Beginning in 2012, Mother of God implemented a student “One-to-One” computing initiative for middle school students. The program has been expanded into two phases. Students in third through fifth grade have access to a device that will continue to belong to the school after they transition into middle school. Our sixth through eighth grade students pay an additional fee that allows a graduating eighth grader to keep their device.
The one-to-one device program means that each student will have access to a device instead of sharing carts of devices or utilizing a computer lab. This enables students to have access to online programs, email, homework assignments, multi-media content, and more – not only during computer class but throughout the day.
The first effort involved Windows laptops for students and teachers. Students began using Windows 7, Microsoft Office 2010, and the Chrome Internet Browser to do their work in the classroom.
In 2016, student devices were upgraded to HP Chomebook Education units. Chromebooks are much lighter than laptops, they have longer battery life, and are virtually immune to viruses and malware. The HP Education Chromebooks have round rubber edges and scratch-resistant cases to make them durable and reliable.
In 2017 we began purchasing HP Chromebooks with touch-screens. Touch-screens are more intuitive for the youngest students as they work to learn how to use a mouse and keyboard.
Our Chromebooks are managed with GoGuardian Chromebook Management Software GoGuardian allows teachers and school staff to monitor student Chromebooks as they are used, protect students from inappropriate content, and help students to use Chromebooks more efficiently.
Chromebooks integrate seemlessly with Google Apps for Education-now called G-Suite-, our school email, and shared document system. With the aide of Google Classroom and G-Suite, student and teachers can communicate, share files, assign and complete homework assignments, and much more.
Mother of God School administration and faculty understands the intricate balance needed when using screens or electronic devices. Students need to be exposed to material and engage with learning through many modalities and not just with technology to truly achieve mastery. It is the goal to both effectively utilize safer technology and also learn through other techniques away from screens and devices.