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L4L Frequently Asked Questions

Haruna Hosokawa Updated by Haruna Hosokawa

Starting in November 2024 we are rolling out the 6th generation of L4L MacBooks. Please see below for FAQ's regarding the Laptops 4 Learning Initiative.

Eligible staff will receive an invitation email to take an online L4L v6 course in order to receive their first laptop or swap their v5 laptops for a new v6 laptop.

L4L Program Eligibility

Who is eligible for a L4L laptop?
Eligible positions include (but are not limited to):
- School-based instructional staff (0.5 FTE or more)
- School leaders, assistant principals, Directors of Instruction
- Counselors, Social workers
- Itinerants, Registrars, Librarians
- Family Liaisons, CFCs
- Sign language interpreters, Braille and materials specialist paras
- ABA strand paras, Library paras
- Cluster subs
Additional school-based or central instructional positions may be eligible based on job codes.
I am eligible but have not received an invitation yet. When will I get my invitation?
Invitations are going out in batches over several weeks. In addition, some teachers have a newer laptop that does not need to be swapped at this time. Laptops with asset tags 656001 or higher are still under warranty, and users having those laptops will not be invited to swap at this time.
I am currently on leave. Am I still eligible?
Eligible staff who are on leave will receive an invitation email upon their return.
If I currently have an L4L laptop, am I definitely eligible for a new one?
Not necessarily. Eligibility is based on your current job code. If you have transitioned from an eligible position to a non-eligible position, you may be asked to return your laptop as outlined in the Laptop Use Agreement.

L4L v6 Swap/Pick-up Sessions

What if I need to switch my registration/pick-up date?
If you need to reschedule your swap/pick-up, please go to the sign up form in Module 5 of the L4L v6 course and pick a different time. There is no need to cancel the existing registration.
What if I’m running late to my appointment?
Campbell: Please see this table and check the last appointment time for your date. If you can still make it before the end time, there is no need to notify us. If you can’t make it before the end time, you must reschedule for another date.
Bolling: Please call the Service Desk at 617-635-9200 to notify us. We will let you know if you can come late or need to reschedule. 
Where do I go to pick up an L4L?
Appointments are available at Bolling (3rd Floor) and Campbell Resource Center. Please sign up for an appointment after completion of the L4L course. Walk-ins will not be accommodated. 
What if I forgot when or where my appointment was?
Users should have received an email confirmation from BPSTechnology with their selected time and date. Check your inbox for an email titled, “L4L v6 Swap/Pick-up Appointment Confirmation.”  
I don’t see an appointment slot that works for me.
New slots are being added constantly. If you don’t see something that works, please wait a few days and go to the sign-up form again. Appointments are available in the afternoon/early evening hours at Campbell and workday hours at Bolling. Appointments are also available during school vacations. 
What do I need to bring to the session?
If you are swapping, please bring your old L4L and your charger. L4L must be clean with all stickers, labels, and/or cases removed, and data backed up. You do not need to return the USB adapter (dongle). You will also need to know your 6 digit ID# and your BPS password to register your new laptop. If you are new to the L4L program, all you need are your ID# and password. 
Will I be charged for damaged laptop or not having a charger?
No.
Can someone else (spouse, colleague, etc) pick up my laptop for me?
No. The registration process requires you to enter your BPS password, which must not be shared with anyone including your spouse or family member.
Can I drop off another staff member's laptop return?
Yes, if you know of an L4L laptop that was left by someone who has left the school/district, please bring it with you.

L4L v6 Online Course

What if I can’t see the L4L course in D2L?
If you can’t see “Laptops 4 Learning v6” in your course drop-down menu, it means you are not enrolled in the course, either because you are not eligible OR because you have not yet been enrolled. Course enrollments for eligible employees are on a rolling basis.
Will the system save my progress?
Yes. If you log out and log back in later on a different (or the same) device, the system should save your progress.
I am in the L4L course. How do I find the sign-up form for swap/pick-up?
The registration form is at the end of Module 5. It will become visible once you complete each individual quiz in Modules 1-4 with a score of 100% on each quiz. If you are at the end of Module 5 but still do not see the form, make sure you are in the Chrome browser and logged in only to your BPS Google account, with no other accounts logged in.
I’m in Module 5 L4L Sign-Up page, but the Google Form is not loading.
Please use a Google Chrome browser. Make sure you are logged into ONLY your BPS Google account and logged out of all other Google accounts. Alternatively, you can open a new Incognito window (go to File > New Incognito Window), log into your BPS Google account, and navigate to the L4L course and form.

L4L Program and Devices

What do I do if my L4L breaks or is malfunctioning?
Please contact the BPSTechnology Service Desk at 617-635-9200. The Service Desk will help diagnose the issue and advise you on next steps. Please report accidental damages promptly, as L4L devices are under warranty and they are repaired at no cost to you or the district. 
What do I do if my L4L is lost or stolen?
If the laptop is lost, stolen, or damaged while on or off school property, the incident must be reported within 24hrs to the Principal/Headmaster, local police, BPS Safety Services, and BPSTechnology (OIIT) at 617-635-9200. If it is stolen outside of school, please file a report with the local police and notify BPSTechnology (OIIT) at 617-635-9200.
Can I keep using my current L4L? It still works fine!
No. The L4L program is on a 3-year cycle due to warranty policies. The v5 laptops are no longer under warranty. 
Can I purchase my current L4L?
Unfortunately not; all laptops have to be swapped at the end of their life cycle for two reasons:

1) L4L laptops are collected and sold to a third party after their life cycle. Any time BPS property is sold, the sale has to follow State law by soliciting bids and selecting the highest bidder. We are not allowed to sell directly to employees, students, etc.
2) Our current laptops have licenses that are the property of the BPS and cannot be transferred to an individual. Collecting the current L4Ls is required so that we can remove the licenses from the laptops before they are re-sold.

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