Device of Choice (D.O.C.) Program
Gilman's Device of Choice (D.O.C.) program intends to help create dynamic and independent learners within the Gilman classroom by requiring all Upper School students to bring a device of choice. We believe that by requiring a device of choice, our students and faculty will better utilize the skills necessary to learn in the 21st century environment. Students bring devices to class so they can use them for research, collaborative writing, organization and general classroom learning. The D.O.C. program ensures all our teachers that their students will have the technology tools available to maximize the classroom experience. We believe that the device of choice individualizes the learning process to an extraordinary degree, allowing the individual boy to reach his potential.
Upper School students are required to bring a laptop, Ultrabook, netbook, or tablet to school every day. His choice of device should be based on what he feels best suits the needs for his classes. Loaners will be available should a personal device need repair or service. We are excited about the potential that this program provides to the Upper School curriculum and look forward to watching our boys and their teachers flourish as thinkers and instructors.
About D.O.C.
- Why did Gilman’s Upper School move to Device of Choice (D.O.C.)?
- What kind of skills can I expect my student to use in a classroom utilizing his device?
- Will Gilman teach students the importance of responsible, productive, and safe Internet use?
- How can my student connect to the Gilman’s Wi-Fi network?
- What are some of the devices you would recommend?
- If I need advice or assistance in buying a device where can I go?
- Are tablets a viable option for use in the classroom?
- What are the minimum requirements for devices?
- What software does Gilman require our students to have?
- What happens if my son's device is lost or stolen?
- Will Gilman have loaner devices available?
- How will my son keep his device charged during the school day?
- Will students be able to print from their personal devices?
- Will I receive financial aid that can be applied to the purchase of a device?
Why did Gilman’s Upper School move to Device of Choice (D.O.C.)?
We made the decision to require Upper School students to carry their own devices for several reasons. First and foremost, this decision was made in the best interest of the students as it will continue to enrich our academic program.
Allowing the boys to carry their device of choice provides them ready and equal access to the Internet and helps them develop the technological skills they will need as they continue their education at Gilman and beyond. By using his own device, each boy will gain an individual competency with hardware and software that stays with him.
By having his own device, a student will be able to access our digital research resources, teacher Moodle pages, and myriad of other educational resources anytime and anywhere he has access to a Wi-Fi network. This should ease the transition between a student's technology capabilities at home and at school.
What kind of skills can I expect my student to use in a classroom utilizing his device?
Will Gilman teach students the importance of responsible, productive, and safe Internet use?
How can my student connect to the Gilman’s Wi-Fi network?
What are some of the devices you would recommend?
Our partner, DSR Computer Technologies, has compiled a list of computer and accessory choices for your consideration.
If I need advice or assistance in buying a device where can I go?
Our partner, DSR Computer Technologies, has compiled a list of computer and accessory choices for your consideration.
Are tablets a viable option for use in the classroom?
A tablet refers to any number of tablet or slate shaped devices that can be manipulated using a touch screen. The iPad is currently the most popular tablet, there are Android OS tablets and Windows OS slates as well.
Students have the option to use a tablet if they feel that device best suits their needs for their classes. The tablet, whether it is an iPad or an Android OS tablet, needs to be capable of accessing the Internet, opening PDFs, MS Word documents, and Google docs.
What are the minimum requirements for devices?
- PC-compatible or Macintosh laptop,netbook or Ultrabook with built-in wireless card.
- >Windows 7 (all versions) or MacintoshOS X with latest security patches installed
- Anti-virus software (NortonAnti-Virus, MacAfee, etc.) with the latest virus definitions installed.
- For iPads: iOS5 with16 GB of storage
- For Android tablets: Android OSversion 4 or newer with 16 GB minimum storage
What software does Gilman require our students to have?
Laptop users must have a version of Microsoft Office installed on the laptop. OpenOffice, a free open source application of Office is available at http://www.openoffice.org.
Tablet users must have an app that can create a document, slide show or spreadsheet that can be read by MS Office,as well as an app that can open PDF files.
What happens if my son's device is lost or stolen?
Students and their families will be responsible for the safety and security of their personal devices. Families should check with their homeowners or renters insurance carrier to see if a lost or stolen device can be replaced through their coverage.
Another option would be to use Safeware, a company that specializes in insurance for all types of electronic devices. Explore the Safeware option.
Will Gilman have loaner devices available?
How will my son keep his device charged during the school day?
Students should come to school with their devices fully charged. They should consider charging their devices as part of the daily home assignments.
Should students need to charge their device during the school day, there are outlets in the classrooms and common rooms. In addition, there will be a limited number of charging stations set up throughout the Upper School.
Will students be able to print from their personal devices?
Will I receive financial aid that can be applied to the purchase of a device?
If you receive financial aid from Gilman, you can acquire information about financing the purchase of a device by contacting Kip Digges, Director of Financial Aid.
New Upper School families receiving financial aid will receive a letter during the summer regarding Device of Choice purchases.
Resources
Contact
Should you have any questions or concerns about the Device of Choice Program, please contact: