Franklin County Schools Technology Department

Alan Clark, CTO
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FAQ: Send your questions to the CTO by clicking here.
 
Click on the links below or scroll down to see the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
 
  • Do I turn my computer off or leave it on?
  • Why does my computer run so slow on some days?
  • How can I get new technology for my classroom or office?
  • Why can't I use my own laptop in my classroom?
  • What does "CTO" stand for?
  • Where can I find a list of technology equipment approved for purchase by FCBOE?
  • How can I purchase from Dell at a discount?
  • Why are some web sites blocked but not others?
  • How can I request that a web site be unblocked?



Q: Do I turn my computer off or leave it on?
A: Generally, you should LOG OFF when finished using your computer in the classroom or office.  LOG OFF but leave it running so that updates can download at regular intervals. NEVER leave your computer unattended while you are still logged on as the user.  Over long weekends or holidays, you might want to consider LOG OFF and SHUT DOWN in case of power surges or other unexpected surprises.
Q: Why does my computer run so slow on some days?
A: Slowness, or "latency" as we call it, can be due to many factors. If it is in the morning, especially after the computer has been off for several days, new downloads may be taking place that will make the computer run better.  These occur automatically, and it is a good idea to let them finish.  The amount of space taken up by downloaded software and peripherals such as printers and digital camera software running on the computer is another cause for slowness.  If the hour glass runs and runs following boot-up, it is an indication that the computer is trying to load all these drivers, programs and peripherals. If you are connected to another web site, such as Star Student or AR-Web, the host server may be busy at that particular moment.  Internet usage overall peaks at 8:00 am, around noon, and 2:00 pm each weekday, causing latency issues regardless of location.
Q: How can I get new technology for my classroom or office?
Q: Why can't I use my own laptop in my classroom?
A: FCBOE Policy specifically states that teachers are discouraged from using personally-owned equipment in the workplace, such as the classroom, especially if it is connected to the FCBOE network.  This is for network security reasons as well as questions of insurance and liability should these items be lost, damaged, or stolen. 
Q: What does "CTO" stand for?
A: Chief Technology Officer
Q: Where can I find a list of technology equipment approved for purchase by the FCBOE?
A: Click on the Standard Items List here or on the Home page.
 
Q: How can I purchase from Dell at a discount?
A:  The details are on our Dell Teacher Discounts link.
 
Q: Why are some web sites blocked but not others?
A:  The State Education Department in Tennessee blocks all social networking sites, such as Facebook, Youtube, Myspace, etc., through their Internet Service Providers, in our case ENA.  These cannot be unblocked.  Other sites are blocked by the FCBOE Content Management Program powered by LightSpeed because of FCBOE Policy and State Guidelines concerning appropriate use of the Internet in order to comply with the Childrens' Internet Protection Act, or CIPA, and for safety and security of the FCBOE network.  See also the Acceptable Use Policy for Franklin County Schools. 
 
Q:  How can I request that a web site be unblocked?
A:  Teachers, staff, and administrators may request that a web site be unblocked by following the link on the blocked notification page.  Students may not request that a web site be unblocked.  Anyone using a third-party email account to request a site be unblocked will be denied, as use of third-party email accounts are not allowed by FCBOE Policy.