capabilities from vendors such as Microsoft, Google, and Apple, we must discard the belief that devices will last five .
1. What is “1:1 Computing”? This statewide program is designed to provide one computing device for every student in a manner that is sustainable for districts and allows the student to be the permanent custodian of the device both at school and away from school. 2. Why does the state feel it’s important to provide laptops for every student in Tennessee? The state believes that the thoughtful use of technology by students holds the key to how our educators can deliver truly personalized instruction with rich, engaging content that is tailored to the needs of every student. 3. What are the barriers to getting a laptop in the hand of every Tennessee student? The primary barrier is cost. In addition to the budgetary challenges, districts have voiced concerns about the support and maintenance required, as well as the relatively short lifespan of computing assets. Another challenge will be providing professional development to support and prepare educators for leveraging technology in the classroom. 4. What do we mean by “Technology as a Service?” Technology as a service is an innovative approach to technology procurement that shifts devices from being a capital asset to being a recurring operational annuity. In some ways, it is similar to a lease; however, technology is available at a significantly lower cost than typical leasing models and with more frequent replacements built into the program. 5. Why is it important to refresh or replace technology frequently? Technology today is designed around the needs of a fast-paced retail market. Consumers create demand for new features and reward manufactures who deliver innovation quickly. The market likes new devices, and there is little consumer demand for longevity. This “disposable” mindset and consumer-demand pattern results in devices that are designed for two to three year operating lives. Software manufacturers
design software features to take advantage of the new features of the device, and old devices quickly get left behind. In order to provide our students with the latest capabilities from vendors such as Microsoft, Google, and Apple, we must discard the belief that devices will last five or more years and find affordable ways to renew devices more frequently than before. 6. Why is Technology as a Service a superior procurement model? Technology as a Service provides a procurement model that transforms the affordability of technology and makes 1:1 (student:device) a reality for many districts. The cost of devices is moved from a one-off capital procurement that must be re-appropriated every few years into a small monthly, per student annuity that exists for the life of the student. This model allows districts to keep more cash on hand and spread the cost burden over several years. The model also guarantees frequent refreshing or replacing of technology without a new budget line item and lessens much of the burden on districts for support and management of a large number of devices. 7. How is the state assisting districts leverage Technology as a Service? The state has taken a proactive position with hardware manufacturers and collaborated to create a pricing model that we believe reflects the best available price in the country for specific devices. The pricing, which takes the form of a monthly, per student annuity, is available to every district regardless of size or the quantity of devices ordered. 8. Is this a state procurement contract? No. The state is helping facilitate a service subscription between the district and the hardware vendor. 9. What is the procurement vehicle? The state is actively working to develop an appropriate model that is in compliance with all state and local procurement laws and regulations. 10. How will the state help overcome local procurement obstacles? The state will meet and work with appropriate education stakeholders and other state entities to support smooth passage of the process. 11. How will this evolve the procurement of technology? Through the concept of Technology as a Service (subscription model), we make it possible to provide one computer to every student in the state in a manner that is both affordable and sustainable.
12. Has the state thought about the additional infrastructure requirements this program will place on a district? Yes, the state is very aware that while attaining one device for every student is an important goal, it will also place additional burden on local infrastructure, networks, and bandwidth. The state is currently working on a program for the 2016-17 school year that will provide greater infrastructure support in the form of professional services and aggressive equipment price negotiations for districts who require additional support. 13. Is participation mandatory? No, districts are free to continue to procure using traditional methods and to procure from manufacturers and resellers of their choosing. 14. What manufacturers are included in the program? Currently, Lenovo and Hewlett Packard have signed on to participate in this initiative. 15. What models are included from each manufacturer? Each manufacturer has provided a range of devices from basic to advanced “hybrid” devices that are highly suited for educational use. The specific specifications of included devices is available upon request. 16. Can this program be used for staff members and educators? Yes. The program is designed to support student 1:1 computing but can be used for staff and educator devices. 17. Can I purchase other models and accessories through this program? In general, yes, however the specific devices and accessories included in this program will vary by manufacturer. 18. How does warranty and repair work? The program is very flexible with respect to warranty, repair, and insurance. Districts may opt for inclusive or exclusive pricing plans and can nominate the warranty period that best suits individual needs. 19. Can districts do their own warranty work? Yes, districts have the option to do their own repair/warranty work and will be paid by the manufacturer to do so. Districts may do warranty work for other districts and be paid for providing that service. Districts who not wish to undertake local repair work may choose a turnkey repair service from the manufacture.
20. How does device replacement work in the event of a damaged or lost device? This is very flexible and varies depending upon the support model chosen by the district. In general, districts will be able to select an overnight “swap” service with no shipping costs or swap devices from a local inventory under a Return Authorization (RA) issued by the manufacture. 21. Is there an opportunity for student involvement in device support, repair, and provisioning? Yes, both manufacturers will provide free training to districts wishing to provide opportunities to students. 22. How are new devices provisioned and set up prior to use? This is very flexible. Districts may choose to purchase devices without an operating system and set up the devices locally if they have capacity; otherwise, they can opt for devices to be pre-configured by the manufacturer for a small extra charge. 23. Can factory images be customized for each district Yes. Districts can provide a local image to be used by the manufacturer. 24. Are these devices all eligible for Microsoft’s Shape the Future program to reduce the cost of the operating system? Yes, providing the selected device utilizes the Windows operating system. 25. What happens at the end of the life of the device? At the end of the renewal period (typically between 24 and 36 months), districts return the device to the manufacturer and receive a new one. The manufacturer will take care of wiping the device of sensitive data. The device will be recycled on the secondary market once returned. The “residual value” model is a key ingredient in how the prices have been driven so low. 26. Can parents or the local community purchase devices under this program? No. The program is exclusive to approved education institutions. 27. Can parents or the local community purchase devices at the end of a district renewal period? Yes. Third parties may purchase devices for the residual value cost of the device once a district is finished with it.
28. How do I learn more? In the coming weeks, department staff will be conducting information workshops in each of the Grand Divisions. The date and times of these workshops will be published in upcoming Commissioner’s Update for Directors. 29. Who can I talk to if I have specific questions? Cliff Lloyd, Chief information Officer,
[email protected] 30. When do I get to see the prices and how do I get started? In the next few weeks, the department will release a product catalog and instructions on how to purchase through this program. Districts who are eager to purchase immediately should contact Cliff Lloyd for interim pricing and instructions.
