Learning

FAQ's

Q How can laptops improve learning?

As noted on the Welcome section of this website there is a significant body of research that indicates that student learning is positively affected by ubiquitous computer access. Furthermore, student-centered learning, clearly aligned with standards and ongoing assessment, is at the core of what MIS believes is essential good practice.

Q How will the laptops be used in the classroom?

Our focus is on providing students and teachers with a learning environment that enables all learners to access the curriculum and learning resources and develop a deeper understanding of their own learning during their time at MIS. The recently updated ISTE Standards show the importance of technology as a thread for tying learning together. Therefore, laptops will be used by students to research, create, synthesize, analyze and communicate. Students will use modern technologies to help them make abstract concepts concrete and demonstrate their understanding and knowledge of and real world application of the MIS curriculum.

Q Will the laptops enable a rise in student achievement?

As noted above, the introduction of laptops at MIS is more of an evolutionary step than a revolutionary one. We are not moving from “no computer access” to “computer access for all,” for example. Many of the benefits of student-used computers have already been gradually integrated into the curriculum. We believe we are at the stage at MIS of being able to leverage those existing benefits to enable students to gain a deeper and richer experience with learning. By combining this ubiquitous technology access with refined teaching and learning practices, we are confident our students will benefit.

Q Will students use other resources for learning?

Teachers routinely select from a wide range of resources when planning and teaching. They will continue to use both print and electronic media with their classes. The computers will broaden the available selection.

Q How will the laptops affect things like student handwriting and the reading of books?

Students will continue to learn and use handwriting, as before. The use of technology as an appropriate tool for learning does not imply a competition with traditional core learning values. If anything, as students learn more about information literacy and the value of selected, filtered knowledge, books will become even more valuable to their learning.

Q How will students learn information literacy skills?

MIS had identified both information literacy and technology standards for students. Librarians and technology facilitators work closely with teachers to incorporate these skills into the curriculum. Students are increasingly using computers outside of school. By adopting this program we are committed to improving student understanding of how to use technology more appropriately and wisely, particularly when it comes to selecting and filtering online information.

Q Will students use computers “too much” for schoolwork?

As noted above, the goal of this initiative is to reach an appropriate balance of using traditional and digital learning tools. This balance will be the foundation of the learning culture we hope to create, in terms of appropriate computer use at school, during free periods, and at home. Overall, we want to shift students’ perceptions of computers from “toys” to “tools” that can serve them now and in the future. As part of our programme we will actively actively teach students strategies for managing the multitude of distractions available in the online world.

Q How will MIS evaluate the program?

There are two aspects to the evaluation of the 1:1 program. The first aspect will be to evaluate the implementation and logistical aspects of the programme. This will include online tracking of repair times, surveys of staff, students and parents, and collecting usage logs and focus group discussions to determine areas for possible growth. The second, and more important aspect, will be how the digital tools are enhancing student learning. This process will go hand in hand with identifying student learning needs and effective classroom practice.

Q What are some addition resources I can review?

Anytime, Anywhere Learning Foundation

Maine International Center for Digital Learning

Q Who owns the laptops?

The MacBooks are owned by MIS and issued to students through the MIS Contemporary Learning Initiative. To ensure proper use all students and parents must read and sign the Laptop User Agreement

Q Why don’t students buy the laptops themselves?

As we all have experienced, bringing the benefits of technology to schools is challenging. By standardizing on one computer, software package and point of management MIS decreases the technical and logistical variables so that it can concentrate on the educational opportunities.

Q Can a student use a different laptop that they already own?

It is clear through the research on 1:1 programs that the most successful implementations ensure a standard computer is used on campus. Therefore, MIS will not support non-school issued laptops on campus. These computers will not be given network access, receive support from the help desk, or be provided with the MIS software package.

Q How often will laptops be used?

At MIS we believe that the increasing amount of and ease of access to content in digital form increases, not decreases, the vitally important role of the classroom teacher. Teachers will clearly delineate when laptops will be used in class and when other technologies, such as paper and pencil, will be used. Therefore, the use of the laptop will vary on a day by day and period by period basis. One of the biggest benefits of well implemented 1:1 programs is that teachers and students can continue their writing, creating, synthesizing, etc. outside of the classroom with full confidence that the necessary tools are available and can be used. This allows the teacher to design their students’ learning experiences that the digital tools required are available anywhere, anytime.

Q Does the student keep the computer during vacation?

Students in all grades will keep their laptops during the entire school year, but will return the computer to MIS during the last week of school. The MIS Tech Team will use the summer break to ensure all MacBooks are ready for the following school year. Students transitioning from grade 11 to grade 12 will have the opportunity to keep their laptop over the summer to continue their Diploma Programme work. Students in all grades will keep their MIS issued MacBooks during all other school vacations.

Q Where will students be able to use their laptops?

It is easier to say where students will not be able to use their laptops.
Students will not be allowed to use their computers in the cafeteria.
During Middle School lunch students will only be able to use their machines in the ‘Fruit for Lunch’ room.

Q What happens if a student leaves the laptop at home?

It is the responsibility of students to be prepared for school and bringing their laptop to school is part of this responsibility. Just as MIS expects students currently to bring text books, pencils, calculators, etc. to class, we will also expect the students to bring their laptop to school and class.

Q What about batteries? Will students “plug in” in the classrooms?

It is the responsibility of the students to arrive on campus with their laptop fully charged. Students will be shown how to maximize laptop battery life. Students are expected to leave their battery chargers at home and charge their batteries over night.

Q What about inappropriate uses of the laptops?

Students need to respect the laptops as school-owned computers. They will be allowed some leeway to personalize the computers (in terms of software interface and pictures), but students may not apply exterior stickers or labels. Students will also be held accountable for all other inappropriate uses (of the Internet, our network, and copyrighted software) as listed in the MIS Computer Use Policy in the Handbook.