Technology FAQs
What is the vision for technology at Roland Park Country School?
In keeping with our commitment to provide excellence in education for girls and young women, Roland Park Country School offers an outstanding program to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st Century. Our vision for technology is to integrate appropriately the use of technology into the curriculum as a tool to prepare our students for the challenges of college and career. Our goal is to provide a curriculum that balances teaching content with teaching students how to think logically and creatively using all of the resources available. Access to technology "anytime, anywhere" is an important component of this goal. To realize this vision, all students in Grades 7 through 12 are required to have a tablet laptop. This tablet laptop must be purchased through RPCS to assure effective usage. All faculty members have been issued Toshiba tablet laptops for use within the curriculum.
Why tablet laptops?
In striving to enhance the quality of an RPCS education, we believe that each student needs equal access to technology. For technology to be an effective tool, a tablet laptop must be available when and where a student needs it—in class, in the science lab, in the library and at home. Tablet laptops give students the flexible resources they need, when they need them, empowering them to become active participants in their learning. Although computer labs and home computers provide some of the same resources as laptops, they do not allow the flexibility and immediate access needed in the technological world in which we live today.
How will we protect our students from inappropriate information on the internet?
Currently RPCS requires all students, faculty and staff to sign an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) prior to gaining access to the network. The implications of the AUP are explained as well as student responsibility for the proper use of the network. Ultimately, the best protection we can give is supervision by teachers at School and parents at home.
Will tablet training be provided?
Students who purchase a tablet through the RPCS plan will be required to attend an orientation session. Additional technology skills will be taught as necessary through the curriculum.
What type of on site support will be available at school?
A special Help Desk is the initial point of contact to assist students with technology questions during the School day. A 4-year service warranty will cover all tablet units acquired through RPCS. The Technology Department will coordinate hardware repairs and determine if the repair is made on-site or sent off-site. In addition, loaner tablets will be available while machines are being repaired. RPCS is an authorized Toshiba repair facility. This enables repairs to be completed on-site in a timely manner.
Why is it important for all students to use the same computer?
By having all students use the same hardware, each student will have equal access to technology resources. Classroom instruction using technology is more effective when all students work with the same tools. Although most Windows-based computers use the same operating system, the combination of parts used to manufacture given machines can sometimes affect the software. Not all machines function in exactly the same way.
Why doesn't the school provide students with a tablet through tuition?
If the School were to provide tablet laptops, there would be a significant increase in tuition for all students, every year, over and above normal tuition increases. The tablet laptops would be the property of the School and, consistent with School policy, could not leave the campus, thus defeating the goal of access anywhere, anytime.
What type of tablet will be used at Roland Park Country School?
Technology changes rapidly. In order to ensure the best price and service packages, the School will select a specific computer manufacturer and model and will notify parents in early July.
How much will the tablet cost?
Once the manufacturer is selected, the total cost of the tablet package will vary depending on the model selected and will include curriculum specific software. We anticipate that the basic model will be under $2000. The School tablet package will consist of the following:
- Tablet laptop
- Wireless network capability
- Microsoft Office & Windows
- 4 year on site warranty (parts and labor) and accidental coverage
- Custom-designed carrying case
- Curriculum specific software
How do we protect against accidental breakage or theft of a tablet?
Independent schools and public school districts that have been using laptops report few incidents of breakage or theft. While at School, when the tablet is not in use, students are required to keep their tablets in their locked lockers. We strongly encourage families who purchase a tablet to insure it by adding it to the homeowner's / renter's policy or by obtaining a separate policy from a company that offers comprehensive coverage specifically for laptops.
What if I wish to purchase the tablet from another source?
We do not allow tablet laptops to be purchased outside of our Program. Our experience has shown us that the use of non-RPCS program laptops have had a negative impact on instruction and the students' academic success. We have found that the integration of technology into the curriculum using the functionality afforded by tablets is compromised if even one student is using a non-RPCS program tablet laptop. In addition, there would be a significant logistical burden on the student and her classmates if a laptop purchased outside the RPCS program is used in class.
What if my child receives financial assistance?
Financial assistance is available for families demonstrating financial need. Financial assistance for the tablet is calculated at the same percentage as tuition. For more information, contact the Director of Admissions & Financial Assistance, Peggy Wolf.
Will studets be able to access the RPCS network from home?
Students who currently have an Internet Service Provider (ISP) at home will be able to access the RPCS network from home.
Whom do I contact if I have further questions or concerns?
For technical information:
Phyllis Tripp, Director of Technology
Extension 3032 – trippp@rpcs.org
For admissions and financial assistance information:
Peggy Wolf, Director of Admissions & Financial Assistance
Extension 3029 - wolfp@rpcs.org