1:1 Technology Initiative

A 1:1 computer/device program is shorthand for referring to each student having their own computer device in the classroom. Rather than the traditional model of shared computer labs students will use their own devices anywhere, anytime. While we will still maintain some dedicated computer labs for special software students will use their own devices for day-to-day work.

What model 1:1 program does MUHS use?

MUHS will use a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) model that colleges and universities use. Students must bring a device that they own for use at school. This model provides the best scenario for students to learn in their own environment where they are comfortable. As a college-prep school it also prepares them for life at the college level. Teaching them responsible use of technology while also giving them the tools they need to enhance their learning, is part of the MUHS curriculum.

What device should be used?

In a BYOD environment the student is free to bring, with exceptions, any device they want to bring. That device needs to meet certain minimum requirements, listed below. 

If you are buying a new device	If you are bringing a device you already own
Chromebook: most Chromebooks manufactured in 2021 or later will be sufficient. A Chromebook is the baseline device that MUHS requires. Please ensure the Chromebook has at least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended).	Battery life: the battery of the device should last at least 4 hours. Your student should not need to plug in their device every hour in order for it to work. While we will have charging areas accessible to students they are not guaranteed to be able to charge their devices in the classroom. Students are responsible to make sure they have sufficient battery charge.
Windows PC: any Windows PC laptop you purchase today will be more than sufficient. There is a wide variety of PC laptops that you can purchase so the choice should be made based on the student's preference (screen size, weight, etc.). A Microsoft Surface Pro tablet (Version 6 and above) is an acceptable Windows laptop.	RAM: In general the device should have a minimum of 8 GB of RAM. If you have a MacBook manufactured in the last three years then you will be OK. Windows PC's must have a minimum of 4 GB of RAM; 8 GB of RAM is preferable.
Apple MacBook: any Mac laptop you purchase today will be more than sufficient. It can be a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro.	Wi-Fi access: every device needs to be able to connect to a wireless network. This is generally not a problem for modern devices but if the device is older please ensure it has this capability.
Special note about iPads and similar tablets: At this time we do not recommend purchasing an iPad as a student's primary device. While these devices are great at the grade school level they do not meet our minimum requirements at the college-prep level without significant workarounds. (Please see footnote below). This warning does not include Microsoft Surface Pro tablets which are perfectly acceptable.

Purchasing

You may purchase these devices from whichever store gives you the best deal (online or in-store). We do not recommend any one particular vendor. At this time MUHS does not provide a purchasing program for these devices. MacBook and Surface Pro devices can be more costly and the Chromebook/standard Windows laptop devices will be inexpensive.

If you have any questions at all, including help verifying that a device will work, please contact Joe Cavanaugh at cavanaugh@muhs.edu.

*Footnote about iPads: while we do not ban any particular device, as mentioned previously we do not recommend your student purchasing an iPad as their primary device. As a secondary device it works fine. Your student is responsible for making sure they are able to complete their work on-time and correctly using their device. Teachers will not make special exceptions for students using iPads. Using an iPad will be difficult for most students to complete tasks.