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Bring Your Own Device Program

Beginning with the 2016-2017 academic year, incoming freshmen along with current freshmen and sophomores will participate in the Bring Your Own Device Program.

Dear Parents,
 
Calvert Hall’s strong sense of tradition combined with our ultimate goal of producing men of intellect, men of faith, and men of integrity encourages us to continually strive to make our school better by enhancing our educational product. Complacency is our enemy.
 
In light of this belief, we strive to provide our students with an innovative curriculum and modern learning tools. Education has rapidly embraced technologies where students have information at their fingertips. Many of our students have been bringing their own devices to Calvert Hall for years. However, full integration of technology in the curriculum requires each student to have a device. Each student does not need a device if our only objective is to take notes or use the internet in the classroom. However, for students to engage in hands-on learning, student-centered collaboration, and formative assessments (among others), each student does need to have a device.
 
After extensive study and research, we have decided to implement a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program. Beginning with the 2016-2017 academic year, it will be necessary for current freshmen and sophomores to bring a device to school.
 
We believe the future of technology will continue to be about user choice and specific preferences combined with the need to meet both academic and organizational competencies. If your son prefers to use a MAC, why should we tell him he must use a windows computer for school? If your son prefers Windows to a MAC operating system, why should we force him to use that particular type of computer? Additionally, some students prefer a laptop while others like a tablet. BYOD allows students to bring what they want to school. The need of each student is variable and having a choice will enable parents and students to have a voice in choosing a device that meets the basic needs of the student as an individual.
 
The purpose of this program is to enhance and complement the excellent teaching that is already taking place on our campus. While technology is only a tool and does not replace good teaching, technology enhanced lessons are an important part of our educational program. Our lecture-seminar system lends itself to BYOD as students get the basic information in a college-style lecture, and then engage in student-centered activities in seminars. Every student in the class having access to a device will increase collaboration and analysis of the topics presented in lecture and elaborated on in the seminar—two crucially important skills for the 21st century learner.
 
Below is a link that will outline the basic requirements that any device must have. The overwhelming majority of devices on the market are acceptable. Students will register their devices with our Tech Resource Center in order to gain access to our wireless network. While we do not recommend any specific device, you may contact our Tech Resource staff with questions that may arise when you are making your choice. They can be contacted via email at techrequests@calverthall.com.
 
Finally, if you have any questions about the program, please feel free to call me. Thank you for your support as we continue to make a great school even better.
 
Sincerely,
 
Charles Stembler '83
 
 
 
 
 
Click here to view the device requirements.



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