Mission of the Technology Department
St. Michael High School prides itself on an innovative Technology Department offering courses that range from Basic Computer Literacy, to Advanced Programming and Computer Architecture. Our Mission is "to provide students and teachers the resources needed to integrate technology into the educational process." By accomplishing the mission set forth we will better prepare our students for their future.
Technology Department Goals
- To provide and develop contemporary and innovative courses that maximize opportunities for students from a range of backgrounds.
- To provide a supportive and stimulating learning environment in which students achieve their academic potential.
- To extend students' knowledge, experience and skills, thereby developing competence.
- To give students experience relevant to industry and a set of skills that enhances their employment and postgraduate study opportunities
- To make sure the proper equipment needed to meet these goals is provided to the teachers and students.
1:1 Student Tablet Program
Our school utilizes a fully implemented 1:1 Student Tablet Program, where each student has their own tablet and a multi-touch technology to use 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In classes, note-taking, organization of information, collaboration, problem solving, research and projects are done on the computers in a nearly paperless environment. Students have instantaneous web access for research and educational supplements and are able to easily create multi-media projects and assignments.
Q: Why was a 1:1 technology program implemented at St. Michael?
A: SMHS began studying a 1:1 technology program in 2014. The program was implemented to integrate technology into the curriculum in order to prepare our students for college and beyond. Our mission is to better equip our students with skills necessary for success in life and in their careers. This initiative also aims to teach students 21st century skills such as problem-solving, global awareness, critical thinking, collaboration and communication skills. The tablet program supports our curriculum shift in which the teacher becomes more of a guide in the classroom, while allowing students to be more engaged and take ownership of their learning. As technology continues to evolve, St. Michael is committed to ensuring that our students thrive both locally and globally.
Q: What does it mean to have a 1:1 program? How does it differ from other school technology programs?
A: Customarily, school technology programs are limited to the school day and are incorporated at the discretion of the teacher. In a 1:1 program, each student has a tablet computer to use 24/7. In classes, note-taking, organization of information, collaboration, research and projects are done on computers in a nearly paperless environment. Students have instantaneous web access for research and educational supplements and are able to easily create multi-media projects and assignments. The focus of education at St. Michael has changed—we have moved to more of a student-centered learning environment in which students create and evaluate information as opposed to simply receiving information from their teacher.
Q: What does the technology fee pay for?
A: A technology fee is charged yearly to each student that helps to fund the technology program at St. Michael. The fee helps to fund the following: • Purchase of the tablet PCs • Educational software licensing, both general and content specific, as well as classroom management software • Provide professional development opportunities to assist teachers in their technology integration • Internet connectivity • Additional staffing • On-site Help Desk and repair facility • Protective cases • Accidental Protection Policy
Q: What type of computer do students at St. Michael use?
A: St. Michael students are currently using Dell Latitude 7420.
Q: Does the school own the Tablet PCs?
A: Yes. St. Michael High School owns the PCs. They are on loan to the students. Since St. Michael owns them, we can legally install our educationally priced software on them.
Q: Are the students trained to use the tablet, and how much computer literacy is required for admission into the 1:1 program?
A: Basic computer knowledge and keyboarding skills are assumed of incoming students. The feeder schools do integrate technology into their curriculums, and most students have the skills needed to succeed. That said, students who need special assistance will receive the technological skills they need for success. All students receive extensive tablet training at the start of the school year.
Q: Can students install their own software and games on the Tablet PC?
A: Yes. Students can install home printer drivers and other legally purchased or download appropriate software. A valid software license is always required. The Tablet PC is school owned and students must not store illegal or inappropriate materials on it. Students who breach this policy may incur serious consequences. In addition, no software may be installed that interferes with the St. Michael network, which includes but is not limited to virtual machines, and/or additional operating systems (MAC, Ubuntu, etc.). Users are also not allowed to remove software that was originally installed by the school. Students need to be aware that the Help Desk staff will re-image these computers each summer and possibly at other times if there is a hardware failure. They will be restored to the original image and any student-installed products will be the responsibility of the student.
Q: What happens if my child’s tablet is lost or stolen?
A:It is strongly recommended that families provide coverage for the tablet in case of lost or theft. Parents are encouraged to contact their homeowners’ insurance companies to see if the tablet would be covered. Otherwise, tablet insurance is available through Student Insurance Partners at http://www.studentinsurancepartners.com. Replacement cost for the tablet and software is $2,000.
Q: What happens if my child’s tablet is damaged or malfunctions? A: If a student's computer malfunctions, they should go to St. Michael's Help Desk as soon as possible. If the issue is not able to be resolved immediately, your child will be temporarily issued a loaner computer. The student will receive an email from the Helpdesk when the computer has been repaired.
