Technology at SPSG

SPSG’s NEW Laptop Program

We are pleased to partner with DSR Computers to offer our families an easy and convenient option for purchasing computers for our one-to-one laptop program.  Families may, of course, use laptops they currently own that meet our requirements instead of purchasing a new computer or purchase a computer through another retailer.

All of the laptops models listed on this webpage meet the requirements of SPSG’s 1:1 laptop program, and all laptops ordered through DSR can be serviced locally by DSR.  Free pickup and delivery at SPSG on Mondays and Thursdays is included in the price.  Please allow up to 7 calendar days for repairs. DSR will inform the customer of repairs taking longer.

We recommend the purchase of an extended warranty for 3 or 4 years (if available).  DSR also recommends purchasing a warranty that includes damage caused by the student (i.e. a broken screen) as well as manufacturer defects.   

DSR is able to service your device even if you purchased it from another vendor.  It may be serviced under the warranty if DSR is an authorized servicer of your unit and the warranty period has not expired.  If you are unsure if DSR is an authorized servicer, you may call them in advance to check. 

If you would like to purchase a computer through DSR, please complete the apprpriate fields and click “submit” at the bottom of the page.  Your order will be sent via email to the DSR Sales Department, and you will receive confirmation and order total within 24 business hours. You may also print and fax this form to DSR at 410-579-8412, ATTN: Sales Department.

If you prefer to mail a check, please indicate so in the comments.  DSR will contact you with the final total of your order.  Please see attached PDFs for information regarding SPSG’s 1:1 laptop program and hardware and software requirements.

Reasoning Behind 1:1 Laptop Program

SPSG has a long history of leadership in technology. In 1967, Mary Frances Wagley initiated a partnership with Goucher College allowing SPSG girls to study FORTRAN at Goucher College through a grant from the National Science Foundation. This program made SPSG the first Baltimore-area school to incorporate technology and programming into its curriculum.  In 1978, SPSG purchased its own computer for the special rate of $11,500. According to the SPSG history Through All Our Days, the new computer fit easily into the school, being only the “size of a family desk.” The student body voted to name their new computer Paula.

The 1:1 laptop program initiative, supported by the Board of Trustees, is based upon research, school visits, and a self-study completed in the 2010-2011 school year by a group of faculty, administrators, and staff members representing all departments and divisions of SPSG.

We believe, and research demonstrates, that moving to a 1:1 laptop program supports the way girls learn best. For example, faculty researching individual computing programs in schools emphasized that girls learn best when the course material is relevant and supports the betterment of society (Dain, 1991; J.F. Margolis, Fisher & Miller, n.d.-a; Tillberg, 2005). Our 1:1 laptop program will allow girls to explore the relevance of their subject matter and to publish and share their work with peers online.

We are committed to preparing girls to be ethical, innovative, and organized leaders in college and in today’s complex and rapidly changing workforce. In order to succeed in this environment, girls must possess not only strong content-area knowledge and critical thinking skills, but also the ability to work well and communicate with others, the skills to analyze and create media, and “the ability to apply technology effectively” (Partnership for 21^st Century Skills). A 1:1 laptop program will allow girls to engage in projects that build these skills on a daily basis.

In addition to providing girls daily access to technology necessary for success in the twenty-first century, a 1:1 laptop program ensures equitable access of all girls to technology. All girls would come to school and go home with a laptop and be equipped to learn similar critical thinking skills. Confident that all students had similarly high-functioning technology, faculty would be prepared to teach and incorporate technology to enhance learning.

Specifically, a 1:1 laptop program will allow girls to

In order to prepare for a successful roll-out of SPSG’s 1:1 laptop program for girls in Grades VIII-XII, we have been intentional in our selection two classes to begin the program in the 2012-2013 school year. The roll-out of the program will take place over three years:

This careful approach will allow SPSG’s Academic Technology Coordinator to deliver targeted professional development to teachers of girls involved in the pilot program. Also, in preparation for the roll-out of this new program, SPSG is increasing its Internet bandwidth and improving other aspects of infrastructure that are essential to the success of this program.

Although some schools with 1:1 laptop programs require families to purchase expensive or specific brands of laptops, SPSG has designed a policy, consistent with that of St. Paul’s School, which allows for choice. The estimated range of cost for a laptop meeting the basic requirements of SPSG’s 1:1 program is approximately $400 and above.