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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think school should realise not everyone has a computer?

118 replies

Iusemyphoneteach · 18/09/2020 07:41

School have decided to set up an online learning system just in case there’s further lockdown. We’ve all had letters home this week telling us how to log on and telling us our children must have certain bits of homework done by Monday (downloaded and uploaded when completed) to prove we’ve accessed the system. The letters just seem to assume we all have computers to do this and there’s nothing in there about what to do if you don’t.

Obviously I’m going to have to embarrass myself and go into school to tell them we don’t have one so we can’t use the site at the moment until I’ve managed to get one but AIBU to think school should realise (especially in such a low income area) that not everyone has access to a computer and not everyone can magic access to one by Monday?

I understand why they’re setting it up and I think it’s great but it’s just the way they assume we can all do it. I know I won’t be the only parent in the same situation.

OP posts:
Witchend · 18/09/2020 08:28

Don't rely on the government supplied ones. They didn't provide anything like the number they said, so you may find your school has already given out the ones they had.

Original poster
Iusemyphoneteach · 18/09/2020 08:28

Thank you for the replies! It does make me feel a lot less embarrassed to know how common it is. During lockdown we didn’t need any computers for school because they didn’t have anything set up and we got work set once a week (just gentle activities like have a picnic) and we kept on top of reading/times tables etc ourselves. I’m glad they’re finally setting something up in case there’s another lockdown but it feels a bit late really and also sudden at the same time. I didn’t even think they’d ever set one up because they were so hands off during lockdown that it didn’t even occur to me. I’m surprised they didn’t do what some people mentioned above about checking everyone has access first.

Also, I do have a smartphone (that’s how I’m on here) but so far the work being set is download a word file and edit it with our answers and send it back. I don’t have word on my phone! Also, I rely on my phone daily for managing a disability. I don’t really want my primary aged child using it. That probably sounds selfish but I can’t afford to get another one and without my phone, I would lose so much of my independence so it’s not a risk I can take. I know that’s very specific to our family though so other families might not have to take that into account and so school might decide parents phones are an option.

But even so, people saying that people have phones so their children should use them, I don’t think it’s right that some children will be able to tap away full screen on a computer while others are expected to scrunch over their mums phone trying to do their work on a tiny screen. School should set work everyone can access equally and not be disadvantaged by how they can or can’t access it.

I will go speak to school because it does sound like I could be one of many going by the replies you’ve all given. Maybe they will come up with an alternative for the children who don’t have computers if enough of us say something?

OP posts:
blackteaplease · 18/09/2020 08:34

They absolutely will sort something for you if you talk to them.

AnxMummy10 · 18/09/2020 08:37

Yanbu. I do think the school should also state what needs to be done /route to take should you not have a computer. It will make this so much easier for parents, instead of having to now chase up with the school

ErrolTheDragon · 18/09/2020 08:43

You need to contact the school about this. They need to make provision for kids who don't have access to a laptop or tablet, and the methods they use must work on the devices people have. Word documents don't sound suitable for that.
Surely there must be guidance for schools on this sort of thing now?

Needmoresleep · 18/09/2020 08:45

Are you on any local message boards (Fb, MN local, etc) It is more than possible that someone has a basic computer that they would be happy to pass on. Their DC might have upgraded for University etc. If need be get a friend to ask on your behalf. The added bonus might be that though it will be fine for basics, it will be homeless for gaming.

Though as well as the cost of the computer you need to think about the cost of maintaining basic software: Microsoft, Anti virus.

ZarkingBell · 18/09/2020 08:46

My kids' secondary sent out a survey over the summer to find out who had access to what and when.
When you talk to them ask them to do this.
Regardless of income how many families with primary age have a laptop/tablet for each child anyway?

SonjaMorgan · 18/09/2020 08:48

Is there some kind of charity or scheme that takes in and redistributes old laptops? We must have 4 or 5 kicking about and although they work they aren't worth much.

FFSFFSFFS · 18/09/2020 08:49

No need to be embarrassed :-)

Mintjulia · 18/09/2020 08:52

The other question is do you have broadband? Your child will need internet access.

You can set up a hotspot with your phone but with two or three of you using it, you'll burn through your data allowance. Have you considered extra data?

Pasghetti · 18/09/2020 08:53

Just tell them. I know with DC's school they did an audit to see who had what tech wise.

Bloomburger · 18/09/2020 08:54

We're just about to start running a program at school with the help of the school, community and local business to make sure every child has access to a computer or tablet if they are isolating or we have another lockdown.

There are lots of issues we're working through but I think it's something schools will have to look into going forward.

IwishIwasyoda · 18/09/2020 08:57

Our problem is despite having a iPad the systems they use can't be accessed / don't work well with it. So finally got onto teams after days of it not working only to find we couldn't join the meeting (could message / see assignments).
Emailed school asking to speak to someone technical who could fix this - no response. Not prepared to give us individual teams log in. Asked for a tablet or laptop that would be compatible. No response.

Notfeelinggreattoday · 18/09/2020 08:57

My ds school has sent home asking if we have laptop , phone or tablet to do online work on if child or class is isolated etc and also if access to internet , i take it from that they will help out those who don't
There must be so many with an old tablet or laptop say around ( large companies to the individual ) that could all be donated and handed out for use
You can get some tablets quite cheap now that will work with some schools way of working

IwishIwasyoda · 18/09/2020 08:59

Don't worry OP - lots of people in your position I expect. Families I know had difficulties as only one computer but 3 kids all needing access at the same time. All kids should be given a laptop imo

SoloMummy · 18/09/2020 08:59

@Iusemyphoneteach

School have decided to set up an online learning system just in case there’s further lockdown. We’ve all had letters home this week telling us how to log on and telling us our children must have certain bits of homework done by Monday (downloaded and uploaded when completed) to prove we’ve accessed the system. The letters just seem to assume we all have computers to do this and there’s nothing in there about what to do if you don’t.

Obviously I’m going to have to embarrass myself and go into school to tell them we don’t have one so we can’t use the site at the moment until I’ve managed to get one but AIBU to think school should realise (especially in such a low income area) that not everyone has access to a computer and not everyone can magic access to one by Monday?

I understand why they’re setting it up and I think it’s great but it’s just the way they assume we can all do it. I know I won’t be the only parent in the same situation.

Do you not have mobiles, tablets, or even old laptops that could manage to Access?
Scarby9 · 18/09/2020 08:59

We can't use the room next to our office in school as it is currently stacked with Chrome books that are gradually being allocated for just this purpose.

Students in households with no computer, students in households where someone is using the computer to WFH, students with sibling students who would both need computer access simultaneously if the school shut or their bubbles burst, students with a computer in the household that proved too slow or unreliable during lockdown.

Tell the school. They need to know so they can help.

SoloMummy · 18/09/2020 09:00

Given that you're on mni assume that you have some way of accessing the Internet.

CheetasOnFajitas · 18/09/2020 09:00

Please let us know how you get on when you tell the school.

CheetasOnFajitas · 18/09/2020 09:01

@SoloMummy

Given that you're on mni assume that you have some way of accessing the Internet.
Given that you are on this thread @SoloMummy assume you might have bothered to read OP’s posts?
EvilPea · 18/09/2020 09:02

My favourite bit is that a lot of the apps need newer iPads and iPhones to use as well due to the operating systems
So you need to buy newer kit as well.

Cocomarine · 18/09/2020 09:03

One of my children just started a new school this week - they’re doing a “tech audit”. Your school will not be surprised - talk to them.
At previous school, during lockdown, lots of friends didn’t have access to laptops - and we’re in a fairly wealthy village. People don’t buy laptops for their kids if they can just use mum’s work one for homework once in a blue moon. Even gaming is generally via a console. You will be far from the only one - just tell them.

Scarby9 · 18/09/2020 09:03

@SoloMummy You really can't do most homework on a phone. You really can't watch and take part in live lessons on a phone, or even access asynchronous lrssons satisfactorily. We often use split screen - you just can't see the key detail, never mind respond effectively.

CheetasOnFajitas · 18/09/2020 09:07

All the people saying to OP “Just tell them!” - did you miss the bit in her OP where she says “ Obviously I’m going to have to embarrass myself and go into school to tell them we don’t have one so we can’t use the site at the moment?”

At no point did she say “”AIBU not to tell the school about this?”

Cancel the cheque too OP Wink

KihoBebiluPute · 18/09/2020 09:08

it's not going to be news to them that some families are in this situation, and setting a piece of work like this is a good way to identify who has a genuine difficulty in accessing tech if there is a risk that large numbers would lie on a survey in the hopes of getting a a free handout when they didn't need it. the kids who actually can borrow mum's laptop when needed will get the work done, and you will be identified as genuinely needing some help to access online learning.