makes it possible to respond to the lack of universal and equitable access to digital equipment and connectivity in education, reducing existing inequalities, differences and asymmetries.
It is also a bet on the digital transition of the school and the educational system.
The Digital School program is based on four pillars (equipment, connectivity, teacher training and digital pedagogical resources), of which access to equipment and connectivity stand out.
In order to clarify students, parents and teachers about the Digital Kit, below is a set of information related to:
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Digital kit - equipment (composition and characteristics of the internet);
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r conditionsceding/refusal of the digital kit;
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Return of the digital kit and system restoration;
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Installing or removing applications and software;
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How to unlock the computer that is locked?;
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Use of the Digital Kit at school and at home;
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Breakdown, loss or theft of the digital kit (all or part).
Digital kit - equipment
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laptop (with charger/transformer)
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headset with microphone (headset)
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schoolbag
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hotspot (modem/router)
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sim card
Notes on connectivity (internet access):
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The data package (internet) is limited to 12G monthly for exclusive use in an educational context and in a responsible manner, with no differentiation between data used in an educational context and data for free use.
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It is possible to acquire more mobile data. Additional charges are the sole responsibility of the Parent or student of legal age, who assumes the expense.
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Other complementary information:
Assignment / refusal regime of the digital kit
The digital kit is assigned to all students.
The assignment of the digital kit is based on the lending regime (loan).
Upon delivery, the person in charge receives and signs a “Delivery Notice” which, in addition to referring to the equipment that make up the digital kit, refers to the conditions of transfer and use of the goods entrusted to him, as well as information regarding responsibility for misuse, damage caused or loss of equipment.
The parent may refuse to hand over the digital kit to which the student is entitled upon justification and signature of an express term to that effect.
Digital kit return and system restore
The return of the digital kit is mandatory:
- on the date of completion of the first cycle of basic education or on the date of completion of the third cycle of basic education or on the completion of secondary education;
- whenever there is a transfer of establishment/school/grouping.
When returning the kit, parents must ensure that:
- the equipment is sanitized (clean);
- in the case of the computer, the system was restored in order to restore the initial settings and eliminate files and other personal data saved or memorized.
Osystem restoreit is a simple operation and requires a few minutes. Proceed in accordance with the instructions provided in thisarticleor in thisvideo.
Installing or removing apps and software
Pursuant to the Kit's general loan conditions, it is prohibited to remove or install or attempt to install any unauthorized application and may be punished for non-compliance. Changes to the configurations of the assigned laptops and any collateral damage are entirely the responsibility of the guardians.
However, for pedagogical reasons or in a remote (distance) teaching situation and to allow access to the platformclassroom, it is recommended to install the applicationGoogle Chrome (not ignoring the responsibility assigned to the parent).
The computer has Microsoft Office 365 software (online version) installed. However, to activate it, it is necessary to purchase a license that is not provided for in the kit. Alternative solutions to Office 365 and others that, legally and free of charge, allow you to use Office 365 are presented (not ignoring the responsibility attributed to the parent):
Software – open source
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Free Office– free software, of free and open use and already installed on the computer;
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google docs(docs, slides, sheets) – free software, free and open to use, accessible through an account associated with Google (eg gmail).
Software – Microsoft's Office 365 (free versions)
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Installation of microsoft office programs adhering to a license associated with a monitoring program from Microsoft itself (inside developers program), as explained in the video (to see);
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Access to office programs with online editing, which requires an internet connection. The documents will be saved in a cloud (virtual environment), but they can be saved in a pen or in the computer itself (to see video);
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Installation of Microsoft's office package mobile version (to see video).
How to unlock the computer that is locked?
Sometimes, some computers are locked and display the following message:
The unlocking process is quick and simple, but requires having another computer connected to the internet. Follow the steps described in thisdocument or in thisvideo.
Use of the Digital Kit at school and at home
It constitutes a tool, an instrument and material for support, work and study; it is a pedagogical, teaching and learning resource. Like manuals and other resources, it assumes the same importance in the tasks and activities proposed by the class teacher, both in the classroom and in the home context.
Whenever requested by the teacher, the student must take this resource to school or carry out tasks at home.
Breakdown, loss or theft of the digital kit (all or part)
In any of the situations, the parent must communicate this fact to the school, observing the following requirements:
- the equipment must not be repaired by third parties and without authorization from the grouping;
- the loss or theft must be reported to the security authorities and a copy of the report delivered to the group.