Academics: Information Technology
Technology Initiative/Laptop Program
omputers are essential tools for today’s students. Every student at Emma Willard School uses computing technology in the classroom, as well as for homework assignments and campus communications. One goal of our technology initiative is to standardize the computers used by our students so that the Office of Information Services will be able to ensure that each student has the hardware, programs, and technological support she needs every day.
Emma Willard’s technology initiative introduces laptop computers (tablet PCs) to both students and faculty. A tablet PC differs from a typical laptop in that it can be converted to a writing slate. In that mode, the student writes on the screen with a magnetized stylus. It also has a built-in microphone, enabling students to enter data by voice as well as by keyboard or stylus. We currently have about 130 students using tablet PCs configured and maintained by the Office of Information Services.
As of September 2007, Emma Willard will require all new students in ninth and tenth grades to use our tablet PC as their regular computer. Standardizing the model in use (which evolves from year to year) will enable us to manage many of the repairs on campus and to issue loaners when a computer requires outside repair. Each student will have the equipment she needs to complete her assignments, and every parent will be spared the trouble of contacting the manufacturer for repairs or replacement. A technology fee of $750 per year will be added to tuition to cover all technology services, including the use of the computer and access to all of the services available over our wired and wireless network. Entering ninth and tenth graders will be able to take their tablet PCs with them when they graduate.
Returning students or those entering as eleventh graders or post-graduates will not be charged the technology fee. If your daughter is in this category and you are thinking of purchasing a new computer for her use, please consider the school’s tablet PC. It is a versatile computer loaded with useful software, supported and serviced on site. Because it is the same model used by most of the students and faculty, it will enable your daughter to be part of a growing computer community. The cost for those opting to purchase our tablet PC is $2,000.
The tablet PC comes bundled with a combo drive (that reads and writes CDs and reads DVDs), assorted software, extended warranty, and insurance. The Office of Information Services will carry the responsibility of maintaining the computer until your daughter graduates or leaves the school. Please note that since all new students in grades nine and ten will be required to use this tablet PC, we will not be able to service or support any other types of computers.
For details on the computer we have selected, please visit our Q&A and details pages (see links above). For more information, please contact Barry Leibson at (518) 833-1314 or bleibson@emmawillard.org.
