Year 2008-09

This program is designed to place laptops in the hands of teachers.  In the program, the teacher invests a portion of the cost of the laptop and it becomes the property of the teacher.  The laptop replaces the desktop computer provided by the school.  This program has been very successful for a number of years here at ECA. 

The laptops are meant to last and replace the teacher desktop machine provided by the school for a period of three years.  A limited number of machines will be available for the program each year.  The limitation is based upon the number of teacher or admin machines due to be replaced that year. 

Who is eligible to participate?

Full-time teachers who have at least one year remaining on their contract and have a desktop assigned to them as part of their job are eligible to participate. 

What does the program include?

The laptop package includes carrying case, security cable lock, three year warranty and accident coverage.  In addition, the school will provide software packages that you may use as long as you are an employee of the school.  The school is responsible form most maintenance during your participation in the program (see details below).

Terms:  What will it cost me?

For laptops purchased in the 2008-09 school year the expected cost to the school for the full package is about $1500 (your costs, below, will be adjusted if the machine cost is more or less)

Your Cost:

ü      A teacher who participates in the program for the full three years will contribute $375, you must authorize ECA to deduct that amount in two installments of $187.50 each, from your August and November 2008 pay.

ü      A teacher who participates in the program for only two years will contribute $750, you must authorize ECA to deduct that amount in two installments of $375 each, from your August and November 2008 pay

ü      A teacher who participates in the program for only one year will contribute $1,125, you must authorize ECA to deduct that amount in two installments of $562.50 each, from your August and November 2008 pay

What are the school’s responsibilities?

1. Machines will be purchased with cable security locks and a carrying case.
2. Laptops will be provided with operating system and a package of licensed software.  Teachers/participants are responsible for ensuring that any additional software installed on the machine is legally licensed.
3. Machines will have a minimum of one year warranty.  The school will service machines or assist with receiving warranty service within the three year period.  Cost of service outside of warranty service will be the responsibility of the school as long as problems are not associated with damage caused by misuse.  The exception is the battery which has a one year warranty.  The teacher will be responsible for battery replacement outside of the one year warranty.
4. The Director of Technology will provide a complete description of the computer and software to be included to prospective participants in advance.
5. You will be given complete user privileges on your laptop to install/delete programs, and configure it as you wish. 

What are my responsibilities?

1. Teachers/participants are responsible for taking reasonable care of machines to ensure they are not damaged, lost, or stolen.
2. Teachers are responsible for maintaining insurance for theft or accidental loss.  If the teacher opts not to have the lost laptop replaced, they will be deemed to have terminated their participation in the program, teachers who terminate their participation will be assessed charges according to the rates above and the charges will be deducted from your payroll.  The school will not accept the laptop in lieu of payment of said charges.  In the event of termination from the program the school will provide a desktop computer for the classroom. 
3. Teachers are obligated to bring the laptop to school each school day. 
4. Laptops should not be left at school over weekends or holidays.
5. Teachers must ensure that when laptops are at school they are secured with the security cable lock which is provided as part of the purchase.
6. All service needs must be addressed by the ECA Technology Department while you are still a participant of the program.  You are not to seek outside service.
7. Once you terminate your participation of the program either at the end of three years or earlier, ECA has no obligation to provide service for that machine. 
8. When you leave the employ of the school, all software licensed to the school and provided to the teacher as part of the program must be removed. 

How do I apply?

Simply complete the form below and return to Aland Russell, the Director of Technology. Aland_russell@eca.com.ve.

Deadline to apply:  24 April 2008

 Download Teacher Laptop Program Application