Technology

CA 1 to 1 Student Computer Program

 

For the upcoming 2011-2012 school year, Clarksville Academy will be implementing a, one student to one computer, program for students in grades 9 thru 12. This decision by the Board of Trustees, Administration, and Technology Department was made to enhance learning by allowing students to have wireless access, across campus, for learning anywhere, anytime.

In 2008, CA issued mobile computers to faculty and staff. This has proven to be a valuable and necessary resource for educating our student body. Along with the purchase of faculty computers, a campus-wide wireless network was created. These pieces of technology, along with other infrastructure components, will lay the foundation for student computers at Clarksville Academy.

Today’s students are both comfortable and eager to use technology in daily activities; therefore, weaving these generational attributes into the classroom is a natural progression for educating students in preparation for college.

This isn’t your Grandmother’s School Supply List!

This year 9-12th grade students will no longer purchase binders, pencils, etc but will focus on flash drives, external hard drives, apps and e-learning resources. Each computer comes loaded with school provided software. Each part of this software and its features will be fully explained to all staff and students. A change is coming to CA and we want your student to be ready for it.

 

 

The Commitment to Educate with Technology

Computer assisted learning will benefit Clarksville Academy students in a variety of ways:

• Every 9^th-12^th grade student will have a standard, streamlined computer, customized to meet the needs of a college-preparatory student
• The access and availability of learning is expanded
• Learning environments are created in a variety of settings
• Student interaction with each other and teachers are enhanced, and more efficient
• The consistency of information from teachers and administration is streamlined for all students equally
• Students have immediate access to endless, current resources for learning
• Students who miss class will receive classroom information and feedback from teachers in a prompt fashion
• Students are exposed to critical thinking and research skills in a cross-curricular format
• Students are already familiar with technology, making it a necessary tool for educating in a relevant manner

Uses for Student Computers

Each classroom teacher will utilize the student computers differently, given the subject matter. The goal is that a student computer will expand learning in a reasonable and relevant format.

Example classroom use of student computers:

• Note taking for class
• Essay/report writing and correction in real-time
• Internet research
• E-texts and online supplemental materials for class
• Electronic communication
• Visual and multimedia lectures and presentations

Summer Orientation for Students

Students will receive their student computers during the summer. A two-hour orientation will be scheduled for groups of students to cover various issues including: familiarity, backing up data, proper use, email account administration, care, and maintenance. Every student is required to attend the orientation session with a parent. Also, each student and parent is required to sign the CA Responsible Use Policy at the conclusion of the orientation. Make-up sessions can be scheduled if necessary.

Grade-Level Computer Usage

Clarksville Academy uses a tiered-exposure approach to technology. This gradual exposure allows for age-appropriate learning which is both reasonable and relevant for each grade level.

All grade levels

• wireless internet
• access printing
• capabilities projectors in every classroom

Grades Pre-K thru 5^th

• Mobile Computer Cart access allowing whole-classroom use
• Computer Lab enrichment each week

Grades 6, 7, and 8

• Mobile Computer Carts allowing whole-classroom use
• Technology Enrichment Classes

Grades 9 thru 12

• 1 to 1 computing is standard for every student
• Computers can be used at home, school, anytime, to include the summer and all breaks

Content Filtering

The CA computer network does employ a network-based content filter that blocks social networking sites and inappropriate websites while students are at school. It is important to point out this filter is not in effect when students are not on campus. The content filtering on campus is adequate, but it is not perfect. Tech savvy students can often bypass filters. Please don’t depend upon it as a 100% solution to the problem of inappropriate content on the internet.

Also, CA encourages open-lines of computer at home with regard to inappropriate content and proper use. The CA Technology Department can give suggestions on content filtering software for home use.

Clarksville Academy Designed Equipment

Each 9^th-12^th family will be required to participate in the designated Clarksville Academy designed computer program. It is imperative that each student have the same equipment for training, school network compatibility, security, school virus protection, teacher utilization and classroom interaction in this program. Many other aspects of the program such as warranty, protective sleeve, necessary software, loaner machines, damage protection, and on-site helpdesk and repairs will be available for the computer issued through CA.

The fee remains to be determined due to the ongoing selection process of the equipment. It is anticipated that the 1 to 1 Student Computer Laptop fee will be payable as an annual supply fee or may be paid monthly.