Technology: Student Laptop Tech Select Program

Introduction

During the course of the pandemic in 2020, the Mississippi Department of Education provided a statewide contract for school districts to purchase mobile devices for virtual learning opportunities. Mississippi School of the Arts participated in the program (EDLA), for the purpose of on-campus and off-campus virtual learning opportunities.

Some school districts in Mississippi require students to utilize only a district-provided device for classwork activities. That device remains in the care of the student throughout the school year. Students in those districts are not allowed to use their own device at school or at home for school-related activities. This is called a one-to-one program.

Tech Select Program

The program provided by Mississippi School of the Arts differs from a one-to-one program. The Tech Select (hybrid) program allows students to either bring their own device from home to use on the student wi-fi network or receive a loaner device from the technology department. Students are not forced to use only an MSA-provided laptop device.

  • Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) Option – This option allows students to bring their own laptop device to campus for use during the school day in the classroom and at night in the residence hall. Students may connect to the student wi-fi network. Any repair of hardware or software issues is the responsibility of the student.
  • Device Check-out Loaner Option – This option allows students to check out a laptop and charger from the technology department to use during the school day in the classroom and at night in the residence hall, pending signed agreement by both the student and a parent/guardian. Unless explicitly denied by MSA, students may take home the loaner device and charger to complete classwork.
Regardless of the program option used, students may be required to bring a device to certain classes. Please make sure to have the device charged and ready. Additionally, teachers may impose restrictions on the use of any device in the classroom setting.

Quick Facts

  • Available to any MSA student.
  • No fee for checkout.
  • Microsoft Office programs installed (additional if necessary).
  • Must be turned in by the end of the school year or upon withdrawal, or confiscation.
  • Damage to the laptop or missing parts is subject to a $75.00 fee charged to the student.
  • Lost laptop replacement cost is $769.00.
  • May be taken home for use.
  • Student is responsible for wireless access off campus.
  • Legal guardian must sign policy agreement in the presence of authorized MSA staff.
  • Student must sign policy agreement.

Resources

Policies & Agreement Forms

Frequently Asked Questions

Loaner Device Checkout Procedure

Microsoft Office Software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Information
Helpdesk Support
For student support of MSA-owned equipment, please contact the technology department directly. Staff members may submit a ticket using the system below:

Submit Tech Ticket