At ISL, students develop lifelong, future-focused technology literacy skills as they learn to use technology tools, devices and platforms effectively and responsibly to support their learning.
The International School of Latvia prepares learners to be responsible and ethical global citizens who use technology to support open-mindedness, kindness and the pursuit of personal passions.
The technology department at ISL aims to help teachers and students effectively adapt and use new technologies that increase student engagement and learning. As of the 2015-2016 school year, we are a 1-to-1 laptop school after realizing the final goal of the current strategic technology plan. Being a 1-to-1 laptop school allows teachers to redefine tasks in the classroom and increases student engagement and learning.
As an educational tool, laptops provide flexibility for teachers, instant access to information, and support for diverse learning styles. We have found that:
Integrating technology improves student enthusiasm toward learning;
Implementing new teaching practices improves student achievement;
Students develop responsibility and lifelong technical skills in caring for a laptop;
Communication and opportunities for ‘Just-in-time’ learning are improved with a laptop
Families purchase and own the laptop outright. Each incoming Middle and High School student (Grades 6-12) is required to have her or his own laptop. If you already own a laptop, you can use this instead of purchasing a new machine as long as your current laptop meets ISL requirements.
These are the minimum requirements needed in order for our students to be able to operate school/teacher specific software requirements.
Windows
No, but very highly suggested! While we will be working with students to teach them responsibility, inevitably, accidents do occur. You will want to make certain that the laptop is covered in your home insurance. If you have questions about this, please contact your insurance company.
No, tablets/iPads/Chromebooks do not meet the device requirements. Tablets are great learning tools, but may be utilized only as a supplementary device due to limitations that may prevent full participation in class assignments in which technology is required.
Laptops are acceptable as long as the laptop meets the minimum requirements.
These are the requirements needed in order for our students to be able to operate school/teacher specific software requirements.
Windows
Yes, of course you can choose to purchase a laptop anywhere, from any company. Please just make certain that it meets the minimum requirement for a laptop for this program.
Laptop programs are becoming increasingly common in Europe, and around the world. Currently all major CEESA Schools and most schools across Western Europe are using a 1:1 Laptop program. Our IT Department is in close communication with several of these school’s IT Departments, and all schools have been very collaborative and proactive in sharing resources, information and supporting each other’s programs.
Students will be expected to bring their laptops fully charged every day, and are expected to recharge them at home. This will help students better manage the use of their laptops.
Viruses and spyware exist on all operating systems. If you would like to purchase anti-virus software, there are a number of options available for purchase online. It is important to keep software, plugins and virus definitions up to date on all devices. This helps protect your child, your home network, and the school’s network.
Students will be held accountable for everything listed in the ISL Acceptable Use Agreement.
Students are expected to leave their laptops in their lockers between classes or if they are inappropriate carried cases, backpacks, or bags.
Yes! We encourage students to bring both their laptops and chargers. We will create areas where students can charge their laptops, however, the areas and time to charge up will be limited. We are currently working on prototypes for charging stations.
A blend of traditional and digital learning is key to a quality education in today’s world. The laptops are to be used as a tool. The amount of time the students use the laptops in class and for homework will vary from class to class.
IT can assist in helping diagnosing the issue, however, we don’t repair laptops and we are not responsible for any issues that may occur on campus with regards to damage with the laptop or its associated parts.
Every ISL student is issued a Google account as part of the Google Apps for Education. Students are encouraged to use Google Apps to create, collaborate, and share work with peers and teachers. If a course requires the use of a specific application, devices with those applications will be made available to them. However, we recommend that students purchase antivirus software. Please refer to the question above about viruses and spyware.
