Technology in the Classroom

Marian High School utilizes technology in many forms to enhance student learning. Our technology initiatives continue to grow as we provide our students with the resources necessary to be successful in today’s digital world. The computer and other technological machinery are important devices in today’s world, and proficiency in these instruments is paramount to future career success. But they are not a replacement for high quality content and skilled teaching.

Through a thoughtful approach to using technology as one resource in the arsenal of the educational toolbox, Marian students gain proficiency in 21st century learning skills that include problem solving, communication and collaboration, critical thinking, digital literacy, creativity, and innovation. All of these skills are necessary for college and or workplace applications.

In the Classroom
Marian is a Google for Education school that provides connectivity to classrooms, a suite of office programs, and tools to enhance learning and productivity in the digital world. Our faculty maintain Google Classroom pages for each course, increasing our communication with both students and parents. Most classrooms are equipped with interactive boards that are used extensively. Faculty have at their disposal five mobile carts each containing 36 Chromebooks that can be reserved for classroom use.

Personal Laptop Philosophy
While we do not require it, Marian recommends that each student have access to a computer for school use. Because Marian is a Google for Education school, students have access to the Google suite of programs that includes word processing, slides, spreadsheets, and various other software tools for success in the classroom. Therefore, software choices should be made based on personal preference.

RECOMMENDED HARDWARE GUIDELINES

Minimum hardware guidelines for a laptop that can last throughout the

student’s college years would include the following specifications:

	WINDOWS PC	APPLE MACINTOSH
Operating System	MINIMUM Windows 8.1 RECOMMENDED Windows 10 Home or Pro	Macintosh OS 10.12 or higher
Productivity Tools	None required	None required
Processor Type	MINIMUM Core i5 Processor RECOMMENDED Core i7 Processor	MINIMUM Core i5 Processor RECOMMENDED Core i7 Processor
Memory	MINIMUM 8 GB RAM or higher	MINIMUM 8 GB RAM or higher
Hard Drive	MINIMUM 250 GB RECOMMENDED 500 GB or higher	MINIMUM 250 GB RECOMMENDED 500 GB or higher
Graphics Card	MINIMUM 512 MB Video Memory or higher	MINIMUM 512 MB Video Memory or higher

"Bring Your Own Device" Policy

Students may bring laptops, tablets, e-readers, notebooks, and netbooks to school for the sole purpose of enhancing their educational experiences. Students who wish to bring their own personal electronic device must abide by classroom rules and the policies outlined in the Student Parent Handbook.

Technology Options

The Loesch Family Library plays an important role in providing technology for those who do not have a personal computer to use. The library is host to a large computer lab of 30 PC stations. Students are welcome to use the library computer lab before and after school, or during school hours with written permission from their teacher.

The faculty at Marian also have the opportunity to bring one of five available Chromebook carts, each holding 36 devices, to their classroom for student use during the school day. This unique opportunity provides a fantastic setting for working on group projects during class.

In addition, Marian maintains a cart of 15 iPads which are used exclusively for English as a New Language (ENL) students.