Technology
Technology supports our innovative approach to instruction and culture. All classrooms have a one-to-one computing ratio. With access to Web-enabled computers and the latest in collaborative learning technology, every student becomes a self-directed learner who no longer needs to rely primarily on teachers or textbooks for knowledge and direction. We use Echo, an online learning management system to create a vibrant network which helps students, teachers, and parents connect to each other, and to student projects across the country.
Echo is New Tech Network’s learning management system (LMS) designed to support project-based learning (PBL), facilitate communication and collaboration. Teachers, students, and parents at New Tech high schools use Echo on a daily basis to access course resources. Google Apps for Education is seamlessly integrated into the platform, providing schools with a powerful suite of communication and publishing tools including Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Sites.
Laptops at Da Vinci:
Da Vinci Charter academy is pleased to offer the option of allowing students to bring personal laptops for use at school. For students that do not wish to use this option, we can still issue a school owned laptop. The only requirement for personal laptops is that it can access wireless networks. We also need to record the MAC address of your laptop in order to monitor activity on the Da Vinci network. All students are required to sign the Da Vinci Charter Academy Acceptable Use Policy in order to use any of our network resources. The AUP is linked here.
Personal laptop FAQs:
- When bringing a personal laptop, I heard there is a required setup process but
could not get a more detailed answer than that. What exactly needs to be setup, installed and/or configured?
We just need your MAC address and to make sure you have an anti-virus application
- Although Da Vinci uses open source variants of popular software (e.g Gimp, Open Office), are students allowed to use their own software installed on a
personal laptop? I am personally more familiar with applications from Microsoft or Adobe and generally prefer them to their open source equivalents.
You can certainly use any of your own software.
- Are power plugs often accessible for charging laptops during school?
Yes. Most students ‘plug-in’ at least a couple of times a day to get charged up.
Just like with a library book checked out to the student from the school library, a musical instrument or athletic equipment, parents are responsible for the safety and security of their student’s laptop. If the student laptop is stolen or lost, the parents are responsible for replacement.
Da Vinci will not recommend any particular type of insurance coverage nor will it recommend any particular insurance carriers. Each family should contact their insurance provider to determine if additional insurance coverage should be added as a rider to their existing policies.