Computers should be protected with an appropriate case that safeguards it against impact damage; and in the case of mobile devices, shock/water/dirt/abrasion damage. We also recommend that parents record the serial numbers of all electronic devices.
Educational Technology
Following our mandate of preparing our students to be responsible and capable digital citizens, Coast Mountain Academy is proud to be a fully-integrated Google Apps for Education school. This means that students and faculty at CMA use the Google Apps suite of applications and other digital tools for most classroom activity.
Each student is given a Google account attached to Coast Mountain Academy. This account includes the following:
- A personal email account with an ‘@coastmountainacademy.ca’ address, built on the powerful GMail platform
- A private cloud storage Drive with unlimited capacity
- Individualized Calendar, Contacts, To Do lists, and other productivity tools hosted in the cloud and accessible from anywhere
- Access to cutting-edge collaborative document software like Docs, Sheets, Slides, Sites, and more.
Additionally, students will use their ‘CMA account’ use Google apps like Forms and Classroom to complete everyday classroom activities and assignments.
CMA Student Technology Requirements
Students are expected to come to school every day equipped to work in our dynamic technological environment. Our heavy use of online tools and digital workflows for learning activities means students will need a certain level of technology to engage in what CMA has to offer.
We recognize the value in having students and parents choose the operating systems and hardware that they prefer or that they may already have. We are committed to reviewing those options and helping families find the best possible tech options. With that in mind, here are the minimum requirements for day-to-day tech at CMA:
- A laptop computer with a current (< 5 years old) operating system and the ability to connect to the internet with an up-to-date web browser– preferably Google Chrome. A battery capable of all-day use it also crucial, 6 hrs is a minimum.
- A scientific calculator – not built into cellphone (for grades 7 – 10), see the FAQ.
- A graphing calculator (for grades 11 & 12), may be advantageous for grade 10 students as well.
Recommended Computers
Middle School: Chromebook
- Secure and distraction-free ChromeOS, perfect for young computer users
- Extreme battery life (2 school days on one charge!)
- Built for Google web apps used every day
- Variety of price points and features from ASUS, HP, Acer, Toshiba, and Samsung
- Read more
Senior School: Apple Macbook Air
- Powerful but easy to use macOS
- Great battery life
- Most popular student computer
- Required for students who choose to take coding and design courses
- Read more
Recommended Calculators
Technology FAQ
Is a tablet computer (e.g. iPad) a good choice for my son/ daughter?
Although there are some powerful tablets available which can be coupled with peripheral devices (keyboards, mouse, etc.) to enhance their functionality to meet the requirements listed above, we have found through experience that tablets are not sufficiently powerful for the demands of our program. We therefore do not recommend their use as a primary computing device for students.
I’m considering X device for my son/ daughter. Will it work?
For questions about specific devices and technology solutions, you are invited to email us with the make and model to find out if it is appropriate.
Modern cell phones have a built-in calculator. Why do students need a dedicated device?
Through experience, we have discovered two reasons for this:
- The accuracy of calculator apps has been found to be insufficient for many common tasks.
- Having phones out during math class brings the distraction of texting, social media, and youtube right onto the desktop.
Because cell phones are not permitted during secondary or post-secondary exams, it is also important for students to develop a proficiency with them before they arrive in these scenarios.
What is CMA’s policy on cell phones in class?
As a school looking ahead, we recognize and embrace the place smartphones have and will increasingly have in our lives. All-the-time connectivity is a loaded subject right now with society, culture, and the business world playing catch-up to the possibilities of modern technology. While modern phones are a powerful educational tool, they can also be a significant distraction for students and a source of disruption for a whole class and as such as not welcome in the classroom.
What is CMA’s firewall policy?
When addressing the issues of inappropriate content and gaming via the school network, Coast Mountain Academy employs two approaches:
- Culture: Content with no learning value is, where appropriate, discussed in the classroom to identify it as such and build a sense of ‘the professional learning environment’ in students. This is often combined with learning opportunities about overall appropriate tech use.
- Control: A modern firewall is deployed at the school and managed by the staff to impose necessary restrictions on content and gaming. While some content is blocked at all times on campus, some is scheduled to be available outside of class hours for the enjoyment of students at lunch hour. Gaming is tentatively being allowed at lunch hour.
By addressing these issues from both ends, they are made into learning opportunities through which students can develop self-regulation.
Follow us on Instagram
Proud Member
