Technical FAQ's | |
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Q: What is the Akron Digital Academy?
A: ADA is an online public community school sponsored by the Akron Public School District.
Q: What diploma do you receive from the Akron Digital Academy
A: A full high school diploma granted by the Akron Public Schools through the ADA.
Q: Who can benefit from ADA?
A: Students who work or have other types of responsibilities, need a different learning environment, want to take courses not available at local school, want to learn from home.
Q: Who can enroll in Akron Digital Academy?
A: Residents of the state of Ohio who are at least 5 years old and no older than 21 years old at enrollment.
Q: How much does it cost to enroll in Akron Digital Academy?
A: ADA is a public community school. Tuition is free to students who are residents of the State of Ohio.
Q: Are there any fees or expenses involved with ADA?
A: ADA does not charge tuition, however students must provide consumables such as paper and ink cartridges and provide a phone line.
Q: What home resources are required to attend?
A: An Internet Service Provider (ISP) will be provided. Students must possess a phone line. A separate phone line for the computer is not necessary, but is recommended.
Q: Do I need to provide my own Internet Service Provider?
A: ADA will provide an ISP for you. If you currently have an ISP, cable or DSL service and wish to continue with that service, you may do so.
Q: Do I need to provide a second phone line?
A: If you currently have phone service, you are not required to install an additional phone line. If you have more than one ADA student in the household, it might be wise to get an extra phone line, since their online time will tie up the phone line for long periods of time. If you have DSL, cable, or other ISP service, you would not need to install an additional phone line.
Q: Are computer skills required to enroll in ADA?
A:Computer skills are not required; however, basic computer skills can make the transition to a distance learning environment easier.
Q: If I lack computer skills, will ADA provide training?
A: Yes. All students will have access to introductory units which will help develop their computer skills.
Q: Do I need to provide my own computer?
A: No. ADA will provide a reliable computer and peripherals for student use.
Q: How many computers will I receive if there are multiple students in my home?
A: ADA will provide one computer for each ADA student in the household.
Q: Do I have to use the ADA computer?
A: All students receive their own computer for use with ADA. Please be advised that should a student select to use their own computer, our help desk will not be able to assist them with hardware problems.
Q: Do I have to log on everyday?
A: You are not required to log on every day, however, you will be required to complete the equivlent of 25 hours of instruction each week.
Q: How will I communicate with my teacher?
A: Teachers can be reached by email, chat rooms, or forums, during office hours.
Q: Can I graduate early?
A: Yes. High School courses are scheduled in a block schedule where a student can complete 1 1/2 to 2 credits every 9 weeks. Should the student show the ability to complete more a program can be desined to meet their needs. Each student will work closely with their academic advisor to design this program.
Q: Am I required to take the Ohio Graduation and/or Achievement tests?
A: Yes. The State of Ohio requires all students to take the scheduled state tests each year. Failure to do so may require the student to be removed perstate statues.
Q: Will I receive a diploma?
A: Yes, upon completion of all graduation requirements students will receive a high school diploma.
Q: Can students with disabilities or special needs enroll in ADA?
A: Yes. ADA will provide a certified special education teacher to work with students with disabilities, as well as provide support services that may be needed (speech services, occupational therapy, etc.)
Q: How will my child’s needs be met?
A: Each child will work with a regular education teacher, as well as a special needs teacher in his/her age-appropriate grade level. The child’s needs will be met according to the Individualized Education Plan/ IEP. Service options may include regular classes without modifications (consultation with special needs teacher); regular class with modifications from a special needs teacher; individualized classes with part regular education classes; or individualized classes.
Q: How will related services be provided? Such services include physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech services.
A: According to the IEP, a contracted service provider in a public, mutually agreed upon location will deliver related services free of cost to the student. Services will not be delivered in the home setting.
Q: What is the process for identification of a child with special needs?
A: If a child is having difficulty, the parent or teacher may ask for a meeting with the Intervention Assistance Team (IAT). The IAT will meet to discuss the needs of the child, identify the problem and develop a plan of intervention. Contingent to the outcomes of the plan, the child may or may not proceed to the Multi-factored Evaluation process, which includes further testing by a team of professionals.
Q: Will assistive technology be provided?
A: Needs for assistive technology will be assessed and reasonable accommodations will be made if necessary.
Q: Will my special needs child be required to take the Ohio state Tests?
A: The decision to be tested will be based upon the child's IEP.
Q: I get a message "authentication failed" when I try to connect.
A: Usernames and passwords are case sensitive and must be typed exactly. Make sure you are using lower case letters for both username and password.
Q: I can't get my dial-up account to work.
A: Make sure you have @config.com AFTER your username.
Q: When the computer dials to connect, I get an error stating 'the number you dialed is incorrect'.
A: Make certain the number given is entered in correctly. Some areas require the area code to be used as well. Also, be sure the number your computer is dialing is a local number. Remember no spaces or dashes in the number.
Q: I need to set up the computer for cable modem service. What do I need to do?
A: Contact your local cable ISP service provider and make an appointment to have them set up the computer. If you must self install call the local tech support phone number (330-237-2216 or 330-237-2218)
Q: The cable ISP service provider has sent a technician, but the TCP/IP controls are locked?
A: You will need to have them call the HelpDesk (330-237-2216) so we can give access to that area. It is one of the areas that are locked for the protection of the computer.
Q: The phone number I'm dialing for the ISP is a long distance number, but it's the one that ADA gave me to use - should I use it?
A: ADA provides you with an internet dialup number, and has worked hard with our internet service providers to get you a local number for your internet dialup. But changes to phone exchanges around the state happen regularly and we can't always be sure your dialup number is a local call. It is your responsibility to make sure that the number you are dialing is local. ADA will not reimburse you for dialup calls which are long distance or local toll calls. Call your local phone company to verify that your dialup number is a local call. If you find that your number is not local, contact your ISP and ADA to get a local number.
