IND launches One-to-One Tablet PC Program

As a sponsored institution of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, the Institute of Notre Dame continues the SSND tradition of transforming the world through education in a special way with the Learning for the 21st Century Technology Plan. This plan, which received funding from generous foundations, creates a one-to-one student computing environment with the One-to-One Student Tablet PC Program beginning in the fall of 2009.

ONE STUDENT: ONE COMPUTER
WHAT TO EXPECT
BENEFITS OF 1:1 COMPUTING
BENEFITS OF SCHOOL OWNERSHIP

ONE STUDENT: ONE COMPUTER
IND’s one-to-one (1:1) program is designed to prepare each young woman to realize her potential in a digital age. By providing each student with her own tablet PC, IND ensures that technology is an affordable, accessible, and indispensible educational tool for every student. Through the careful integration of technology across the curriculum, IND creates a learning environment that is more individualized and tailored to each student’s needs, is more engaging, and is a more authentic representation of the real world of college, career, and life.

During the program, each student creates an electronic portfolio, or e-portfolio, which includes a comprehensive collection of her work compiled throughout her high school experience. The e-portfolio demonstrates the student’s application of concepts learned through her coursework and illustrates her ability to integrate technology across all subject areas.

WHAT TO EXPECT
IND’s 1:1 program provides a new, school-owned tablet PC to every student freshman year for use at school and home. The school maintains a safe, state-of-the-art wireless network for ready access to the Internet and on-line educational resources, the latest software programs, and provides training and support to students, faculty, and parents. To manage costs, ensure equitable access for all students, and provide convenient on-site technical support, families pay a modest annual technology fee. Upon graduation, an affordable buy-out plan gives parents the option to purchase their daughters’ respective tablet PC.

BENEFITS OF 1:1 COMPUTING
Equitable Access. All students have 24/7 access to industry-standard computer hardware and software.

Connectivity and Portability. Learning expands beyond the borders of the traditional classroom via the Internet through wireless connectivity. With portable tablet PCs, students remain connected at home to complete homework assignments.

Productivity and Efficiency. Teachers and students increase productivity and efficiency using software to complete daily assignments and, in the process, gain transferable technology skills.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving. Integrating technology into teaching and learning develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills as rote learning and memorization are replaced with learning tasks that require a greater level of inquiry.

Communication. Students, teachers and parents, who communicate using e-mail, class web sites and on-line grade reporting, further strengthen homeschool connections.

Responsibility and Ethical Use. Students learn through direct experience and specific training about the importance of responsible and ethical technology use and the repercussions of misuse, while preparing to participate in the professional world.

Collaboration. Greater connectivity leads to more
collaborative work in and out of school.

BENEFITS OF SCHOOL OWNERSHIP
No Lump-Sum Expense. The cost is spread out over four years and is, therefore, more economical for many families.

On-Site Technical Support—A Help Desk. Parents say the Help Desk is an invaluable resource. Parents do not have to worry about how to fix a technical problem—the student simply brings the tablet PC to the Help Desk. If the tablet PC needs to be retained for repair, the loaner program ensures no student is left without a computer, except in instances of extreme negligence on the part of the student.

Latest Software. The school has access to the latest software at deep discounts. With the school retaining ownership, it realizes additional cost-savings on software by purchasing multiple-user site licenses.

More importantly, the school determines which programs are used and ensures that all students have access to the necessary software.

Top-of-the-Line Hardware. The students receive a high-performance business-grade machine with the latest software that remains an effective tool for four years with extended warranty coverage.

The Tablet PC as a Learning Tool. The school, which owns the computers, can manage and monitor use of the tablet PC as a learning tool while creating a respectful learning environment.