FAQ's

1. What is the total technology fee that I can expect?

A: Given the market’s constant flux in hardware and software and the current research being employed by technology experts, it is not possible to set a figure.

2. Will financial aid be available? What if I already receive financial aid?

A: Financial aid is available in the fashion it has always been made available to our families. The tech fee is considered part of the total cost of attending Queen of Peace. In that sense, the cost of the 1:1 laptop program is incorporated into our decision making about grants and scholarships. Parents are encouraged to apply for financial aid by completing the parent-student aid form available in the Business Office. Students and families will be notified when the forms become available.

If a student currently receives financial aid, Peace encourages parents to complete the financial aid process by completing the parent-student aid form.

3. Can other family members use the laptop at home?

A: Yes. The student has access 24/7. The primary user should always be the student using it for school work. However, parent/legal guardian involvement is imperative in monitoring the use of technologies at home.

4.  Can my daughter install software on her laptop?

A: Yes. Peace has the right to re-image any laptop that is in violation of software corruption or misuse of license. Assistance in making wise choices regarding space availability and needed resources will be provided. Students must at all times adhere to the school's STUDENT TECHNOLOGY USE AND ACCEPTABLE Use POLICIES.

5. Is the laptop program mandatory for all grade levels?

A: Yes. Given that we need standardized and universal access to integrate technology into our programs, all students in all grade levels must use the same mobile equipment from the supplier contracted by the school. This includes warranty, insurance and repair services as well as software packages like Microsoft Office, client user access licenses, anti-virus and course software.

6. Are teachers prepared to teach in this environment?

A: As is the case with any instructional strategy, on-going in-service and resources are needed to guarantee that all teachers are well-equipped to integrate technologies into the classroom. Life-long learning is a given in the area of education and continued in-services, resources, and study will be provided. Queen of Peace has been on the cutting edge of computer technology for many years, infusing technology in all discipline areas. For the past five years, Peace faculty members have been trained in and equipped with the second generation of mobile technology – the tablet – allowing them to maintain web calendars, their own webpages, assignments, syllabi, and grades, as well as become accessible to parents via email.

7. How can I be assured that my daughter is kept on task and not surfing the web during class?

A: Inappropriate student behavior is not alien to the classroom. When students fall off task, they suffer academically. Teachers will continue to encourage and monitor on-task behavior of students so that they can achieve increased positive gains from this new technology.

8. What if the laptop needs repair?

A: Refer to the Technology Maintenance Center (TMC) information.

9.  I have more than one daughter at Peace. Can they share laptops? Is there a multi-student discount?

A: Every student has a different academic program that requires differentiating applications, so every student needs her own laptop - much like each student needs her own textbooks.

In reference to the multi-student discount, please refer to question 2. Parents are encouraged to fill out the PSAS.

10. Will we have to purchase text books?

A: Yes. Having technology allows many different things to happen in the classroom. Books are still resources needed for instruction. Some courses may move to electronic texts and some will keep text books. Quality instruction always engages mixed media to address different learning styles.

11. What controls are in place to protect my daughter from viewing inappropriate Internet content?

A: Firewalls and content-filtering software will continue to be used as well as sporadic scans of student usage. Any violations of school policy will be dealt with according to the disciplinary guidelines.

12. What if the unit is lost or stolen?

A: We encourage families to include the laptop in their household item inventory for their homeowners insurance to protect against loss or theft. Families should check with their insurers to find out what is the best way to cover the laptops.

13.  How do we intend to monitor the impact of 1:1 student learning?

A: Our AdvancED Evaluation Program has been focused on problem solving and critical thinking. We can focus on those very same skills, as well as others, by assessing the change in students’ ability to use critical thinking and problem solving with technology. Teachers will be engaged in identifying strategies to achieve desired outcomes as well as rubrics to assess data and compare end results by means of standard pre-and post-testing, course performance, and student portfolio documents.