Technology

TECHNOLOGY USE POLICIES

SAS students use computer applications in endeavors from physics simulations to art installations. The school encourages familiarity with the G Suite for Education applications (Gmail, Docs, Drive, Slides, and Sheets) as well as discipline-appropriate applications such as Fathom  in Math classes or Duolingo in Language courses. Students have access to school-owned Windows computers in the Agee Library and to Apple iMacs in the Tech Lab. The school's student information system, CORE, allows students and families ready access, including mobile access, to homework assignments, class schedules, directories, and other information. High-speed Internet access is available across campus. A firewall provides appropriate filtering of web content, viruses, and junk email.

Classroom Technology

Classroom technology includes Promethean Activ boards or Epson BrightLink interactive projectors and Chromebook carts which may be reserved by any teacher for classroom use. Middle School students enjoy a 1:1 Chromebook program. Students learn to use word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and graphics software as well as class-specific applications such as Fathom (math) and Logger Pro (physics).

Middle School 1:1 Chromebook Program

As digital citizens, we expect that today’s students will be familiar and comfortable with a variety of computing devices. Increased access to devices and the internet means that teachers have more flexibility when using various technologies and devices in their classrooms. SAS has met this expectation, in part, by implementing a 1:1 program to provide a school-owned Chromebook to each middle school student. It is our goal that a student entering high school would know both how to use a computing device for learning and be able to choose the type of device most suited for their particular needs. Middle School students should not bring their own Chromebook or laptop to campus. 

Upper School BYOT Expectations

Beginning in Fall 2019, Upper School students are expected to “Bring Your Own Technology” (BYOT). Upper School students will be responsible for providing their own devices, compatible with G Suite for school.

Minimum Hardware Requirements

The minimum hardware requirement for an Upper School student at St. Andrew’s-Sewanee is a computer that can run the Google Chrome browser. For many students, the most cost-effective way to meet that requirement is a Google Chromebook.

A wide variety of Chromebooks are available with a range of price points. SAS requirements are minimal, and families will find multiple reasonably priced models. Chromebooks operate efficiently, and it is not necessary to purchase expensive devices. 

• 11” display
• 4GB Ram
• 32GB eMMC storage
• Built in camera/webcam
• 802.11ac Wi-fi is recommended. 802.11g is a minimum
• Minimum 5 hours battery life.
• Support for Android is not required but is recommended.
• Ruggedized models are recommended.

Models in the Chromebook class change frequently. Some appropriate models available at the time of this writing are:

ASUS Chromebook Flip C213SA-YS02 11.6 inch Ruggedized - $317 at Amazon
Samsung 11.6" Chromebook with Intel N3060 -- $192 at Amazon
Windows or MacOS laptops are acceptable, but generally have a higher purchase cost. The following system specifications are recommended:

• Current antivirus software installed and enabled.
• The Google Chrome browser must be installed and operable.
• Minimum 8GB Ram is recommended.
• Minimum 128GB hard disk/SSD is recommended.
• 802.11ac Wi-Fi is recommended. 802.11g is a minimum.

Apple iPads are generally not sufficient for classroom requirements.

Expectations for Student BYOT Devices

Technology can be used to enhance classroom instruction and student learning. Students are expected to have their devices available every day. Technology use during instructional time is at the discretion of the classroom teacher. Devices must be charged and ready for use. If a student forgets the device at home, there may be a loaner available for short term use. Loaners are assigned at the discretion of the teacher and are very limited in availability. Teachers may elect to assign a consequence to students who arrive to class unprepared.

Support for BYOT Devices

It is the responsibility of the student and his or her family to ensure that their device(s) are in working order. St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School faculty or staff may assist a student in connecting to the school network. However, troubleshooting student-owned devices will be limited to an initial assessment to help provide direction to the student in resolving the issues. Direction may include a recommendation of local repair shops. SAS employees will not attempt a repair of student hardware or software.

If a student’s Chromebook is not functional for class, SAS may provide a loaner for temporary use. This is not intended to be a long-term solution to an unusable device, and the student should make appropriate arrangements to repair or replace the device as soon as is possible.

Tech Lab

Our Technology Lab, which may be reserved by any teacher, is equipped with Apple iMacs. The technology lab is available to students 8 a.m.–5 p.m. if a class does not have it reserved. The Agee Library is equipped with Windows desktop computers available for student use.

WiFi

Wireless internet access is available in academic and administrative buildings and the residential houses. A firewall provides appropriate filtering of web content, viruses, and junk email.

Tech-Free Zones

Because we believe in a balance when it comes to tech use, certain community areas on campus, Robinson Dining Hall, McCrory Hall for the Performing Arts, and St. Andrew's Chapel are off-limits for personal technology devices. Students, faculty, and staff are asked to refrain from phone use in these areas. Students in grades 6 and 7 may not have mobile phones visible or in use from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. Classroom access to phones for students in grades 8-12 is determined on a by teacher basis. Some teachers will require that students turn in their phones at the beginning of class while others may welcome technology use. 

Tech Curriculum

IDE8 gives 8th graders the opportunity to pursue yearlong independent research and creative projects with the gentle guidance of faculty members. 

Other Innovation courses include IDE8 and Computing Essentials.