All students are required to bring a fully-charged personal device to school every day in order to complete academic work.
Listed here are some of the most frequently asked questions from both parents and students regarding Brother Martin’s electronic device policies. These questions and answers may be updated throughout the school year to address any new concerns of our Brother Martin community or to reflect changes in school policy. As technologies change and develop and our school needs evolve, we will continue to update the policies regarding student use of electronic devices on campus.
Families should keep in mind that the device used at Brother Martin is an academic tool, so a computer that is typically used for playing games may not be the best choice of device for a student to use to his complete academic work.
*For several years, we have introduced students to and used the various features of Google’s online tools that allow for easy collaboration and online access to documents from anywhere. The Chromebook fully supports Google Workspace Apps and all online resources used by Brother Martin students, as do Windows and Apple laptops.
**The older Surface RT (not the Pro models) and Windows 10 devices in S mode restrict users from downloading certain programs, like Google Drive and Google Chrome, both of which are used frequently by students in all grade levels. Students with either type of Windows device are highly encouraged to use a different device at Brother Martin, however, it is acceptable to use as a student’s secondary, backup computer.
(Note: Even though the Microsoft Surface appears to be a “tablet” when its keyboard is detached, the device is a fully equipped laptop with the keyboard attached. Students must use a keyboard with their Surface.)
When we began our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program, students were allowed to use any type of portable computer to complete academic work. After several years of exploration, we noticed that the most challenging devices for our students to use were tablets. Many tablets are designed with small screens to lay flat on a table, for media consumption rather than creation, and without a fairly durable outer casing. Many apps in Apple’s and Google’s stores are “slimmed down” versions of existing websites. Even with a keyboard, these devices do not have the same capabilities as a laptop-style computer and often prevent students from completing assignments. This is not conducive to working in our school’s environment which is why tablets are no longer acceptable device types. Even with an external keyboard, these devices will not be allowed for school use.
Students should refrain from bringing these types of devices to school, even for after-school use or as a “backup” computer, as tablets cannot be registered with the Technology Department.
(Note: Even though the Microsoft Surface appears to be a “tablet” when its keyboard is detached, the device is a fully equipped laptop with the keyboard attached. Students must use a keyboard with their Surface.)
All software programs that Brother Martin students will use are hosted online and accessible from any computer.
Any specific software that is required for a course and has a licensing fee will be included in a course fee. Any of these types of applications are hosted online. There may be a free, third-party program that your son would need to install to use the licensed software. His instructor will let him know if that is necessary.
For students with an Apple device or a Chromebook, the risk of acquiring malware is not as high, but it is not impossible. We simply recommend that those students, along with Windows users, use caution when accessing the Internet. Avast and AVG offer virus protection for Apple computers.
It is up to the discretion of a teacher to allow a student to charge a device during scheduled class time.
Cracked screens are a major issue with young boys who might be rough on their computers. Ensure that you know what the warranty covers.
The Library has a limited amount of laptops available for a single-day check out on a first-come, first-served basis. The following conditions must be met:
Students must keep on their person a stamped copy of the Acceptable Use Policy for each device that they plan to use on campus. Upon request, students must show their Acceptable Use Policy to a faculty member.
Devices should be registered with the Technology Department on the first day that the student brings the device to campus. Consequences are assigned to students who do not register their device in a timely manner.
We encourage families who have not purchased a device before Summer Enrichment to use that time to ask others about their device.
Students who miss the Technology Seminar training must attend a make-up session during the first week of classes.