Show All Answers

1. What is OS?

An operating system or OS is a software program that enables the computer hardware to communicate and operate with the computer software. Without a computer operating system, a computer and software programs would be useless.

2. What is iOS?

An “Operating System” is the system that all other programs “Operate in”. An iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad is really a portable computer. An “App” is really a computer program.

The operating system on a PC is “Windows”. The operating system on a Mac is “Mac OS X”. The operating system is what you see after you turn on a computer for the first time, but before you install any programs.
The OS in iOS stands for Operating System. Thus iOS is the base software that allows all other apps to run on an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad.

Some operating systems include games or utilities. For example Windows comes with Solitaire and iOS devices come with programs to play music and videos.

3. What is the difference between Apps and Application?

Software, or computer software, is a collection of programs that provides instructions for the computer. Software is basically the operating system and all of its associated programs. Application software, also known as application or an app, is computer software that is designed to help the user perform various tasks on the computer. So when we refer to an Application or App we are talking about the same thing.

4. How do I request an app or application?

You can request an app or application through Self Service. There are guidelines and policies around both iOS and OSX Apps. See links below for both guidelines and policies.

iOS Apps - http://www.aps1.net/index.aspx?nid=1316

OSX Apps - http://www.aps1.net/index.aspx?nid=1364

5. What is Self Service?

Self Service allows end users to browse available software titles and install them on demand. Most site-licensed software is available for installation on school owned machines for faculty and staff use.

Typically, if software is requested and is approved through the software procurement procedures it will then be made available in Self Service. If you do not see a software title available in Self Service, you can request it through Self Service area under Mac App Request.

6. Why do we have an AUP?

An acceptable use policy (AUP) is a policy that outlines, in writing, how a school or district expects its community members to behave with technology. Similar to a Terms of Service document, an AUP should define publicly what is deemed acceptable behavior from users of hardware and information systems such as the Internet and any applicable networks. Many schools address both acceptable and unacceptable online behavior in their AUPs – not only prohibiting certain behavior (for example, plagiarism, pirating, visiting non-school related sites, etc.), but also defining positive goals for incorporating technology into the school day. Additionally, AUPs also can help comply with E-rate requirements set forth by the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

7. What is Web 2.0 Tools?

Web 2.0 describes web sites that use technology beyond the static pages of earlier web sites. The term was coined in 1999 by Darcy DiNucci and was popularized by Tim O'Reilly at the O'Reilly Media.

A Web 2.0 site may allow users to interact and collaborate with each other in a social media dialogue as creators of user-generated content in a virtual community, in contrast to websites where people are limited to the passive viewing of content. Examples of Web 2.0 include social networking sites, blogs, wikis, folksonomies, video sharing sites, hosted services, web applications, and mashups.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

8. Do I need parent permission to use Internet/Web 2.0 Tools with my students?

Yes, Web 2.0 tools (websites) must comply with the FTC’s COPPA rule. COPPA basically says the following: Websites can’t target children, collect information from them, and then market to them without the parent’s permission. Parents sign the agreement giving their permission for students to use the Internet as teachers and administrators deem appropriate and as described in the district’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). In addition, “COPPA allows . . . schools to act as agents for parents in providing consent for the online collection of students’ personal information within the school context” (COPPA FAQs).

9. Can I use my personal email address when subscribing to Web 2.0 Tools?

No, since COPPA allows schools to act as agents for parents when using web 2.0 tools and resources with student it is required that district issued emails be used.

10. Should I have a disclaimer on my website?

It is recommended, see sample disclaimer below

TEACHER WEBSITES DISCLAIMER:

Warning. You are leaving the Andover Public Schools website. Andover Public Schools provides links to these sites for informational purposes only, and the presence of the link is not an endorsement of the site. Every reasonable effort is made to present current and accurate information; however, information changes over time, and external links may be removed. This is beyond our control. Please let us know if there are existing external links which you believe are inappropriate.