If I purchase a new laptop, will it still be "up to date" / meet specifications when entering 6th?
Yes. While we update the minimum system requirements on a yearly basis, this is for people purchasing new devices for that school year. In general, the lifespan of a laptop is two to three years.
When and how would students be explicitly taught digital citizenship and cyber safety?
The students are currently working on this at all grade levels to various degrees. We follow the ISTE standards for technology use, which contains six standards, including safety and responsible use. Additionally, in grade 5, we are planning to pilot use of the Common Sense Media scope and sequence for more specific benchmarks to address digital citizenship and cyber safety through our curriculum.
Our approach to teaching digital citizenship aligns with the IB PYP approach. Therefore the concepts of ethical, safe, and responsible use of technology are taught within the context of other projects and assignments. For example, the students learn to use their Google accounts, including the “chat” and email functions, in a responsible way, and they apply these skills in doing Unit of Inquiry projects. At the beginning of the year, we will be introducing students to the school's Academic Honesty Policy to support students in their work. When poor choices are made by students (for example, sending an inappropriate email, or sharing of a password), we use these guides for ethical and responsible use of technology and reinforce their skills so they will be better equipped in future decision-making situations. We feel it is critical to lay a solid digital citizenship and cyber safety foundation in a sheltered homeroom environment so our students are equipped with these skills as they enter Middle School.
During our Parent PD session introducing the pilot, one of the parents commented, “I think it would be a safe way to introduce the one-to-one program with a dedicated teacher,” and we agree.
Our approach to teaching digital citizenship aligns with the IB PYP approach. Therefore the concepts of ethical, safe, and responsible use of technology are taught within the context of other projects and assignments. For example, the students learn to use their Google accounts, including the “chat” and email functions, in a responsible way, and they apply these skills in doing Unit of Inquiry projects. At the beginning of the year, we will be introducing students to the school's Academic Honesty Policy to support students in their work. When poor choices are made by students (for example, sending an inappropriate email, or sharing of a password), we use these guides for ethical and responsible use of technology and reinforce their skills so they will be better equipped in future decision-making situations. We feel it is critical to lay a solid digital citizenship and cyber safety foundation in a sheltered homeroom environment so our students are equipped with these skills as they enter Middle School.
During our Parent PD session introducing the pilot, one of the parents commented, “I think it would be a safe way to introduce the one-to-one program with a dedicated teacher,” and we agree.
Can we get a letter and ID number so we can receive student discounts with Apple?
Please contact the Main Office and they will be able to provide you with this documentation.
Does Mr. Lea set up every child's device?
Mr. Lea does not set up devices, though he is happy to speak with parents and help with this. He will be providing training sessions and resources for parents and students to help ensure that the device is configured to the needs students, parents, and school.
What happens when a child's device is 'not working' or 'broken' in class?
When a device is not working, a teacher may try to solve the problem if they are able. If assistance is required the teacher may send the student to Mr. Lea or IT Services. If IT Services is not able to solve the issue, they will try to suggest repair options. If an administrator password is needed, IT Services will contact the parent to explain the situation and obtain the password. Administrator passwords should not be give to your child or sent via an email.
How many hours of computer use per day?
We have not defined this and see it as a solid data collection point during the pilot. However, as an IB school, we promote “balance”, which includes balancing how and when we use technology versus other learning opportunities, such as collaborative projects, traditional reading and writing, and physical activity.
Facebook? Social media? Banned at school?
Many social media sites have age restrictions for children below 13 years of age. We uphold the guidelines that are put forth by these applications. Students will use Google Chat, Weebly, and child-tailored applications, such as Ed Modo in a sheltered classroom environment. Whenever possible, teachers remain administrators and moderators of these activities, and can often pre-screen comments (such as on blogs), or can track usage to handle any issues that arise.
Will the BYOD need to be at school every day?
For teachers to get a sense of the usefulness of students bringing their own devices, it would be helpful for them to know that kids will be bringing the devices on a consistent basis. This will assist us in data collection and determining if the pilot will move into policy the following year.
Is this BYOD or BYOLAPTOP?
We will follow the specifications in the MHS, which indicate a laptop. However, as discussed in the parent coffee, for the term of the pilot we will also allow iPads and add a data collection point on iPads. We encourage you not to buy an iPad for this purpose, however, as they will not meet the MHS specifications the following year.
How is use of BYOD monitored?
We will develop specific data points which will be monitored periodically during the school year to determine the success of the pilot and help us decide whether to move forward with the one-to-one program. Additionally, the teachers will monitor student use of technology in the classroom, and the Principal will monitor the overall development and running of the pilot with the assistance of the Technology Integrator (Brendan Lea).