Technology @ ISB

Technology plays a key role in enhancing and transforming learning at ISB. However, it should be used thoughtfully, not just for its own sake or to replace traditional methods that work well.

Before incorporating technology, our teachers consider the following:

• Does it promote deeper inquiry?
• Does it develop critical thinking?
• Does it personalise learning?
• Does it encourage ownership of learning?
• Does it enhance collaboration?

To support our Primary School learners, we provide all Kindergarten to Grade 5 students with a school-owned iPad for use on campus. These iPads are managed by the school to ensure that the apps and tools used align with our educational goals. Primary School iPads are used only at school and are stored in grade-level iPad carts when not in use.

In addition to using iPads, our students have access to technology learning labs, where they can explore areas like robotics, 3D CAD design, VR Googles and other innovative technologies. We also incorporate SEESAW as a digital platform for teachers and students to showcase their learning. SEESAW allows teachers to share work and communicate with families on a weekly basis, keeping them engaged with their child’s learning journey.

At ISB, we believe in harnessing the power of technology to enhance learning and empower students in MYP/DP programme.

• Bring your own device 1:1 Programme: All High School students are required to have their own laptop (Mac or PC), enabling them to access resources, collaborate seamlessly, and showcase their learning in creative ways. To ensure minimal disruption and maximum coverage of learning we require that students have laptops with certain specifications. Please note, ISB is not responsible for laptop maintenance and distribution.
• Digital Classrooms: Our classrooms are equipped with digital projectors and Apple TVs, fostering interactive and engaging learning experiences.
• Emerging Technologies: We embrace innovation by introducing technologies like 3D printing and providing teachers with comprehensive training in the Google Educational Suite.
• This integrated approach fosters digital literacy and lifelong learning skills, preparing students for success in a technology-driven world.

ISB is a proud Google Workspace school, providing access to the full suite of Google Applications for all staff and students. This further empowers our community to collaborate, learn, and innovate in a digital environment.

Bring Your Own Laptop (BYOL) specifications (High School, grades 9-12)

• The Student BYOL device needs to be a laptop computer with a desktop version of the operating system
• The operating system can be either a Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X version.
• The laptop needs to have a battery capacity for minimum 3-5 hours of work
• The laptop needs to have a dual band Wi-Fi network card, 2.4 & 5 GHz (802.11AGN, preferable 802.11AC)
• The BYOL laptop needs to be fully functional (keyboard, screen, Wi-Fi, etc.)
• Hardware minimum specifications
  • CPU dual-core (preferable quad-core)
  • RAM 4 GB (preferable 8 GB)
  • preferable SSD drive
  • preferable built-in microphone/web camera

Not allowed BYOL devices

• Smartphones, Tablets/iPads, Google Chromebooks, Amazon Kindles

BYOL Software

• The BYOL laptop will need to have mostly open-source and free apps
• The school will provide the following licensed application/services
  • Google Apps for Education account
  • Adobe Creative Cloud Apps
  • Antivirus software (if needed)
  • Internet Filtering Software (mandatory)

Laptop Loaners & tech support

• ISB will provide a loaner laptop to students who have issues (repairs, malfunctions) with their BYOL laptops, for a period maximum up to 5 school days.
• ISB IT department will provide only basic tech support and troubleshooting for Student owned laptops.

BYOL general use policy

• Devices are brought to school at the students’ and parents’ own risk. In the event that a privately owned device is lost, stolen or damaged, ISB is not responsible for any financial or data loss.
• Students should not access the Internet at ISB using any external Internet service including mobile network services (GPRS, 3G & 4G)
• No BYOL laptop may be connected to the ISB network by a network cable plugged into a data outlet. Network access is provided via ISB’s Wi-Fi access only.
• Students are not permitted and should not have the expectation that they will be able to charge devices at school.
• No student shall use any computer or device to illegally collect any electronic data or disrupt networking services

The Student Acceptable Use of Technology Agreement incorporates the use of all digital devices, resources and media platforms whilst enrolled at ISB.

Through our homeroom program, the guidance of our faculty and with the support of our students’ parents, we will work collaboratively to ensure that each student will make responsible decisions with regard to how to use technology effectively for their learning. We believe that by developing strong digital habits, we not only ensure that they have the skills, knowledge and understanding of how to use technology to enhance what they learn in the classroom, they also maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly developing global society.

As with the development of all new skills, we recognise that this can be challenging for many. ISB is committed to developing effective and responsible learners by facilitating an environment where students, faculty and parents work together to reinforce appropriate digital habits and challenge when mistakes are made. Alongside the lessons and resources we offer our students, we will share a range of resources and learning opportunities for our parents so that they can play an effective part in developing and supporting the growth of effective digital habits at home. In instances where students have engaged in inappropriate use of any device, resource or media platform, a learning conversation with the individual will take place to determine the appropriate course of action. This may include the removal of access to a device, resource or media platform and may include a further disciplinary measure to be agreed with the student, parents and school leadership. The priority is to continue to build effective digital citizens who are equipped to meet the challenges of the complex digital world they are a part of and will transition to, when they Graduate.

Whilst we accept that mistakes are a key and integral part of learning, ISB will not accept the use of technology or media platforms to engage in malicious activities against anyone else, either inside or outside of our community. This will be challenged inline with all other inappropriate behaviour and may lead to disciplinary action.

All students and parents must carefully read this Agreement prior to signing. Any questions should be addressed to the school and clarification obtained before the Agreement is signed.

All students and parents must carefully read this Agreement prior to signing. Any questions should be addressed to the school and clarification obtained before the Agreement is signed.