Tech FAQ

Union Catholic has gathered student, parent and faculty feedback. From these sessions we have produced a list of common questions and answers regarding many different aspects of the program.

1. Is the laptop mandatory for all Class of 2010 incoming freshmen?

   Yes.

2. Does the parent purchase the laptop?

   Yes. There are many purchase options available for parents. Union Catholic has negotiated with a local bank for a low interest loan for those parents who wish to finance this purchase over a 3 year period. Other parents have used home equity loans, credit unions and various other sources to purchase the laptop.

3. How much does the laptop cost?

   The current cost for the student laptop machine is approximately $2100. That comes to approximately $70 per month over a 3 year lease term.

4. Will software be upgraded?

   Our initial software purchase is done under educational pricing standards. Software upgrading policy between IBM and Microsoft is still under negotiations. At this time we are unable to determine what the cost of upgrade software will be. The possibility exists that IBM will provide software upgrades at no cost. Union Catholic will support all software versions throughout students\' high school years.

5. Is this the latest model?

   The laptops offered in this program are the latest commercial machines available at the time of product offering. These are not leftover machines from previous releases.

6. Will the same laptop be used all four years?

   Yes. Students will not be required to purchase more than one laptop while at Union Catholic.

7. Are there dial-in network capabilities?

   At this time, Union Catholic has not created a dial-in network environment. What we have done is developed an on-site web server which houses our school web page (www.unioncatholic.org). We will be using this web site as a resource for families to connect to Union Catholic from home.

8. What about printers?

   Union Catholic has created a local area network within the building on which 14 networked laser printers currently reside along with 6 color printers available for student use in our library.

9. How computer literate is the Union Catholic faculty/staff?

   Union Catholic has integrated technology into its curriculum for approximately the past 8 years. As a result of this integration our faculty and staff have been undergoing professional development to insure success in the classroom. Union Catholic continues its financial commitment to further professional development for those teachers participating in the laptop program. 100% of our faculty is committed to technology integration and recognizes the academic benefits that it offers students and utilizes technology in their classrooms.

10. How will faculty monitor computer usage verses playing games?

    One of the benefits of the laptop program is that it allows for instruction to take place within a teacher\'s classroom as opposed to a computer lab. With the teacher present in their own room, it has been our experience that classroom management is easily achieved. Teachers are able to monitor student behavior better within their own room therefore minimizing the possibility of a student getting off task. This tool also creates a different dynamic within the classroom. The teacher now becomes more of a facilitator rather than lecturer. Because students are more engaged in their learning, teachers are able to observe and assist.

11. Will the laptop take the places of some text book?

    At this time students will continue to incorporate the use of textbooks and the laptop. Currently, textbook companies are developing software and interactive web capabilities that can replace the traditional hard cover books. We will continue to monitor this development and when we believe that students can benefit from its implementation we will do so.

12. Is this a Microsoft benefit or kid benefit?

    The Microsoft corporation has provided a tremendous amount of resources, professional development, software applications, and marketing dollars to insure the success of this program. We believe that they are committed to providing kids with technology at a reasonable cost. While any company is in the business of staying in business, we feel that our kids can only benefit from this situation.

13. Is there a suitable alternative?

    Union Catholic has always been committed to providing students with the greatest academic opportunities that are available. We believe that this program offers an opportunity for your child that is unmatched. While there are other opportunities to integrate technology into curriculum without the use of a laptop, we believe that they do not offer the comprehensive benefits that this program offers.

14. What is the term of the lease?

    Union Catholic has arranged with a local bank the opportunity for families to finance the purchase of this laptop over a 3 year period with an 8.5% interest rate. For those families who are interested in extending the term of this lease, they should contact the bank directly. Further information regarding this option can be obtained by contacting our Tuition Office at: 908-889-1600.

For further information regarding this program please contact Karen Piasecki, Assistant Principal / Director of Technology at 908-889-1600 or kpiasecki@unioncatholic.org

Union Catholic High School
1600 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 - (908) 889-1600
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