How to Prepare for School

Strong Internet Connection

We recommend download speed no less than 10 MBPS (megabits per second).

A Dependable Computer

Because students need access to a computer for several hours a day (depending on course load), we recommend that students have their own computer. This can be any of the following:

• A PC running Windows 10 or newer and no more than three years old.
• A Mac laptop or desktop no more than four years old.
  
• A Chromebook, with one note: Some tech elective courses will not work on Chromebooks. See the “Required Materials” section under each course description to be sure.

Some Essential Software

This includes the following:

• A major web browser: We recommend Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. We do NOT recommend using Internet Explorer or Edge.
• The Google productivity suite: Students will need a Google account and access to Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides to complete assignments. For students under 13, please follow these steps to set up an account.
• Up-to-date software: Make sure automatic updates are enabled on your operating system, browser(s), and anti-virus software.
• Rosetta Stone: If you’re planning on taking a foreign language course, please review Rosetta Stone’s system requirements .
  

Webcam & Mic

Many computers come with a built-in webcam and mic. These are sufficient if your student’s computer has good video and sound quality.

In case of poor video or sound quality, we suggest purchasing a separate webcam and/or headset.

A Distraction-Free Workspace

Your student’s computer should be in a quiet area, free from visual distractions and ambient noise. These things can distract not only your student but also other students and teachers during class.

What to Expect in Grades 6-8

Middle school students may require technical assistance from a parent during their first weeks at Williamsburg. They will need help if this is their first time using a headset or webcam and microphone, internet browser, site logins, uploading files, receiving email on a near-daily basis, etc. We recommend students take our Typing and Tech Course if they have not yet learned these skills.

What to Expect in Grades 9-12

High school students should have a rudimentary understanding of computers, how to use a browser, how to email, etc. Students are highly encouraged to take our Digital Business Applications class the summer semester before or the fall semester of their first year. Students should know proper typing techniques and be able to type over 30 words per minute to work efficiently. Those lacking these skills should take the Typing and Tech Course or another form of instruction in typing techniques.

Resourcefulness is Key

Your student needs to be technologically resourceful (hint: Google will become their new best friend). Here are a couple of tips we recommend:

• Students should know how to find quick answers when they need them. Whether they’re unsure how to copy and paste or save a document in PDF format, they will need to seek out new instructions for using their technology. A quick Google search will usually turn up loads of helpful info.
• We encourage students to seek out ways to simplify things they will often do. For example, they’ll use certain websites, like Canvas (our learning management system), daily. They can bookmark these sites in their web browser, so they don’t have to search each time they need to access them.
• Remember, there’s no such thing as a “dumb” question. Don’t feel bad if you or your student can’t find the instructions for a tech question through Google or a help guide. They can always reach out to their peers, mentors, or our Student Support Team.
  
  

SIS

SIS is our administration and registration system. Here’s how it works for both students and parents:

For Students: Students typically use SIS to view their transcript and contact administrative staff members (technical support, registrar, academic coach, etc.). They can also use SIS messaging to communicate with mentors, although most student communication with mentors takes place in Canvas.

For Parents: SIS is your primary tool at Williamsburg. You’ll use SIS to register for courses, handle finances, view student progress, access transcripts and grades for completed courses, and message faculty and staff.

Canvas

Canvas is our learning management system (LMS). Here’s how it helps students and parents:

For Students: Canvas is where students will receive and submit assignments, complete some of their studies, collaborate with classmates, and access their course syllabi and assignments.

For Parents: By default, parents do not have their own Canvas accounts, but you can create one here and then create an “Observer” link to view your student’s account, assignments, syllabi, etc.

Zoom

Zoom is our online classroom. Here are a few tips for getting started with Zoom: 

• Your student can join a Zoom test meeting to become familiar with Zoom and test their microphone and speakers before joining a Zoom meeting. Follow these instructions to learn more and join a test meeting.
• Your student can get a free Zoom room for study groups and other online meetings by going to www.zoom.us and sign up for a free account. Once Zoom is installed on their computer, it’s super easy for them to log into class.

Though computers provided by Williamsburg will come with filtering software pre-installed, please note that no filter is 100% effective. We encourage parents to regularly communicate with students about internet safety and the types of websites and content students are allowed to view. The goal is for students to learn to self-govern online because parents cannot always control access.

Google’s SafeSearch and many other services offer search options that remove (most) adult content. Here are a couple of other free resources:

• Google BIA Family Guide – The Be Internet Awesome Family Guide gives families the tools and resources to learn about online safety and citizenship at home.
• Safewise Internet Safety Guide – SafeWise has identified the top online threats to kids and tips for keeping kids safe. Includes link to “The Best Parental Control Apps and Software”.

You can find a full list of your student's required books and materials in SIS under My Students > Classes. From there, in the top left corner, click on the booklist for the upcoming semester.

For each required book or material listed, click the red ISBN link in SIS. These links should automatically take you to Amazon so you can order from there if you’d like.

For the fall and winter semesters, booklists are updated and published annually on June 15th. The booklist for summer semester is available on February 28th each year.

In order to complete their orientation assignments, your student will need to log into Canvas. Course details will be published and available for your student to view in Canvas on the Monday before classes begin each semester. That week, please do the following:

• Parents of New Students: If your child hasn't already created an SIS login, they will need to do so. They should have received an invite to do this when you created their SIS child account, so please have them check their inbox. Once they have an SIS login and you have registered them for classes, our system will automatically generate a Canvas account for them. On or after the course publish date, students will be notified and able to login to Canvas using the same username and password they created for SIS.
• All Students: Students should log into Canvas, bookmark the Canvas login link, and then customize their course menu.

Once they’ve signed into Canvas, all first-time students will have access to a New Student Orientation course. This course includes a series of short assignments to help your student get familiarized with our online classroom and tech systems. Students should plan to complete these assignments before the first day of regular classes.

Our live-online orientation is held at the beginning of August each year. Attending orientation is a great way to kick off the year ahead! You will receive a link via email to join the orientation in Zoom.

(Just in case you can’t make the live orientation, your student can log into Canvas afterward to view the recording in Homeroom.)