Preparing for Online Instruction
Fortunately for Lackland ISD, we have a very sophisticated and reliable infrastructure, so a pivot to online instruction should not pose a problem to our infrastructure should circumstances force it.
Devices for Getting Online
We are a 1:1 district, and every student is issued a device capable of receiving online instruction. These devices are typically provided to the student directly at Stacey and to the teacher at Lackland Elementary provided that the parent has signed an iPad Loan Agreement with the district. It typically takes a couple of days from the time that your registration is completed until we have a device ready for your child.
However, any reasonably-new device that can browse the internet and has a built-in webcam and microphone is likely suitable for online instruction. This means that laptops (both Apple and Microsoft-based), tablets, iPads, and even many newer smartphones contain everything that's needed for online instruction. If you find yourself traveling and forgot the child's device at home, it's likely that you have something with you that will work just fine. Similarly, if you're new to the district and headed straight into remote learning, you likely already have something that can be used until you can swing by campus to pick up your child's device.
Run a Network Speed Test
One of the things that makes for an optimal experience with online instruction is a reasonably-speedy internet connection. We encourage you to run a network speed test on the device you intend to use for online instruction if possible, and on another device if that's not possible.
To run a network speed test, visit one of the following sites:
- http://www.fast.com
- http://www.speedtest.net
- or, simply search for "speed test" in your favorite web browser
These speed tests will report two different numbers to you, an upload speed and a download speed, measured in megabits-per-second (Mbps). If both of these numbers are above 6 Mbps, you're good-to-go. If either of them is below 6 Mbps, try another test site. If all of the test sites are below 6 Mbps, make sure that your family isn't all streaming HD video and try again. If you're still below 6 Mbps, you have a problem, and, if your plan with your service provider says that you should have more than that speed, you should reach out to them to address it.
Free/Low-Cost Internet
A number of vendors offer free or low-cost internet to low-income individuals. To see if you qualify, please reach out to your service provider.