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Notre Dame Elementary and Middle School
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One-to-One Technology Initiative

NDES One-to-One Technology Initiative

The Project

Notre Dame Elementary School seeks to purchase 144 Tablet PCs for use by 7th and 8th graders for the 2016-17 academic year. The estimated cost of the project is $134,000. This includes the tablets, 6 powered storage carts, and budgeted repair costs.

Purpose

Tablet PCs make possible the implementation of a 1:1 technology program a reality for our junior high students utilizing market leading technology. As such, they will have the capacity for seamless, online collaboration with their peers and teachers in a virtual classroom space. While the students are being challenged, across the curriculum, with a 21st century learning experience, they will also acquire skills and knowledge to prepare for high school and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1.Why is NDES earmarking this project as immediate and urgent for the junior high classes?
  • From observation, experience, and research, we know that children today live and learn in a digital environment. Tablet PCs bring learning directly to the classroom.
  • The implementation of 1:1 technology solidifies NDES’ positions as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence1:1 technology provides excellent preparation for high school and college.
  • With this new opportunity, teachers will implement innovative instructional methods to address contemporary learning modes for junior high students.
  • A dedicated device will increase the productivity of students and limit interruptions in learning.
  • The regular use of technology supports a sustainable environment by replacing multiple binders and papers.

2. Students at NDES have access to iPads and other tablets already. What type of “tablet” will be purchased for the junior high?
  • Tablet PCs are true computing devices and are suitable for creating documents and taking notes, graphing data, research, and composing presentations. Ipads do not offer these options in the same way.
  • When used in conjunction with platforms such as Microsoft Office 365 or Google Apps, Tablet PCs have the potential to create documents that can be shared. In this way, true collaboration occurs between student-to-student and teacher-student.
  • The 1:1 Tablet PC program frees the school’s iPads for K-6 students where their use is educationally more appropriate.
3. What new opportunities will the junior high students experience?
  • Most importantly, the students will fully utilize Microsoft Office suite and other online collaborative programs, thus diminishing their current frustration with access to these programs.
  • Students will receive immediate feedback on assignments.
  • Students will have the capacity to type/handwrite notes, capture webpages, record audio/video clips and embed spreadsheets into their notes.
4. How will this new technology be maintained, and what is the replacement plan for students who are two or more years from junior high?
  • The initial $124,800 includes the purchase and maintenance of the devices for the first year.
  • Using national averages, maintenance is estimated to be $4-5K per year.
  • The replacement cycle is planned for 3-5 years. In year three, the devices in 8th grade will move to 6th Grade and new devices will be purchased for their replacement utilizing Auxiliary Funds/funds raised from NDPA events.
5. Will students take the tablet home?
  • The short answer is “no.” The breakage rate for take home tablet devices is 10 -15%, mainly happening during transport. If kept in the classroom, tablets will be docked, charged and protected. However, documents created at school using the tablet device will be available to the students at home by logging into their Office 365 account and other platforms from home.
6. In what specific ways will math, science, religion, English and social studies teachers will incorporate tablets into their instruction that would improve learning at NDES?
  • In religion classes, students will access online components of their textbook and scripture resources, create documents and presentations, and collaborate with classmates on assignments.
  • Online learning systems in math, science and social studies can be accessed during class time. This includes virtual labs, field trips, and interactive activities.
  • In math, students can access textbooks and homework in collaborative learning groups. eTools enhance geometry and algebra studies.
  • In English/Language Arts, students can work together on written assignments and view each other’s work in real time.
7. What is the plan for in-serving teachers to make the most of 1:1 technology?
  • In-service of junior-high faculty begins May, 2016 and continues with in-depth training prior to the opening of the academic year.
  • The large group in-service sessions will be followed up by grade band sessions.
  • Assessment of the success of the 1:1 program will be accomplished through classroom observations by administrators throughout the year.
8. If the goal is not fully met by June 30, 2016, what is your alternate plan?
  • We are optimistic that we will reach our goal. As of February 15, 2016, $35,000 has been committed to this goal.
  • The program will be scaled back to 8th grade only. Sharing devices is not a suitable solution.
9. Are there other capital projects the school is considering in the coming year to which I can contribute?
  • Yes, NDES is considering upgrades in the school dining room. Among these, we hope to replace tables and chairs. Funding is needed for this project.