Mobile Access for Students

Mobile Access for Students (MAS) is a program rooted in the district’s vision: All Students Future Ready

The program ensures students learn the information and communication technology skills in the student profile. The program was piloted in 2010 and implemented district-wide in 2012. This program is possible thanks to technology levies passed by voters.

Lake Washington School District strives to ensure academic success for all students by closing opportunity gaps. We do this by providing equitable and inclusive working and learning environments for all students, families, staff and communities. The MAS program is one example of how we provide equitable learning environments for all students.

The MAS program brings mobile computing into classrooms to improve learning:

  • At elementary schools, mobile devices are shared between classrooms and used to expand and enrich teaching and learning.
    • In grades K-2, computers are available on a three to one student to computer ratio.
    • In grades 3-5, computers are available on a two to one student to computer ratio.
  • Secondary students are assigned a mobile device for their individual use at school and at home.

Read about the history of Mobile Access for Students (MAS) in LWSD.

What drives LWSD's decisions and processes for the MAS program?

Teaching

A standardized user interface allows teachers to spend little to no time on software, hardware and navigation support, providing more time for teaching. Teachers decide how they use our standard software offerings in their instructional setting.

Learning

Mobile access gives students flexibility to use a computer at school and at home to complete assignments and projects. Productivity applications are also available to students, including Office 365, OneNote, and Microsoft Outlook's email, task list and calendar.

Helpdesk technicial fixing a laptop

Serviceability

There are over 20,000 student devices in LWSD. The district has developed a model of service with a reasonable service level agreements to that keep our repair quantities under 0.01% at any given time.

Elementary school students working on laptops

Standardization

Standards make it possible to do more with less. LWSD develops a standard for student devices and looks at new versions each year. In LWSD, 20 support technicians at 53 campuses support software, hardware and applications. Standard equipment models enable technicians to do their jobs well.

Two early elementary students working together on a laptop

Procurement

When looking at new devices, we consider:

  • Durability and ruggedness
  • Processing capability
  • Battery power that sustains a school day
  • Weight
  • Brand reputation and a plan for future devices
  • Authorized repair vendors, availability of local support and availability of parts for repair
  • Price

Staff member assisting high school student with work on a laptop

Value

We look for rugged equipment that can withstand being carried between home and school everyday. The plastic casing, screens and plugs/ports have to be rugged enough to stand up to student use. The batteries must have a longer than normal life. Rugged parts add a little weight, and a lot of durability.

High school students working on laptops

Safety/Security

LWSD must comply with student privacy and internet safety laws. To do this, we need to be able to image all student devices and hang them on our network to manage. This also keeps our network, data and enterprise safe, protecting the community’s investment.