Technology

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By facilitating the integration of technology into our community, DISK uses 21st century learning and teaching tools for use both inside and outside the classroom.

• Diverse Exposure

DISK does not limit its students to one device or operating system. We have a multi-faceted technological environment where students are encouraged to learn many techniques on a variety of platforms.

• Creativity

While many schools emphasize using software, at DISK we emphasize creating it. Our digital design curriculum and additional elective offerings in robotics and computer science provide our students with the knowledge, skills and diverse experiences they need to become digitally literate.

• Technology

Our equipment is on a short replacement cycle which ensures that students, faculty, and staff are always using the latest, most advanced hardware available. Software contracts and licenses are also evaluated annually, so that students and faculty are always learning on the most relevant platforms and software.

DISK is committed to ensuring that our students’ balanced and global academic experiences are met with an equally balanced and diversified exposure to technology. While most schools choose to equip and train their students with one device on one operating system, DISK expects students to be exposed to a multitude of the best available technological resources. 

• Infrastructure

Classrooms are equipped with overhead projectors, smart boards and audio visual equipment to support teaching and learning. Below is an outline of the basic infrastructure and resources available and in use at DISK.

1. Hardware: NTT, Apple, Dell, HP.
2. Operating Systems Supported: Microsoft Windows, Mac OsX, iOS.
3. Educational Platforms: G Suite (formerly Google for Education), SeeSaw.
4. Software: Office 365, Autodesk and more.
5. Apps and Resources: Chrome Store, Apple Store, Google Play and more.​

BYOD

Our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program is available to all students. The program permits students to bring their devices (smartphones, tablets and laptops) to school and connect them to the school’s Wi-Fi network to support their learning.

• What if I do not have a device?

The school does not have an inventory of machines available to support students without a device. 

• Responsible Use

As a device is a tool, we believe students should be given the responsibility to decide for themselves (with the guidance of parents and teachers) when a device is required at school to support their learning. Additionally, as some have a preference for Windows, and others for Mac OSX, we believe parents and students should be given the choice as to which device/platform they will use at school.

• The purpose of the BYOD Program is to foster the following: ​

The skills and knowledge our students will need to be successful in college and graduate school, as well as to lead satisfying and productive lives. The skills and knowledge our students will need to become digitally literate, lifelong learners.

Current research suggests skills such as those listed below will be highly valued in the future:

• Collaboration and teamwork skills
  
• Oral and written communication skills
• Information literacy “... the set of skills needed to find, retrieve, analyze, and use information. ”

• Technology literacy “[the set of skills needed to] use technology tools to access, manage, integrate, evaluate, create and communicate information. ” The ability to adapt to platforms and devices that are new or that one has little experience with. 

DISK BYOD Agreement.pdf
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Recommended Devices & Software

We encourage parents to consider the variety of needs of their children when deciding which device would be the best. Each device has its own merits, however, we would recommend a laptop, notebook or tablet with wireless capability. Parents considering buying a new device for their child may get the most return on their investment from a full-service laptop or MacBook, as it has the greatest capability.

• What device should I buy?

If you are going to purchase a device, below are some basic specifications for devices that we feel will work well for this program. The specifications are for devices we expect to have a minimum of 3-4 year life spans. During that lifespan, you can typically expect significant changes in technology and you may want to consider changing devices sometime toward the 4th or 5th year. Remember your child will be carrying this device between home and school, and from class to class so a lighter 10” - 15” (screen sized) device will generally be better than a larger, heavier devices. 

If you have any questions regarding a device you currently own or want additional detail regarding the specifications below, please email questions to director@diskyoto.com.

• Apple

Any Macbook, Macbook Air or Macbook Pro model made in the last 3 years should be sufficient for several years for any student. Please be aware that some Macbook Airs have extremely small SSD/HD space and that the student may need to be careful with what they load on the device. ¥100,000+

• Windows

Any machine capable of running Windows 7 or later will be sufficient. Typically a Core i5 or Core i7 processor (Stay away from i3 or Celeron branded processors as they are not as capable) and 4G of RAM will be adequate. ¥75,000+

• Chromebook

A touchscreen Chromebook model made in the last 6 months should be sufficient. Please be aware that Chromebooks have limited HD space, memory and processing power. Try to find one with at least 4GB memory, a 13 inch + screen and an Intel processor with a min of 1Ghz. ¥30,000+

• Do I need to buy any software?

DISK students are given access to G Suite and Microsoft Office 365 which both provide word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software, services and apps to support teaching and learning. 

Some courses may require the use of specialized software and teachers will make students aware of these requirements at the start of the year. If possible, the school will try to make school licensed versions available or try to make sure that open source or other free software is used.

Updated Sep'22