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The Tech
21 Initiative
For this school year (2011-2012) parents whose children are in the Tech
21 Initiative at the eighth, ninth and tenth grade levels
will procure or purchase a netbook or laptop for their
sons and daughters to use at school and at home on
a daily basis. Teachers of these students will be integrating technology into
their curriculum on a daily basis and meeting
weekly to ensure that the students are learning
the higher level thinking skills that are
necessary for 21st century living.
For next
school year, (2012-2013) parents whose children are at the sixth
through twelfth grade levels will be
included in the Tech 21 Initiative.
Tech 21 students will continue to use their
computer to extend their learning at school and at
home with the use of this powerful tool
throughout the rest of their careers at DuBois
Area Catholic School.
If you cannot afford to purchase a netbook or
laptop for your child, please contact the
school.
For the school year 2011-2012, we have expanded
this initiative to encompass the Elementary by
purchasing iPads through generous donations.
Educationally Sound
Research has found that children who have participated in a 1:1 computing
experience have experienced a notable increase in
self-esteem, motivation, writing and editing
skills, team building skills, problem solving
abilities, and Internet research capabilities.
Other School Technology
Teachers will be equipped with netbooks,
projectors, and a variety of digital programs.
Textbooks will be used online in many cases.
Students at upper levels will be able to enroll in
virtual courses in the future that enrich and expand our
curriculum.
Recommended Netbook Specifications
Most netbooks that are available today are
adequate for the type of work students do on a
daily basis. They are inexpensive technology
starting at under $300. We recommend that the
following specifications:
-
Windows 7 Starter Operating System
-
2 GB RAM
-
250 GB Hard Drive
-
6 cell lithium battery (about 8 hours of
battery life)
A netbook is highly recommended for it's
portability, battery life, and budget. However
the screen is smaller and the processing power
is less than a standard laptop. This may slow
down tasks such as video editing or large
graphic editing. These are perfectly fine for
word processing, email, and internet use.
Your child may also choose to bring in a laptop
they may already own.
Recommended Laptop Specifications
Specifications for a larger laptops are similar
to the netbook, however please know that the
battery life is significantly less. You may
consider purchasing an additional charger in
order to keep one at home and one at school.
*Please
label any equipment and accessories with child's
name.
Recommended Software
Most new computers come with all the software
necessary for school use. It is recommended that
you have some type of word processing software
such as Microsoft Works or Microsoft Office. You
can also download the free Open Office from
Microsoft. Please be sure you have the following
software up to date:
Computer Resource Support
Students will receive an orientation to the
project at the beginning of the school year.
The ultimate responsibility for the equipment
belongs to the students. All major problems
will need to be addressed outside the school.
School technology staff will aid students with
basic technology questions and problems. Additionally, student interns will provide network and technology
support to students and staff.
Planning for the Future
We are certain that the merging of
education and netbooks or laptops will be
enriching, rewarding, and meaningful for students,
parents, and teachers. The
everyday use of technology in and out of
the classroom will make
instruction more personal for students, and help
to prepare them for a highly-technical, global
society. The world is
changing faster than ever before.
Having access to a netbook or laptop at
school helps to bridge the gap between the way
students live at home and the way they learn at
school. Teachers are able to
teach students to use technology in ways that help
them learn, allow them to collaborate with others,
and are safe.
Employers need very different skills now than in the past.
They’ll be looking for the most competent,
most creative, and the most innovative people.
Today’s students need to be inspired to
become creative problem solvers and intellectual
risk takers so that they are prepared for their
futures. Having full time
access to a personal netbook or laptop as a
learning tool gives students a solid foundation
for informational literacy, which can be applied
to any learning situation in the future.
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