Technology at ISB FAQ
What is a Tablet PC?
Students in grades 3-12 use tablet PC’s rather than traditional tablets. The ISB tablet pc’s are convertible tablets – that is they function as a normal tablet but can have their monitors swiveled around and lain flat in order to allow a student to write on the screen with the included ‘pen’. Once a tablet is in ‘tablet mode’ it can be written on in the same way as a sheet of paper.
How does the program work?
The tablets are prepared over the summer for each grade level and program information is sent out to parents. High School students receive tablets during a grade level orientation session in which they learn about how to appropriately use them. Middle School students have a couple of weeks to adjust to the school year before tablets are passed out in orientation sessions for each grade level. Before receiving a tablet, both students and parents sign an ISB Responsible Use of Technology Contract. There are information sessions for parents multiple times a year. For students arriving mid-school year, they will be shown how to use the tablets and given their username and password on their first morning at school.
How often are tablets used?
The tablets are a tool to support learning. Teachers will determine the times when using the tablet is appropriate for a task. Thus, technology is only used when and where appropriate – in situations where it enhances and extends the learning process.
Do teachers have tablets?
All teachers have tablets.
What training do teachers receive?
The Faculty already has had a great deal of training using technology to improve student learning. When they receive their tablets, they have sessions on the technical aspects of the machines. Professional development courses in integrating educational technology are ongoing. New teachers receive particular attention and are required to attend a one-week technology institute course for teachers at the start of the school year.
Where can students use their tablets?
The entire ISB campus is set up for wireless internet access. However, students will not be allowed to use their tablets in the cafeteria during lunch time. It is also forbidden for students to bring them to the PE changing rooms, or leave them lying around the school unsupervised. For full details on what is acceptable use, review your ISB responsible use of technology agreement and student handbook, both of which can be found on blackboard.
How does each grade level use tablets?
Up through grade 4, tablets are used in a two to one ratio. Beginning in fifth grade, each student has an individual tablet. Fifth grade students must leave their tablets at school each day, and sixth grade students may take their tablets home beginning in January. From 7th through 12th grade all students may take home tablets assuming they have not violated the computer usage policy.
What about inappropriate uses of the tablets?
Students need to respect the tablets 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 ISB Computer Use Policy in the Handbook.
What types of computers are used?
Different computers are used in each of the divisions of the school. ECC students currently use HP nc6320 tablets, ES students use HP tc4400 tablet pcs, and MS/HS students use Dell Latitude XT tablet pc’s. There are computer labs equipped with docking stations within each division of the school.
Is the tablet intended to be used mostly in class or at home or both?
The tablet is used both in class and at home. Grades 7-12 (and the second semester of 6th) bring home their tablets each day. In class a student can use a tablet to take notes, work on a project, or engage in an activity the teacher has planned. At home the tablet can be used to work on homework, obtain assignments from blackboard, and other general activities. Parents are free to restrict tablet use at home if they see fit, and each family decides how they will use it.
How is computer activity is monitored or restricted by ISB?
All internet at ISB is filtered through a proxy server, which restricts access to inappropriate sites as well as some sites which are deemed
distracting. In addition, the IT department has logs of all activity on the tablet.
About what percentage of the time do students use their tablets in class?
This is dependent on the student, the teacher, and the class. Some classes may use the tablet virtually 100% of the time, while in others it may be used only on rare occasions.
