Technology is a tool for learning that is integrated throughout a student's experience at Notre Dame. We leverage the benefits of a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) environment to provide students with a relevant and truly college-preparatory experience. Our school provides students with guidelines for responsible use of devices in and out of the classroom. Through our approach with technology, students increase digital fluency and develop skills that "teach them what they need to know for life."
Notre Dame students are required to purchase and use technology like any other daily school supply. We are a platform-neutral learning environment, which means that students can choose the platform (Mac or PC) that works best for them, however each primary device must meet certain requirements. Details for devices and accessories are available below.
Note: Most tablet computers, including iPads cannot be used as primary devices at Notre Dame because some required software cannot be installed.
Device Requirements
Students must have a primary device with the following features:
- Ability to download and install software
- Wireless Access
- 2 installed Internet browsers (recommended: Chrome, Firefox, Safari)
- PDF Reader (ie Adobe Acrobat)
- A word-processing program
- Webcam
- Built-in microphone
- Have administration right for the device
- Anti-virus software or anti-spam tools
Laptop Specifications- Notre Dame High School does not recommend a specific platform, and does not sell devices.
Please note the following laptop/netbook specifications:
Microsoft® Windows/Mac
Examples: Dell Inspiron 15, Acer Aspire, Lenovo IdeaPad, MAC:
Intel®, AMD, or ARM processor with 64-bit support, Multicore Intel® processor with 64-bit support or M1 Apple Silicon processor (i5 or better)
8GB RAM or more
MAC Sierra and up
Examples: MacBook
*Student also have the option to use a Secondary Device.
For more information please refer to these details of device specifications:
Accessories
You need all of the following for your device:
- Battery that that holds a charge of at lease an hour
- Devices should be brought to school fully charged and ready to use.
- The Learning Commons and classrooms are equipped with electrical outlets for charging
- Case, bag or other protective cover
- Headphones and/or headsets for personal listening and voice recording
- Chargers
Secondary Devices
ND students may choose to bring a secondary device. Secondary devices:
- are not required
- may enhance students' learning experience, but will not replace the need for a primary device.
- creating and editing documents may be challenging on devices without a keyboard
- some secondary devices may not display all web-based content correctly
Examples of Secondary Devices:
(Note - None of these would be considered a primary device because required software cannot be downloaded or installed. )
- Chromebook
- Android Tablet
- iPad
- E-Readers - Nook/Kindle
- Smartphone
Software
In addition to the basic requirements for primary devices, course specific and schoolwide software is needed to support student learning.
Course Specific Software
Specific software is required for the following courses. The majority of this software is free to download. This list is subject to change and is dependent on a student's course enrollment.
- Lame DLL for creating MP3 files
- Vernier Graphical Analysis
School Specific Software
The following web-based programs do not require software downloads, but are used by all students in our learning community. All students are issued accounts through Notre Dame High School with:
What does BYOD mean?
BYOD means that you bring a primary device of your choice and connect to the Notre Dame wireless network.
Why aren't you doing a 1:1 laptop program, or an iPad program?
Our BYOD program fits our needs better. Please read the Bring Your Own Device section for additional information.
How will I use my device on campus? Students will:
- create, collaborate and communicate with classmates and teachers
- access digital resources and class materials
- receive and submit work digitally
Do you use eTextbooks at Notre Dame?
Information about courses currently using eTexts at Notre Dame is available on our textbook page. You can access it in the Quick Links section of our parent page.
What device should I buy?
All students need a primary device able to download and install software.
Do I need to install need specific software?
Yes, students will need to download and install software.
Should I get a warranty for my device?
Notre Dame offers limited tech support on campus, so we recommend purchasing warranties for devices when available.
What if I need help with my device or something breaks?
We help all students access our wireless network and the accounts used on campus. All students have access to the HelpDesk website and IT staff. However, we cannot repair or provide extensive technical support for student devices.
Will my device be safe?
You are responsible for keeping your device safe and protected.
As stated in the NDSJ Student Technology Use Agreement, “Students are responsible for the security of their own personal computers. NDSJ accepts no responsibility for theft, vandalism, or intentional destruction of personal electronic device. For security purposes, students' personal electronic devices must be in their possession or in a locked locker at all times.”
Does Notre Dame sell computers or offer a discount?
NDSJ is not selling devices. Our BYOD program does not require a specific device or platform, so we are not eligible for mass-purchase discounts.
Can I bring other devices to school?
Yes. In addition the required Primary Device, students may also choose to bring a Secondary Device.
What about recharging my device?
You should bring your device to school fully charged and ready to use each day. The Learning Commons is available for charging devices throughout the day, and you will be able to plug-in in some classrooms. However, you need a battery that lasts at least an hour without being plugged in.
Beginning in 2011, Notre Dame High School implemented a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) technology program for students. A BYOD approach allows students to bring a primary device of their choosing to connect to Notre Dame's wireless network. This flexibility allows students to choose the platform and equipment thatbest meets their learning needs.
BYOD is becoming standard practice in major companies - Cisco, Informatica, Intel, HP. BYOD is becoming standard in industry as it has been at the college/university level. At Notre Dame, the BYOD program emphasizes:
Learning focused on individual student needs
- BYOD better supports the needs of each learner
- Our educational model is around individual learning, not a one size fits all approach
A Neutral platform and individual choice
- Students and parents make individual choices from a wide range of available devices
A flexible approach to technology integration
- Students are learning to effectively use technology, not just 1 software or platform type.
Investment in faculty professional development toward the application of technology
- Professional development of staff, the digital resources of the library and continued enhancements to the infrastructure are all spending priorities.
Instruction is student centered, focusing on student products and 21st Century Learning Skills
- The adoption of ISTE Standards Framework moves instruction to become more student centered. Technology is used as a tool to capture and convey knowledge.
The application of technology in a college-prep environment.
- Students bring their own device, just like they will in college and use our Learning Management System, Google Classroom to access their course content.
What are 21st Century Learning Skills?
21st Century Learning Skills are focused on learning and innovation that foster creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration. These are the skills students will need in a rapidly changing global community. (Partnership for 21st Skills - Framework for 21st Century Learning)
Articles about BYOD
South Bay Accent Article
Notre Dame was recently featured in South Bay Accent magazine for its Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy as well as the innovative use of 'flipped' classrooms. Click to download the entire story.