Technology Programs and Policies

LOWER SCHOOL

Whether using iPads, laptops, robots, or simple cardboard and tape, Lower School boys have the tools they need to keep learning relevant, ongoing, and fun. Our goal in the Lower School is to use technology (with an emphasis on iPads) as a tool for learning, creating, curating, and exploring.

The Lower School technology program includes:

Laptop carts with Chromebooks for classroom use
Simple robotic and coding equipment in our MakerLab
MakerSpace for hands-on creation and innovation

Boys learn design-based thinking and how to use empathy, perseverance, and critical thinking to solve various problems. During clubs, morning drop-in times, and specific classes, the boys enjoy the freedom of seeing their ideas take shape in the MakerSpace or MakerLab. However, at Gilman Lower School, "maker" is more idea than physical space. Making can happen on the playground, in the music room, or any of the many classrooms and hallways of our building. The desire to engage in a little healthy competition, wanting to help others, or just being curious are all motivators for young lower school makers.

Digital Citizenship

iPads for All

In the hands of young boys, an iPad is part video camera, part sketchbook, part binder, and part recorder.

Each student in grades kindergarten through grade five has use of an assigned, in-school iPad. Fifth grade boys take their assigned iPads home during the week, allowing them to collaborate with peers and communicate with teachers after the school day ends.

Students, guided by creative teachers, enhance learning by using technology to access and evaluate information and to create projects that demonstrate learning. First grade boys might use an app to brainstorm ideas and sequence their thoughts before tackling a lengthy writing assignment about the pioneer journey, while third grade boys could use a green screen to capture images they created to represent the journey of Lewis and Clark in an interactive video journal.

Hands-On Learning

In all three school divisions, our makerspaces, as well as our design and woodworking (D&W) classrooms, promote design thinking and foster the critical elements of creativity, including flexibility, decision-making, self-expression, collaboration, motivation, and movement.

The adaptable skills learned in these innovative learning spaces add to each boy's arsenal of traits that transform boys of promise into men of character, who possess the ability to make positive contributions to the communities in which they live and work.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

iPads for Students

Gilman will provide all Middle School students with an iPad and case for school use. This will allow us to maintain better device controls and protections for our students, which will ensure a better academic experience when using the device. Gilman will also provide all necessary apps for students, free of charge. Families will still need to provide a stylus and headphones for their son. All students will be required to use the school-provided iPad.

Technology Hub

The Middle School Technology Canvas Hub provides parenting resources as well as helpful tips in guiding your son's responsible use of the iPad.

iPad FAQs

How will an iPad be provided for each student?

Who will pay for Apps and eBooks?

All required academic apps will be provided by the School at no cost to the family. Some disciplines have adopted e-textbooks in lieu of a printed textbook. These texts will appear on the Student Book List and can be purchased via MBS. Families will still need to buy school-required eBooks and textbooks. If you receive tuition assistance from Gilman, please click here for more information about making these purchases.

I already own an iPad; can I use it?

Where can I keep my iPad during assembly, recess, and lunch?

Can the students mark or decorate their iPad or case?

Can students print from an iPad?

Yes. Students will have the capability to print from their iPads using the black/white printers located on the first and second floor. Color printing is not available at school. If a colored copy is necessary, students are asked to print the work at home. Students are reminded to limit all printing at school to academic work only. Even then, they should only print what is absolutely necessary.

Will students be allowed to let a friend use their iPad?

Does a student need to have an Apple ID account?

How can the iPad and lost apps be restored?

What happens if there are technical problems with the iPad?

What happens if the iPad is lost, broken, or stolen (including cracked or shattered screens)?

Parents are encouraged to purchase AppleCare+ to cover iPad damage repairs. Parents can also purchase option casualty insurance to cover theft, loss, etc. This insurance coverage may be included in your homeowner's policy, or it may be purchased from a third party vendor such as Safeware.

Loaner iPads will be made available while your son's iPad is being repaired. These iPads will be covered under the school's insurance policy. However, parents will be charged at least the $100 deductible in the event the loaner device is damaged.

How will my son keep his device charged during the school day?

Will I receive tuition assistance that can be applied to the purchase of a device?

Whom do I contact if I need more information?

Google Apps for Education

The Middle School takes full advantage of the cloud-based workflow offered by Google Apps for Education, including access to Google Drive, Google Docs, and Gmail. Using the Google Apps for Education platform will offer students full access to their saved files from any device anywhere there is internet access. As a result, students and teachers may collaborate by sharing files and information. The most powerful learning outcomes will occur when our students combine the features of Google Apps for Education with the speed, ease of use, and efficiency afforded by the iPad.

Device of Choice (DoC) Program

Gilman's Device of Choice (DoC) 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 to use for research, collaboratin, organization, and general classroom learning. The DoC program ensures that all students will have the technology tools each student is most comfortable with to maximize the learning experience. We believe that the DoC program helps individualize the learning process, allowing the individual boy to reach his potential.

Upper School students are required to bring a laptop or tablet to school every day. His choice of device should be based on what he feels best suits the needs of his classes. Loaners will be available should a personal device be forgotten, or need repair or service. We are excited about how this program supports the Upper School curriculum and enjoy watching our boys and their teachers flourish as learners and instructors.

DoC FAQ

Why did Gilman’s Upper School move to Device of Choice (DoC)?

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 his school-provided email account; Canvas, our learning management system; 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?

Below are some general guidelines for purchasing the right device for your son:

Apple MacBook laptop (models vary) - this is the most popular type of laptop students use in the Upper School. Either the MacBook Air or MacBook Pro should meet your son's needs throughout his years in the Upper School. It can be the most expensive option, however, it usually holds up better than any other device.
Chromebook (makers and models vary) - this type of device comes in as perhaps the most affordable device that can work for your son, as it runs on the Google Chrome operating system and directly ties into the G Suite, which we use as a school. While it may not be as flashy as a Mac, it can still meet most of the needs that your son might have.
Windows laptop/tablet (makers and models vary) - with makers like HP, Dell, Lenovo, and Microsoft, you have lots of options for picking a Windows laptop. The most important thing to consider when choosing a Windows laptop is the ruggedness of it (can it handle the bumps of a teenager?), and the warranty. Any current Windows laptop will meet your son's needs in the Upper School, so it's more about the quality of the device itself. A visit to your local Best Buy should get you whatever you want.
Apple iPad (regular or Air, not Pro) - a few students use this, however, I would not recommend it as an option at this time.

In the end, you only want to spend your money once here. We recommend buying a laptop now that will last him all four years, so that you do not need to worry about buying another one until it is time for college. Some buy too cheap now, and end up having to buy another one before he graduates Gilman. So be sure to spend well now.

In terms of hardware specs, here are some general guidelines:

was made in the last 6-12 months
is running the latest operating system
has at least 256GB of storage
has at least 8GB of RAM/memory (get more if you can)
has at least a 3-4 year warranty (incl. accidental damage if you can get it)
has at least an 11" screen
must have up-to-date free or paid anti-virus/anti-malware software installed (e.g. Avast, BitDefender, TrendMicro)

In terms of software, Gilman will provide your son with any Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.) or Adobe Creative Cloud (Acrobat, Photoshop, etc.) applications that he may need for a class. So please do not purchase any of these.

If I need advice or assistance in buying a device where can I go?

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. While the iPad is currently the most popular tablet, there are Android OS and Windows OS tablets as well.

Students have the option to use a tablet if they feel that device best suits their needs for their classes. The tablet needs to be capable of accessing the Internet, opening various document types, and keyboard-capable for easy typing.

What are the minimum requirements for devices?

Laptops should have at least 8GB or RAM (memory), and at least 256GB of hard drive storage.
Up-to-date anti-virus software is always required - we recommend Avast or BitDefender - both offer quality, free products.
For iPads: 9.7" Wi-Fi-only model (no cellular) with at least 64GB of storage; should be no more than one year old when purchased, and capable of running the latest version of iOS.
For Android tablets: 9" Wi-Fi-only model (no cellular) with at least 64GB of storage; should be no more than one year old when purchased, and capable of running the latest version of Android OS.

What software does Gilman require our students to have?

The only software Gilman requires students to have installed and running at all times is an up-to-date anti-virus/anti-malware program. There are excellent free and paid options for this, such as Avast, BitDefender, TrendMicro, and Malwarebytes. Students who do not have an active, up-to-date anti-virus/anti-malware program running on their computer at all times will not be allowed to connect to the School network.

As a Google Workspace for Education school (formerly Google Apps for Education), we use the free Google software suite, including Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc. In the event a student needs an application from the Microsoft Office or Adobe suites, Gilman will provide it for free - there is no need for families to purchase these on their own.