Laptop Standardization
Over the past six years, Tabor Academy has witnessed an unprecedented revolution in the accessibility of information and communication. We recognize the importance of technology and its many educational benefits. With a significant move toward the use of Blackboard, web-based e-mail, Internet connectivity in the dormitories and wireless access throughout our Academic Center, Oceans Lab and The Hayden Library, we find it essential to begin the standardization of student computers and software.
Since the fall of 2006, incoming freshmen, who wish to bring a computer to school, will be advised to bring an Apple iBook, Powerbook, MacBook or MacBook Pro, running Mac OS X v10.4 or higher. Please understand it is not mandatory to bring a personal computer at all – whether Apple/Mac or PC. It is simply our recommendation based on the uniqueness of our wired/wireless network, the software applications we are licensed to use and current trends of educational technology.
Why Apple/Mac instead of PC?
Based on the past four years of working with students - and troubleshooting their computers - we have found that the Apple notebook computers are less problematic than PC’s and are simply easier to use on our network. There are several reasons Tabor Academy chose to recommend Apple notebooks rather than PC notebooks: Nearly every student-owned computer problem we see is caused by viruses and spy-ware. Apples are minimally affected by viruses and spy-ware. As far as connectivity, Apple notebook computers come standard with a built-in modem for dial-up connections, Ethernet for wired connectivity and AirPort Extreme technology for wireless connectivity. What this means to us is that a student may connect to our wired network for dormitory internet access or they may connect wirelessly to the internet in the Academic Center, MAN's Center, Hoyt and Hayden Library. These notebooks will also connect on your home network, whether it is dial-up, DSL, cable or wireless.
Standardization of software has also become a contributing factor to our move toward standardization. The Microsoft Office suite will be our standard application software. Microsoft’s Mac Office 2004 is a software suite that contains the applications we most commonly use at Tabor Academy: Word, PowerPoint and Excel. We recommend that every student computer contains a licensed version of this software. Again, there are no compatibility issues between PC and Mac while using MS Office for PC or MS Office for Mac.
Enhancing education.
The portability of a personal notebook computer will allow students to participate in directed online research activities, access and submit assignments electronically through our Blackboard database, access their e-mail and download licensed software from Tabor Academy’s Intranet.
Students possessing Apple notebooks will meet with the Director of Technology during their Strategies for Success class for instructional sessions on using Blackboard, e-mail, utilizing network storage folders, downloading software and checking for and installing software updates.
Ensuring equity.
With the emergence of Blackboard, web-based e-mail and on-line educational supplements, teachers must consider the ability of each student to access the tools necessary to complete certain assignments. In most educational environments, this equity issue may restrict creativity and learning. Teachers are currently expected to reserve computer labs and students are forced to find available computers on campus throughout the academic day and evening to complete assignments. Students without computers and network access are at a disadvantage with regard to completing assignments that require on-line research or need access to specific applications like Blackboard, PowerPoint, Word, etc… The move toward standardizing hardware and software enables us to guarantee our students equity.
Dormitory Internet – Your choice.
Boarding students have the option of receiving high speed Internet service in their dormitory room. There is a fee of $250 per year for dormitory connectivity. With this service, boarding students will have high speed Internet access from 6:00am to 11:00pm on their personal computer in their dormitory room. In 2006-2007, 98% of our boarding population opted for this service.
Regardless of dormitory access, every student will have access to our wireless signals in and around the Academic Center, MAN's Center, Hoyt the Hayden Librar throughout the academic day. Wireless connectivity is not available in any of our dormitories.
Returning sophomores, juniors and seniors may continue to bring any laptop or desktop computer for their dormitory internet connection, as long as it meets last years’ minimum hardware and operating system requirements. An additional charge of $25 will be assessed for a one-year license for antivirus and anti spy-ware software for all PC’s.
Incoming freshmen students may bring a PC laptop or desktop computer, but will be subject to a configuration fee of $25 for dormitory internet service, $25 for a one-year antivirus and anti spy-ware license.
Boarding students who possess computers are advised to lock them - particularly laptops - when it is not in their presence. In this day and age of smaller computers, ipods, MP3 players, cell phones and other gadgets, we ask our students to take additional steps in securing their possessions. Laptop security cables are sold in the Tabor Shop.
