Laptop Program
Marquez’s Digital Edge program—an exciting, high-tech initiative that puts laptop computers directly in students’ hands, began in the 2006-07 school year. Friends of Marquez has provided brand new Apple MacBook laptops on a 2:1 ratio for grades 1-5. Kindergarten classrooms will have multiple iMac computers to enable even the youngest learners to explore the technical world and use computers to further enrich their creative thinking.
The Digital Edge program fully-integrates computers into the existing curriculum. All classrooms have wireless Internet access, allowing teachers to enhance their lessons with the vast resources available online. Studying marine life? Students can immediately access photos of different species and habitats and create their own customized keynote presentations. Learning about Monet? Students can take a virtual tour of his artwork, in reality located in museums spread across the globe.
The program enriches the learning process, teaches 21st century skills and boosts productivity for both teachers and students. Students are able to work independently at their own pace, using interactive math, science and language arts software programs, turn in homework on-line and create videos and presentations to enhance their homework assignments. For example, teachers are able to grade some assignments online, freeing up their time for more productive purposes.
To help students pursue the school’s academic goals, and in support of the school’s academic mission, parents may purchase computers and related equipment at special pricing for their students attending the school and participating in the student laptop initiative. Parents are limited to purchasing one computer per student (per academic year), and purchases must be made from a custom online Apple Store designed to support the school’s parent purchase program at www.apple.com/edu/marquez. For purchases not related to the school’s academic mission, please visit the Apple Store at www.apple.com/store. This offer is limited to qualified participants of an education purchase program. Products and prices are subject to change without notice.
