Breaking News
Bags are Required!
Students: your device must be carried in a bag! iPad users already have bags, and they should be used at all times. Chromebook users will get bags at the beginning of February. Your bag must have a bag tag. If you've lost your bag tag, please come to the Library to get it replaced ASAP. Stop by the Library anytime with questions or concerns.
Devices are Going Home in September!
Forms were in student first day packets handed out in advisory on 8/29. Please return completed forms as soon as possible. The deadline for forms is 9/5/18, and devices will begin going home after forms are returned, no later than 9/12/18.
Bags are Required!
Students: your device must be carried in a bag! iPad users already have bags, and they should be used at all times. Chromebook users will get bags at the beginning of February. Your bag must have a bag tag. If you've lost your bag tag, please come to the Library to get it replaced ASAP. Stop by the Library anytime with questions or concerns.
Devices are Going Home in September!
Forms were in student first day packets handed out in advisory on 8/29. Please return completed forms as soon as possible. The deadline for forms is 9/5/18, and devices will begin going home after forms are returned, no later than 9/12/18.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 1 to 1?
It is a phrase that simply means a ratio of one computer to one student. MRU's 1 to 1 program covers all of our grades. 7th and 8th graders get iPads, grades 9-12 are assigned Chromebooks. Devices for all groups will begin going home in February with parent permission.
Why 1 to 1? Don't you already have enough computers at school?
We do have quite a few computers in the building, but there are not enough so that every classroom can use computers when they need them. Also, having computers in student hands everyday transforms the way they can be used in the classroom and throughout the day for student learning. These powerful computing devices will open new avenues of learning and exploration for our students, while providing a stable and predictable technology experience at school and at home. Uniform access to technology allows our students to maximize and customize their learning. Standardized technology for all students and teachers also provides for improved communication between teachers, students and parents.
Why iPads and Chromebooks? Those aren't real computers.
iPads are powerful computing devices, best suited for creative content generation. Creating original content lets our students show what they know in innovative ways, solve problems with inventive thinking and prepare themselves for the workforce of the future. Chromebooks allow us to leverage the power of the Google apps suite and store, share and collaborate on student work, all in the cloud.
Using PCs would better prepare our students for life after high school. Why aren't you giving kids laptops?
iPads and Chromebooks connect students with a whole range of learning and creative tools that are not available on any other platforms. The jobs our graduates will be doing in the future haven't been invented yet. Our students are learning how to learn, and to be platform agnostic, meaning that they are comfortable with a wide range of devices and software tools. Our mixed platform environment (Apple for grades 7-8 and Chromebooks in grades 9-12, with PC laptops and desktops available in certain classrooms, the library and in one mobile lab) will give students experience on a wide range of operating systems and software, best preparing them for life after high school.
What will students and teachers be able to do with iPads and Chromebooks that they can't do now?
The integration of cameras (still and video), microphones and software that is the hallmark of the iPad and will let students create digital content simply. We've placed these devices in our 7th and 8th grade classrooms because that's the level where students create more interactive content. Chromebooks are a better fit for our older students who are transitioning to more assignments focused on written products. Both kinds of devices allow students to focus on the learning, working with others and becoming a contributor to the global learning community. iPads and Chromebooks also will allow for better communication and coordination between school and home, and help to level the playing field for families who might not be able to afford a home computer. When each student has a computer, teachers can re-think how to use classroom and homework time so that time in school can be used for collaboration and mentorship.
How will you keep students from being distracted?
Each student is held to our Technology Responsibilities as listed in the Handbook. In part, that reads: "When asked, I will be able to explain how the technology I’m using is relevant to the task at hand and my learning goals." At school we will remind students to stay on task, and will use consequences when necessary. Learning to manage time and distractions is part of being a connected learner. We will help students develop these skills to make them more prepared for life after high school.
What sorts of controls will be in place to keep students from just playing games all the time?
Teachers and staff will be able to monitor student activities using several tools loaded onto teacher devices. Administrators can access student logs, work and apps lists via mobile device management. We'll also continue to use good classroom management techniques to monitor, assess and correct student behavior. As stated above, the ability to manage distractions in our connected world is an important skill for all our students.
Is there going to a curriculum that goes with this?
Each teacher will integrate the iPads and Chromebooks into the classroom in their own way. Primarily, we will be using the SAMR model to help our teachers integrate technology into their teaching. You can learn more about the SAMR model here.
How are you going to help keep kids safe on the internet?
All our students get training in internet safety and digital citizenship. We will continue to integrate this training into our classes and activities. We'll also begin providing more training for families through our Technology Nights and the School Community Council. Stay tuned for more information about training opportunities. In the meantime, there is lots of information available online. Common Sense Media and the Family Online Safety Institute are two good places to start. Also, check out the drop downs under the For Parents tab for more digital citizenship information.
Kids will just break these. Will we have to keep buying new devices?
Families will be responsible for a cost to cover replacement for accidental damage, unless they choose to purchase additional insurance for $40 per school year. Proper care and use is covered extensively in our Family Handbook and in the Parent and Student areas of this site, and will be reinforced throughout the school year.
What is 1 to 1?
It is a phrase that simply means a ratio of one computer to one student. MRU's 1 to 1 program covers all of our grades. 7th and 8th graders get iPads, grades 9-12 are assigned Chromebooks. Devices for all groups will begin going home in February with parent permission.
Why 1 to 1? Don't you already have enough computers at school?
We do have quite a few computers in the building, but there are not enough so that every classroom can use computers when they need them. Also, having computers in student hands everyday transforms the way they can be used in the classroom and throughout the day for student learning. These powerful computing devices will open new avenues of learning and exploration for our students, while providing a stable and predictable technology experience at school and at home. Uniform access to technology allows our students to maximize and customize their learning. Standardized technology for all students and teachers also provides for improved communication between teachers, students and parents.
Why iPads and Chromebooks? Those aren't real computers.
iPads are powerful computing devices, best suited for creative content generation. Creating original content lets our students show what they know in innovative ways, solve problems with inventive thinking and prepare themselves for the workforce of the future. Chromebooks allow us to leverage the power of the Google apps suite and store, share and collaborate on student work, all in the cloud.
Using PCs would better prepare our students for life after high school. Why aren't you giving kids laptops?
iPads and Chromebooks connect students with a whole range of learning and creative tools that are not available on any other platforms. The jobs our graduates will be doing in the future haven't been invented yet. Our students are learning how to learn, and to be platform agnostic, meaning that they are comfortable with a wide range of devices and software tools. Our mixed platform environment (Apple for grades 7-8 and Chromebooks in grades 9-12, with PC laptops and desktops available in certain classrooms, the library and in one mobile lab) will give students experience on a wide range of operating systems and software, best preparing them for life after high school.
What will students and teachers be able to do with iPads and Chromebooks that they can't do now?
The integration of cameras (still and video), microphones and software that is the hallmark of the iPad and will let students create digital content simply. We've placed these devices in our 7th and 8th grade classrooms because that's the level where students create more interactive content. Chromebooks are a better fit for our older students who are transitioning to more assignments focused on written products. Both kinds of devices allow students to focus on the learning, working with others and becoming a contributor to the global learning community. iPads and Chromebooks also will allow for better communication and coordination between school and home, and help to level the playing field for families who might not be able to afford a home computer. When each student has a computer, teachers can re-think how to use classroom and homework time so that time in school can be used for collaboration and mentorship.
How will you keep students from being distracted?
Each student is held to our Technology Responsibilities as listed in the Handbook. In part, that reads: "When asked, I will be able to explain how the technology I’m using is relevant to the task at hand and my learning goals." At school we will remind students to stay on task, and will use consequences when necessary. Learning to manage time and distractions is part of being a connected learner. We will help students develop these skills to make them more prepared for life after high school.
What sorts of controls will be in place to keep students from just playing games all the time?
Teachers and staff will be able to monitor student activities using several tools loaded onto teacher devices. Administrators can access student logs, work and apps lists via mobile device management. We'll also continue to use good classroom management techniques to monitor, assess and correct student behavior. As stated above, the ability to manage distractions in our connected world is an important skill for all our students.
Is there going to a curriculum that goes with this?
Each teacher will integrate the iPads and Chromebooks into the classroom in their own way. Primarily, we will be using the SAMR model to help our teachers integrate technology into their teaching. You can learn more about the SAMR model here.
How are you going to help keep kids safe on the internet?
All our students get training in internet safety and digital citizenship. We will continue to integrate this training into our classes and activities. We'll also begin providing more training for families through our Technology Nights and the School Community Council. Stay tuned for more information about training opportunities. In the meantime, there is lots of information available online. Common Sense Media and the Family Online Safety Institute are two good places to start. Also, check out the drop downs under the For Parents tab for more digital citizenship information.
Kids will just break these. Will we have to keep buying new devices?
Families will be responsible for a cost to cover replacement for accidental damage, unless they choose to purchase additional insurance for $40 per school year. Proper care and use is covered extensively in our Family Handbook and in the Parent and Student areas of this site, and will be reinforced throughout the school year.