Tablet PC Program

Contact the Tablet PC Helpdesk by emailing helpdesk@mcnhs.org.

Today’s students are digital natives, and as 21st century students, they need to regularly use 21st century tools to acquire the knowledge and skills they need for success in the world in which they live. Students who have regular access, training, and experience in using technology acquire a much higher level of computer literacy and competency which gives them an edge in today’s college and work environments.

Our one-to-one Tablet PC program enables students to have everything they need for school in one package which is available for student use any time of the day and any day of the week.

McNicholas began phasing in the one-to-one Tablet PC program with the Class of 2015. Members of the Class of 2014 were invited to join the program but were not required to. 91% of the Class of 2014 chose to participate in the program.

• Benefits of using Tablet PCs
  
• Frequently asked questions about the Tablet PC program
  
• Acceptable Use Policy
• Financial Agreement for Class of 2014
• Financial Agreement for Class of 2015
• Financial Agreement for Class of 2016

The Tablet PC enables McNicholas to continue to carry out its goal “to equip our students with opportunities and experiences that will enable them to achieve excellence.” In a co-ed environment, we prepare students for the world in which they live and with the technology that they need not only for today, but for their future.

A one-to-one program puts a Tablet PC in the hands of each student in the program. A Tablet PC is a laptop plus much more. A Tablet PC allows the student to write, edit, or draw directly on the screen with a digital pen. With the digital pen, a tablet user can jot quick notes, draw diagrams, or write formulas without the constraints of a keyboard or mouse. Documents, such as teacher handouts, can be annotated quickly, using any color ink or highlighter—just by using the digital pen. Notes are easier to take, easier to search, and easier to organize. With a tablet program, teachers are able to integrate the many software programs available to the various academic disciplines as well as having the ability to seize the “teachable moment” for spontaneous classroom work involving computer technology.

The Tablet PC program operates in the following manner:

• Students obtain a standard Tablet PC through McNicholas.
  
• Provisions will be made for students who qualify for financial aid.
  
• Tablet PCs are loaded and configured over the summer with standard software, textbooks, organizational software, etc.
  
• Students attend an orientation and training session before the start of school to receive their Tablet PC and learn to use and care for it.
  
• Teachers use online texts/resources and eliminate requirements for hard-copy binders.
  
• Students bring their Tablet PCs to school everyday, fully charged.
  
• Students and teachers use Tablet PCs throughout the school day as appropriate (not in use at all times).
  
• Teachers control and monitor tablet use in the classroom using monitoring software.
  
• Students use Tablet PCs around school using the McNicholas wireless network, at home, and “on the go” for completing assignments.
  
• The Tablet PC Helpdesk is available in the Library Media Center Monday - Friday from 7 a.m - 3:30 p.m. for student and teacher assistance, as well as repairs. Students can also receive support by emailing helpdesk@mcnhs.org.
• The Tablet PC Helpdesk does NOT support home printers, home networks, or home security issues.
• “Loaner” tablets will be available when student Tablet PCs are being repaired.

Research shows that students who have the benefit of a one-to-one tablet program take a more active role in learning. DyKnow® software allows the teacher to monitor what programs each students is using during class and even provides a thumbnail of each student screen to ensure that every student is on task. More importantly, the DyKnow® program enables shared note-taking and in-class interaction between students and teachers. This interaction results in students taking a more active role in the learning process which increases student motivation and productivity. Critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills are all enhanced. In addition, communication, writing, and teamwork skills are all developed more fully with the integration of a one-to-one tablet program. Students report that using a Tablet PC makes them much more organized—the most important skill for anyone in today’s busy world.