Infused Education

i.e.

infused education

UMS-Wright Preparatory School 65 Mobile St. Mobile, AL 36607 www.ums-wright.org

Every day UMS-Wright guides students to reach their highest potential in mind, body and spirit through a curriculum that is infused with the best educational practices. As the core of its infused education, UMS-Wright has always believed the most valuable asset in each classroom is the teacher. The textbook does not drive the curriculum, and a device will not drive the curriculum; both are viewed as tools available to the teachers. Critical thinking, thoughtful debate, hands-on activities, collaboration, and much more infuse the education at UMSWright daily. Over time, teachers have infused technology into the education through SMARTboards, clicker response systems, computer labs, and web-enhanced activities. Continuing to enhance the infused education at UMS-Wright, each student will have access to a personal device starting in the 2015-2016 school year. Excitement grows every day as UMSWright continues to prepare students for tomorrow.

A Tradition of Excellence The mission of UMS-Wright has continually been to mold students to their highest potential, preparing them for the challenges of tomorrow.

For over 120 years, University Military

bloom in technology brings along a de-

School, Julius T. Wright School for Girls,

mand for new types of learners. More and

and now UMS-Wright have been leaders in

more careers require workers who are intel-

education. Core values and beliefs, tradi-

lectually flexible and resourceful; superior

tion, and commitment to excellence have

collaborators and master problem solvers

led UMS-Wright to the forefront of college

are desired in the workplace. To create

preparatory education. For decades,

such career leaders, educational institu-

UMS-Wright’s leader-

tions have seen a shift in

ship has molded the

pedagogy over the last

education experi-

few decades. The most

ence to develop stu-

notable changes have

dents into well-

been the introduction of

rounded leaders who

STEM and technology-

are prepared to take

infused classrooms.

on daily challenges.

STEM incorporates multi-

As demands of the

ple subjects’ material

workplace and uni-

with problem solving and

versity requirements have changed over

Students in the 9th grade STEM class create plaques by operating a computer numerical control (CNC) machine.

time, so too has the

critical thinking. This hands-on approach to learning allows students

methodology of education. UMS-Wright

to tackle relevant issues the world faces to-

has always been recognized for its balance

day, while learning how to prepare for the

between traditional values in education

problems of tomorrow. The infusion of tech-

and leading educational strategies. The

nology in the classroom provides students

mission of UMS-Wright has continually

more resources than ever before. Students

been to mold students to their highest po-

now have the ability to collaborate with

tential by preparing them for the chal-

other students regardless of location

lenges of tomorrow.

which promotes greater global awareness.

Over the last half century, there has been exponential growth in technology. This

The UMS-Wright administration made the decision in the spring of 2014 to implement a school-wide STEM program by 1

partnering with Pitsco Education. The dy-

ated an electric energy for learning. The

namic relationship that has formed be-

collaborative style of learning teaches stu-

tween UMS-Wright and Pitsco has re-

dents how to work together, and empha-

sulted in one of the Southeast’s premier

sizes teamwork. The hands-on, problem

STEM programs. After only a semester of

solving curriculum prepares students to

implementation, multiple schools from the

think critically when they face issues later

Southeast have come to UMS-Wright to

in their respective careers.

see the STEM program in action. Students from lower school to upper school have engaged in the curriculum, which has cre-

As technology continues to embed itself into the work and personal environment, it

Technological advancements have resulted in countless exciting possibilities within the education profession. Coupled with modern research on student learning, technology provides teachers with more effective means of challenging, engaging, enriching, and remediating students. In fact, both students and teachers experience active learning together when they utilize electronic devices in classrooms.

The device program that UMS-Wright will implement in 2015-16 will have an invigorating effect on teaching and learning at our school. We can’t wait to begin! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Dr. Tony Havard, Headmaster 2

is imperative that the next generation of

curement of the best teachers in the South-

college students and professionals under-

east.

stand how to use technology efficiently, effectively, and responsibly. Now, every career requires the use of technology in some aspect. The best college students and professionals of tomorrow will be the ones who have the ability to apply traditional knowledge, critical thinking and rea-

UMS-Wright will further its infused education (i.e.) in the 2015-16 school year; each student will have access to an electronic device. The following document will provide details regarding the addition to UMSWright’s infused education.

soning skills along with collaborative skills to solve problems. Successful professionals will have mental flexibility as well as the skills to harness effectively the power of technology in any given situation.

The education each student receives at UMS-Wright has always been immersed with the skills needed to be successful.

For years, the outstanding faculty of UMSWright has produced students of the highest caliber by combining traditional pedagogy with collaboration, critical thinking, and reasoning skills. The administration

“Do you remember life without smartphones and access to the Internet? It is amazing to think how much these advances changed our lives. They made life easier, helped us be able to use our time more efficiently, and opened an entire world that was previously inaccessible. I view putting a device in the hands of every student in similar terms. We can only begin to imagine the possibilities.”

Sonya McIlwain UMS-Wright Parent & 4th Grade Teacher

and faculty of UMS-Wright have controlled the blend of technology into the curriculum to keep the balance of proven teaching methods and the emergence of new technologies. Over the past two decades, the leadership of UMS-Wright has refined the education experience to continue to produce excellent young adults. This refinement is attributed to advancements in both curriculum and technology and the pro-

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The Process From the start, the research team was committed to designing a program which would provide the best learning experience for each student.

Eighth grade STEM students discuss with Mr. Napp how changes in air pressure affect the environment.

Several years ago, the UMS-Wright admini-

campus. UMS-Wright first started using a

stration recognized the added value of in-

learning management system in credit re-

fusing technology with curriculum through

covery and individual situations; quickly,

personal devices. In the fall of 2012, UMS-

the potential of a learning management

Wright initiated a bring your own device

system was realized and introduced in the

(BYOD) aspect to the curriculum. The

classroom. The BYOD allowed students ac-

BYOD also further introduced learning

cess to the LMS in the classroom. There

management systems (LMS). A learning

was great benefit in providing students the

management system is an online site that

ability to engage further in the classroom.

teachers maintain and helps with curating

However, there were limitations to the

educational content, collaboration through

BYOD; therefore, the great potential of the

discussion boards and messaging, and as-

LMS could not be reached. Two of the big-

sessments through online quizzes. The

gest limitations of the BYOD were the fol-

LMS is a great tool for teachers because

lowing: not every student had a device and

students can be engaged both on and o-

students brought many dierent devices 4

leading to compatibility issues. These limi-

focal point of discussion. Management ca-

tations made it difficult to utilize fully the

pabilities include ease of imaging, content

school’s learning management system.

filtering and restricting, and scalability.

The administration concluded that each

While management ability was a main fac-

student needed the same device in order

tor, there were other determining factors in

for a learning management system to be

selecting the appropriate platform. UMS-

fully effective in the classroom.

Wright feels that students will have the

In the fall of 2013, the UMS-Wright administration started actively researching the possibility of every student having access to a device. From the start, the research team was committed to designing a program which would provide the best learning experience for each student. The Board of Trustees, administration and faculty members visited schools with successful device pro-

best learning experience “I am so grateful for all the research and development that has been put into this before it was presented to us. We have finally reached a point that our children will be given devices and our tech department will be managing the downloads and updates. This starts our children off each year on the same page and with the same device.”

grams and attended reschools proved to be beneficial by creating great relationships between schools. A main point of discussion was comparing the two major platforms, Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh. One aspect of a great experience with a device is having a well maintained machine.The management capability of each platform became a

Based on extensive research, UMS-Wright continued the process of upgrading its network infrastructure; this upgrade was needed to support a large number of devices on campus. A local company specializing in wireless technology was hired to survey the campus’ wireless Internet capability. The company recom-

Ladye Alford, UMS-Wright Parent

lated conferences. Visiting multiple

with the Apple platform.

mended improvements, primarily wireless access

point locations.

Among the wireless improvements, UMSWright evaluated the classroom furniture based on recommendations of visited schools. The majority of the classroom desks will be replaced in the summer of 2015 to accommodate devices, notebooks and/or books.

5

Why Apple?

UMS-Wright feels strongly that the management capabilities of the operating system are far more important than the device itself.

When UMS-Wright decided to research fur-

vices. Two major operating platforms were

ther the possibility of every student having

considered - Microsoft Windows and Ap-

a device, the administration was careful to

ple Macintosh. Members of the UMS-

select the device that best fit the needs of

Wright research team were experienced

the school and its students. The decision

with Microsoft Windows, one having multi-

was made to evaluate programs at suc-

ple Microsoft certifications. The capabili-

cessful schools, attend conferences re-

ties of Microsoft Windows were well under-

lated to the topics, and gather as much in-

stood by members of the research commit-

formation as possible. For most schools,

tee. The lack of knowledge of the capabili-

the first decision when preparing for such

ties of the Apple Macintosh system, along

a task is deciding on the device. UMS-

with the vast number of successful Apple

Wright feels strongly that the management

device programs, led UMS-Wright to visit

capabilities of the operating system are far

three Apple device schools, two of which

more important than the device itself. To

were Apple Distinguished Schools.

have a successful program, schools must be able to maintain eďŹƒciently working de6

After UMS-Wright visited the first two peer

education was made to the UMS-Wright

schools, members of the committee

administration. The decision was made to

agreed to investigate further the Apple

focus all research efforts toward the Apple

Macintosh product.

product. It was determined

More research into the

that Apple products would

Apple products began

provide UMS-Wright stu-

along with conversa-

dents with the best learning

tions with the local Ap-

experience.

ple representatives. It

The next decision for UMS-

was evident early on that Apple has a strong commitment to education. UMS-Wright’s Apple representative is a former veteran teacher with more than twenty years of experience in the classroom. This commitment to education was never more evident than when Apple invited members of the research committee to Cupertino, California for a presentation and discussion on Apple’s capabilities in the classroom.

Wright was to decide on the “I am so excited about the

type of device for each divi-

computers and iPads! I am

sion of the school. Two types

very excited about the pro-

of devices were considered,

gram and believe it will be a

tablet device and laptop.

great additional resource for

Tablet devices are consid-

our children's education. I

ered content consumption

am thrilled UMS-Wright has

devices, designed for the

chosen Apple products. We

consumption of information,

have had Apple products in

and they have limited con-

our home for several years

tent creation capabilities.

and love them. I feel the re-

Laptop devices are consid-

strictions and set up on the

ered a content creation de-

devices through Apple will be

vice, allowing the user full

safe, appropriate and pro-

range of capabilities in both

mote learning for our chil-

content creation and con-

dren."

sumption.

The majority of presenters were veteran teachers who still have a true

Amanda Roberds, UMS-Wright Parent

grasp of education now and in the future. Upon returning to Mobile, a report of Apple’s commitment to

Apple offers one type of tablet, the iPad. UMS-Wright feels that the iPad will serve grades K4-3rd well as a content consumption device. Apple offers several laptop op-

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tions, and UMS-Wright has chosen the 13” MacBook Air laptop. The MacBook Air is light and thin, protected by an all metal housing, and has a reliable solid-state drive instead of a traditional hard-drive.

The durability of the MacBook Air makes it a popular choice in education.

UMS-Wright also chose Apple be-

cause of the software availability. Apple has its own word processing and presentation software, but more importantly, it allows the use of Microsoft Office Suite as well. UMS-Wright will install Microsoft’s Office programs on the students’ laptops, giving them access to both word processors and presentation software. UMS-Wright’s students will be prepared for college regardless of the individual university’s software and application preferences.

To complete the UMS-Wright experi-

ence, a tech center will be centrally located on campus to meet the technology needs of every student. Modeled after an Apple store, students will bring their device to Technology Department staff for assistance with software or hardware repairs.

Should the device need long term repairs, a loaner device will be issued to the student. Students can transfer files and

Computer renderings of the UMS-Wright Tech Center.

needed software to the loaner device with ease because of the management software available.

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Why School-Leased vs. Parent-Owned?

UMS-Wright exhausted many options for financing the enhancements to its infused education through a device program. Schools all around the country choose to finance such programs in a variety of dierent ways with each school selecting the best option for its respective program and school. At UMS-Wright, two financing options were finalized for debate: school-leased devices versus parent-owned devices. After evaluating and discussing the the two options with parent advisory groups, UMS-Wright will lease the devices which will be issued to each student. UMS-Wright will be able to provide an experience that cannot be matched with parent-owned devices.

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Why School-Leased?

Purchasing Device

UMS-Wright’s Responsibility

P UMS-Wright will order the devices through the Apple Education department.

Parent’s Responsibility

O

P Purchasing Software

All required and optional software will be purchased through a volume purchasing program, giving UMS-Wright discounted prices.

O

P Installing Software

Through a mobile device manager (MDM), the Technology Department can easily install all required software. Optional software may be installed by the student through the Self Service application.

O

P Updating Software

The MDM allows tech administrators to update all software remotely. Students and parents do not have to manage any updates.

O

P Control & Monitoring

The devices will be configured for the optimal educational experience. Settings that could alter this experience will be restricted. Web-content

O

filtering will be provided on all devices.

Maintenance & Repairs

Insurance

P

P

The UMS-Wright Tech Center will serve as a repair location for all devices. Should repairs take more than a few minutes, a loaner device will be issued to the student to minimize time without a device.

Parents are responsible for the repair costs of student related damages.

1st Incident = 25% of repair cost 2nd Incident = 50% of repair cost 3rd Incident = 75% of repair cost 4th Incident = 100% of repair cost

P

P

The technology fee will provide limited insurance for broken, lost or stolen* devices.

Parents are responsible for the cost of replacing a lost or stolen* device.

1st Incident = 50% of replacement cost 2nd Incident = 100% of replacement cost

*UMS-Wright will be responsible for replacing K4-5th grade devices if stolen from secure charging carts.

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Technology Fee The UMS-Wright administration presented these two financing options to several parent advisory groups, and there was overwhelming support for the school lease option. One of the major factors for this decision was the fact that UMS-Wright is not allowed to manage or repair parent-owned devices. In order for the Technology Department to be able to provide this variety of services, UMS-Wright needs to lease the devices. The second major factor was the cost of device and required software should the parent purchase the devices. The value of the device, case, software, and services provided by UMS-Wright is estimated at $1500 for MacBook Airs and $1050 for iPad Air 2. Through educational discounts and software only available to schools, UMS-Wright is able to provide saving not available to non-educational consumers. The infused education technology fee will absorb the previous $75 technology fee and will cover the device, protective case, management software, applications, and insurance. The technology fee will be assessed biannually, in July and January.

Grade Level

Device

Device Goes Home

Annual Technology Fee

K4 - 3rd Grades

iPad Air 2

No

$300

4th & 5th Grades

MacBook Air

No

$350

6th - 12th Grades

MacBook Air

Yes

$400

“We are pleased that UMS-Wright has decided to provide each student with an iPad or MacBook Air laptop through a device program. This will help UMS-Wright and its student body stay in step with the quickly changing field of technology in the academic setting. The school’s decision to also provide and maintain the software will likewise greatly benefit all students and parents. This will ensure all students have the same updated software on a uniform basis, which is essential to making this program a success.”

Ellen & Stephen Harvey, UMS-Wright Parents 11

Distribution Plan The UMS-Wright administration evaluated dierent devices in order to identify which device would best complement the current curriculum. iPads were deemed to be content consumption devices, designed primarily to provide material to the user in various ways. Compared to curriculum, iPads were determined to be a great fit for students in kindergarten through third grade. Each classroom will house an iPadcharging cart where students will pick up

UMS-Wright teachers were issued new MacBook Air laptops during the summer of 2014.

their iPad when directed by the teacher.

These carts will provide a secure location for the iPads after school, as the iPads will

night in the charging carts. During the sec-

stay on campus.

ond semester, fifth grade students will be

Since the amount of research and content creation increases in fourth and fifth grade, the administration felt it was important for students to have more access to content creation devices. Students in the fourth and fifth grades will have access to MacBook Air laptops in each classroom.

Each homeroom will have a laptop-

given limited opportunities to take their device home for homework. This introduction to bringing home the device will be structured and communicated to the parents with prior notice. By the time students are in sixth grade and receive a device full time, students and parents should be accustomed to bringing home their device.

charging cart, and students will pick up

Students in the sixth through twelfth

their laptops every morning. The students

grades will be issued MacBook Air lap-

will maintain their laptops throughout the

tops. The UMS-Wright administration felt

day and return the devices to the carts at

that students would be well served with a

the end of the day when they return to

high-caliber tool such as a MacBook Air

homeroom before dismissal. The laptops

laptop. Students will be able to engage ef-

will remain on campus and charge over

fectively in the learning management sys12

tem, conduct research in each classroom,

various reasons. A Device Participation

and create meaningful content anywhere.

Agreement must be signed before the stu-

Students will be issued their laptops dur-

dent is issued a device; therefore, a parent

ing the summer at a device orientation

must be present at the Meet Your Mac ses-

called “Meet Your Mac.” After devices are

sion or sign the Device Participation Agree-

issued, students may use their device over

ment prior to the Meet Your Mac session.

the summer to complete reading assign-

Limited make-up sessions will be available

ments. Students will be responsible for the

in July and August, please contact the

device at all times once issued and will be

Dean of Technology to schedule a make-

responsible for maintaining a working de-

up session.

vice at all times. Students are encouraged to take their device home every night to charge the it. Should the devices require repairs, students are responsible for notifying the Technology Department.

Meet Your Mac, K4-5th Grades Because students will not take home their devices, students in the lower school will be issued a device at the start of school in

Meet Your Mac, 6th-12th Grades

August. A parent will be asked to sign the

During the summer “Meet Your Mac” ses-

lower school orientations in August. Stu-

sions, students and parents will be pre-

dents in the lower school will have an op-

sented with the details of the device pro-

tional opportunity to “meet their mac” dur-

gram. A Device Participation Agreement

ing the summer workshops. The work-

(DPA), Responsible Use Guide (RUG), and

shops will introduce students to the device

Responsible Care Guide (RCG) will be dis-

and allow them time to familiarize them-

cussed at this time. Multiple sessions will

selves with the new iPads and laptops.

be available during the month of June. Parents need to online register their children for the Meet Your Mac session of their choosing. Each session will be limited to 25 students. Students are required to attend and parents are highly encouraged to

Device Participation Agreement during

“What I appreciate most is that the device will be a work tool, not a life style gadget as the school has control over what can be done with it and not the students (who seem to always outpace us

attend. We understand that parents may

parents).”

not be able to attend the session due to

Steffi Block, UMS-Wright Parent

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infused education

Until the summer of 2014, UMS-Wright was a predominately Microsoft Windows campus, and only teachers with Apple computers at home had experience with the Macintosh platform. It was highly recommended by colleagues at the schools visited by UMS-Wright that the teachers receive the new devices initially. The schools that followed the “teachers first” model had the least amount of growing pains associated with a device program. During the summer of 2014, UMS-Wright teachers attended “Meet Your Mac” sessions to receive training for their new devices. The school also purchased five laptop carts, each containing twenty-five MacBook Air laptops and one iPad cart containing twenty-five iPad Airs.

The goal of the laptop and iPad carts was to introduce the devices in the classroom, which would allow teachers to begin enhancing their curriculum in preparation for the ultimate goal - every student having a device. For years, teachers have utilized computer-based activities in their curriculum, but they were limited to the computer labs on campus. The de-

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mand for computer lab access increased over time. Providing teachers with additional access to computers, the laptop carts proved to be a valuable resource in the 2014-15 school year.

The Yearbook lab was equipped with new iMacs in the summer of 2014.

Due to the fact that students have had more access to devices in the 2014-15 school year, teachers have further utilized Internet resources such as Haiku and TurnItIn.com. Haiku is currently UMS-Wright’s learning management system (LMS). A learning management system is designed to curate resources from all over the Internet into a single platform for students. Each classroom has its own page; therefore, students can easily stay organized. All resources needed for the day’s lessons are located in one convenient location, saving precious time in class. Videos, graphs, images, worksheets, and web-links are easily embedded into the classroom page. Haiku also allows great collaboration through discussion boards. Students thoughtfully respond to prompts by the teacher and the discussion of other students. Discussion boards have prompted students to think through responses; since Haiku can be accessed at home, it gives a voice to the students who may be too shy to respond in the classroom setting. The learning management system also allows students to take assessments. In early models, learning management systems only allowed multiple choice tests and quizzes. Today’s model allows teachers to assess students through a variety of methods, including fill in the blanks, matching, multiple choice, short answer and essay. Modern & Classical Language teachers have the ability to assess students by having them record answers orally and submit the answers on Haiku. Because

15

Haiku has more features and is easier to operate than the teacher webpages located on the UMS-Wright website, Haiku will take the place of the teacher webpages starting in the fall of 2015. All information pertaining to classes in grades four through twelve will be located on Haiku. Parent logins for Haiku will be available starting in August of 2015.

TurnItIn.com is a valuable web-resource that has been utilized by the English Department at UMS-Wright for years. TurnItIn.com was initially designed as a plagiarism detection tool, utilized by high schools and universities across the country. In recent years, TurnItIn.com has become more than a plagiarism detection tool, it is also a grading platform for teachers. When students complete essays, they may turn in the document either through Haiku or TurnItIn.com. The electronic copy of the essay is checked for plagiarism and submitted to the teacher. Teachers now have the capability to grade the essays with a multitude of tools and features at their disposal. When grading a paper document, teachers are limited to the amount of space available for comments. With electronic grading, teachers are not limited on the length of feedback; this is especially valuable on rough drafts. For each comment, teachers can assign the correction to a category which links to the teacher’s rubric for assignment. By cataloguing the number of corrections for each category, teachers can accurately assign the correct grade. Once graded, papers are returned with one click from the teacher; no more waiting for the papers to be handed out in class. Lastly, one of the most popular features available to the teachers is the audio feedback. Teachers are able to record their feedback, and students may listen to the teachers’ guidance. English teachers feel this is a key tool because students have a better understanding of the feedback when they can hear the tone of the teacher’s voice.

Since the iPad and the accompanying apps can accomplish a variety of tasks, UMSWright lower school teachers have used the iPads in a number of ways. Kahoot is an interactive game-style quiz site. Teachers post questions on the board, and the students respond on the iPads, saving the answers for the teacher to record. This style of quizzes gives teachers immediate feedback concerning the comprehension of the students without spending hours grading papers. Teachers can instantly know what material needs to be reviewed, which is a beneficial tool in addressing content in a timely manner. Students in the younger grades have used iPads for letter and number recognition, phonetic awareness, and reading centers. Reading centers allow teachers to work with a small number of

16

students during the reading activity, and each student follows and reads along with his/her own copy of the book. Some of teachers have used the iPads to connect with students outside of UMS-Wright. Mrs. Cole’s class performed a mystery Skype activity to reinforce map skills learned in class. Skype was used on the SMARTboard and the iPads for backchanneling (a secure chat room), and students from each school asked “yes” or “no” geography questions to locate the city of the other school.

K5 students read stories together with Mrs. Pugh in small groups.

The Macintosh platform comes with great creation software installed; iMovie, Garage Band and iBooks Author, are just a few of the many examples. Students will have access to both the Apple Macintosh and Microsoft Office word processing, presentation, and spread sheet software. Initially created for recording instrumental tracks, Garage Band has allowed students to create unique projects in class. In one history class, students worked in groups to produce “live” radio broadcasts of historical events. Students used the software to record themselves as the anchor, edit the recordings, and add sound effects to bring the recordings to life. The science department has utilized the spreadsheet software to help record data from different science experiments. Students have learned how to create graphs from the data to support their experiment findings. UMS-Wright feels students will be prepared for the future by being exposed to both Microsoft and Macintosh software.

Textbooks Another tool available to UMS-Wright teachers is the textbook. The academics at UMSWright are driven by highly qualified, passionate teachers - not technology nor textbooks.

Under the guidance of the Academic Dean and Department Chairs, teachers combine their experience and available tools to enhance their instruction. Due to the increasing access to devices, more teachers are utilizing up-to-date web-resources that meet the stan-

17

dards of UMS-Wright curriculum. Some subject areas have a large amount of qualified materials available at this time, while other subject areas have a limited amount of webresources available. Web-resources allow for more engaging and diverse delivery methods of material. Embedded videos, graphs, interactive charts, and the ability to interact with the digital environment allow web-resources to engage students beyond the printed material of a textbook. Realizing the benefits of these types of web-resources, the textbook industry has started creating digital textbooks that deliver the content in the same interactive manner as web-resources. Digital textbooks engage students through interactive maps, dynamic glossaries, text highlighting, note-taking options, embedded comprehension quizzes and much more. The digital textbook industry is relatively new, and currently there is no industry standard for digital textbook platforms among the different publishing companies. For this reason, UMS-Wright will carefully evaluate all textbooks to ensure they meet the needs of the curriculum. The administration firmly believes every change to academics must enhance the curriculum; therefore, UMS-Wright will not select a textbook just because it is presented on a digital platform. Over time, more digital textbooks will be offered to UMS-Wright students but only as the quality of the textbook meets the academic standards. For the 2015-2016 school year, some subject areas will adopt new textbooks that are offered in the digital format. The administration understands that some students may prefer a physical copy of the textbook. Students will have the option of purchasing the physical book in addition to the digital textbook.

Digital Citizenship UMS-Wright has always believed the best catalyst of learning is a safe, distraction-free environment that welcomes students to explore and think freely. With the emergence of devices, the once clearly defined lines of the classroom have expanded. Learning is no longer limited to the four walls on campus. Teachers can teach and assess students from any location with the use of a learning management system and digital device. As the classroom expands beyond the physical campus, administration, teachers, students and parents must work together to ensure students have a safe, distraction-free environment that welcomes learning. While the Technology Department will continually work with the UMS-Wright community to reach the delicate balance of device restriction and access, it will be the collaborative effort of everyone that will create a safe and productive learning

18

environment for students on and off campus. Digital Citizenship will be a focal point of the Technology Department in promoting appropriate behavior with a device.

Through various applications, the UMS-Wright Technology Department will limit access to certain aspects of the device and the materials accessible with a device. While it may be inconvenient at times, students need to remember that the issued devices are learning tools. The administration reserves the right to restrict settings, software, materials, or websites that cause the device to operate improperly under learning conditions; this includes web-content filtering. Due to the dynamic nature of the Internet, it is impossible to filter every website which may contain inappropriate material. UMSWright uses advanced web-content filtering that works to continually update itself in order to provide the most upto-date protection. The administration feels that a balance of technology and personal digital citizenship by the students will promote a safe learning environment for today’s learning, while fostering good device habits for life.

“In first grade, I believe that technology isn't a teaching substitute, but a valuable tool that introduces children to new ways of thinking and working. An added benefit is that it's also a great introduction to resources that your child is likely to use in the future.”

Sarah Fountain, UMS-Wright 1st Grade Teacher

Students in the middle and upper school will be required to read and sign a responsible use agreement prior to receiving a device. Misuse and/or inappropriate use of a device will be handled on an individual basis by the school’s administration.

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“...I could never have imagined.”

Debra Guyton, UMS-Wright English Department Chair “You know that I am a fan of printed books in the English classroom for all kinds of reasons. Nevertheless, I am doing so many new things in all my classes because of Haiku, Powerpoint, Garageband, and easy access to computers.

The depth of my assignments and the degree of engagement of my students are so exciting, and I feel so thankful that I have so many new ways to interact with my students and have them interact with each other.

Garageband allows me to continue instruction after the students have left the room.

I have students read a poem from their text, listen to music associated with that poem, and then engage in a discussion on Haiku among themselves. I have students look at a famous work of art and compare it to poetry and myth in a discussion online. These are all assignments that would have taken much precious class time and only a few students would have had the opportunity to respond. Now, we are involved in an interesting way.

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So while we will still have textbooks and use paper and pen, the technology gives me an opportunity to enrich my instruction in ways I could never have imagined.”

Ashley Hill, UMS-Wright 6th Grade Teacher “There is no doubt that when each student receives his or her own device next year, this will allow for an expansion of technology-rich instruction in each classroom. Each student will be better equipped to take ownership of his or her learning while fostering creativity, teamwork, critical thinking skills, and problem solving skills while using the technology.

One of the ways in which I use the laptops now is with the Haiku Learning Management System. As a class, I have students periodically participate in threaded discussions, which they will see again in online classes at the college and university level. From the practical standpoint, this allows them to state and defend their opinion, read and respond to others, but also become comfortable with one of the possibilities offered with an online class.”

Susanna Cole, UMS-Wright 3rd Grade Teacher “I am very excited about my students each having an iPad next year. My third graders this year made their own timelines come to life by using the Morfo app, challenged each other in multiplication races using Kahoot, and independently researched dinosaurs. By using Plickers, I am able to quickly and accurately assess understanding of new concepts in order to provide more individualized instruction. I am looking forward to all the possibilities that technology offers as my students become 21st century learners.”

Donna Lamberti, Upper School History Teacher “Infusing technology into the classroom via a device program is a matter of balance. Laptops are an educational tool like any other, albeit with distinctive characteristics. Like all tools, however, when and how we use the laptops makes all the difference in terms of how effective they are at enhancing the educational process. Using advanced technology for everything is just as much a mistake, in my mind, as never using technology. Teachers, students, and parents will have to come together to figure out the right balance and make key decisions, knowing when to pull the laptops out and when to close them.”

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Vicky Bedsole, 7th Grade Modern & Classical Languages “The Middlebury program is a fun, interactive course for middle school students filled with diverse, multimedia language activities. Students begin their introduction to Spanish and French by focusing on the four areas of foreign language study: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations, and interactive activities and practices that reinforce vocabulary and grammar.”

Christin Skidmore, Virtual Learning Coordinator “In keeping with the UMS-Wright mission, ‘….to educate all students to their highest potential…’, the Virtual Learning Lab provides an opportunity to for students to reach their highest potential, even when a particular course may not offered within the traditional classroom setting. Whether it is AP Computer Programming, Forensic Science, Family Law, or German, the Virtual Learning Lab affords students access to fulfill their academic desires, and allows them to achieve their highest academic potential.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is i.e.?

i.e. is an acronym for infused education. UMS-Wright has always believed the most

valuable asset in the classroom is the teacher. The textbook does not drive the curriculum, and a device will not drive the curriculum. Both are viewed as tools available to the teachers. For years, teachers have infused technology into the education through SMARTboards, clicker response systems, computer labs, and web-enhanced activities. Technology is not the only aspect to an infused education. Critical thinking, thoughtful debate, hands-on activities, collaboration, and much more infuse the education at UMS-Wright daily.

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Is i.e. optional?

No. The use of devices is seen as a useful tool for further enhancing the curriculum. UMSWright also feels that in order to utilize fully a learning management system, every student needs access to a device; therefore, the school administration feels it is important for each student to have a device, and the device program is not optional.

What is Haiku?

UMS-Wright has chosen Haiku as its Learning Management System (LMS). A learning management system is an education platform used by teachers to consolidate information and resources, facilitate discussion boards, receive documents, and give assessments.

UMS-Wright feels that a learning management system is important to an infused education as it prepares students for college, where most classes use a LMS. Do students need special book bags?

The school will not issue nor require special book bags for the devices. Devices will be issued with a protective case. It is at the parents’ discretion whether students should need an additional case or book bag with a laptop compartment. There are many options available, and the Technology Department is available for recommendations.

May students use the device for personal use?

Each student is allowed to use his/her device for personal use during appropriate times.

Students are to follow the Appropriate Use Guideline (AUG) for academic and personal use of the device.

What if my Internet does not work at home?

We understand that technology does fail at times and students at times may experience Internet disruptions at home. Teachers will handle these cases on an individual basis and may request parental confirmation of Internet disruptions in order to provide additional time.

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Who owns the device?

UMS-Wright will have sole rights to all devices issued to the students. The leasing company selected by UMS-Wright has sole ownership of the device.

What will the cost be to me?

A technology fee will be assessed to cover the expenses of the devices and necessary software. Please refer to chapter four of this document for the technology fee scale.

What should be done if the devices are damaged?

If a student’s device becomes damaged, regardless of where or how the damage occurred, the student should bring the device to the Tech Center, located at the end of Wright Hall. Students and parents are not to attempt to repair the device, nor take the device to a computer repair center.

Is there any type of insurance with the device?

Through the technology fee, UMS-Wright will provide insurance for repairs through a progressive pay schedule and limited insurance for lost or stolen devices. Please see chapter four or “What are the repair fees?”

What are the repair fees?

Non-student related repair fees will be covered by the insurance built into the technology fee. Failed internal drives and manufacture defects are examples of non-student related damages. Student-related repair fees will be assessed to the student’s bill on a progressive payment schedule. On the first incident, parents will be responsible for 25% of the repair costs. On the second incident, parents will be responsible for 50% of the repair costs.

On the third incident, parents will be responsible for 75% of repair costs. On the fourth and additional incident, parents will be responsible for 100% of repair costs. The progressive payment schedule will reset after each lease term of three years.

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Do I need to sign any forms?

Each parent and student will be required to sign a Device Participation Agreement (DPA) acknowledging the policies and procedures of the device program. This policy will be made available prior to the Meet Your Mac sessions. Students who have parents who cannot attend the summer sessions may bring a signed DPA and receive their devices. A signed Device Participation Agreement is required for a student to receive a device.

When will the students be issued their devices?

Students in 6th-12th grades will receive their devices during the June Meet Your Mac sessions. Please online register for a Meet Your Mac session. The link for registering is located on the UMS-Wright Technology webpage. Students are required to attend and parents are encouraged to attend.

Students in K4-5th grades will receive their devices during the first week of school.

What if I cannot attend the June Meet Your Mac sessions?

Limited make-up sessions will be available in July and August. Please contact the Dean of Technology to schedule a make-up session. These sessions are limited to new students and students who cannot attend any June sessions.

Will student files be backed up?

Students will have access to and be encouraged to use cloud-based storage for all files.

Files stored on a cloud-based system may be accessed from any device, including loaner devices, should the student’s device need repair. While the Technology Department will assist in recovering lost files, saving files in the correct location and backing up files are the sole responsibility of the student.

What if we already own an Apple device or similar?

There are many devices available to consumers today. In order for the UMS-Wright Technology Department to provide the services needed for a successful device program, all students will be required to use UMS-Wright issued devices.

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Will students be allowed to take the device home?

Students in grades 6-12 will be allowed to take their devices off-campus. Students are responsible for care of their devices at all times. Students are responsible for any damages, regardless if the damage occurs on or off-campus.

What if I forget to bring my device to school?

Students are to bring their fully charged devices to school everyday. The Tech Center will not issue loaner devices to students who forget to bring their device to school. Since the device is viewed as a required classroom item, teachers may assign consequences for student who do not have a charged device in class.

How will UMS-Wright handle misuse of technology?

The administration of UMS-Wright will handle all cases of technology misuse on an individual basis. Disciplinary action may be taken for student misuse of technology, regardless of the location of the infraction on or off-campus.

Will parents need to buy additional items?

UMS-Wright feels that everything needed is provided to the student by the school. The only additional item a parent may want to purchase is a protective book bag.

What accessories will be provided with my MacBook Air? Along with the device, the school will issue a protective case, charging cord, and all software and applications required in each class. Students will be responsible for returning all items to the school at the end of the three-year lease term.

Is web-filtering provided?

UMS-Wright feels students should learn self-discipline and digital citizenship through the infused education. Digital Citizenship and responsible online behavior will be a point of emphasis for the Technology Department and Administration. While it is the responsibility of the student to use appropriate behavior on his or her device, UMS-Wright will provide web 27

content filtering on the device to help remove any temptation of inappropriate behavior. Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet and technology, it is impossible to restrict every questionable website. UMS-Wright will rely on the character of its students to use appropriate behavior on their devices.

What software is pre-installed on the device?

MacBook Air laptops and iPads will have the latest operating systems pre-installed for the students along with all required applications needed for class. Students and teachers may request that applications be added to Self Service, UMS-Wright’s app store. Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, & Excel, is installed in addition to the Macintosh equivalent.

Will students have the ability to install any software on the device?

To ensure the devices operate properly, the Technology Department will restrict both the Apple app store and software downloads from the Internet. Students may request appropriate applications to be added to Self Service, UMS-Wright’s app store.

May students customize their laptops?

A positive and distraction-free environment is important for each student’s learning; therefore, students are asked to refrain from customizing or defacing the device or protective case. Students may customize certain settings on the devices, such as screensaver and backgrounds, as long as the changes do not become a distraction to the learning environment.

Are there printers available on campus for students to use?

The Technology Department is evaluating printing management software for student devices. Students will have access to a limited number of printers on campus should the student not have access to a printer at home.

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Do students need to bring headphones?

Some listening activities in class may require headphones; therefore, teachers may require headphones for class each day. Students may only use small “ear-buds” in the classroom.

Over-the-ear and noise canceling headphones make it difficult for teachers to get the attention of working students.

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