Hamden Hall Country Day School
Educating Students in PreSchool Through Grade 12
Educating Students in PreSchool Through Grade 12
Academics
Technology
To live and work successfully in our global society, graduates of Hamden Hall will require different knowledge, skills, and attitudes than previous generations. We believe that the rapid pace of technology development has thrust us into an information/communications age which challenges traditional notions of education content and methodology. We believe that the technology available today for educational use offers unique opportunities to enhance instruction and learning and empower students to be more proactive in the acquisition of knowledge.
Hamden Hall views technology as an effective and necessary tool, capable of enhancing both the communication ability and productive capacity of students, staff, and parents. The opportunity to develop technological proficiency will enable students and staff to maximize access to information, enhance problem solving skills, and develop effective and responsible communication in the information age.
Hamden Hall Country Day School is committed to integrating technology throughout the curriculum using a campus-wide network that provides internet service and e-mail for faculty, staff, and students.
PreKindergarten through 6th grade students use technology by having access to iPads and desktop computers in their classroom, in the Lower School Computer Lab and in the Library. Grades 7 – 12 students are required to bring in a mobile device to use for class. There are also class sets of Chromebooks and iPads available for all divisions of the school. Students in the Fine Arts Department use the latest graphics and movie-making software on Macintosh computers to enhance creative productions.
Technology is taught in classes, small groups, and individually; the goal is to use technology as a tool to enhance the learning process and to have technology woven into the curriculum in a seamless manner.
OnCampus Help: How Do I...
- Log In to OnCampus?
- Navigate the System?
-
Customize my Rapid Communication Service settings?
In the event of a school delay, early dismissal, cancellation or other emergency, our Rapid Communication Service alerts you by phone or email based on information within your OnCampus profile. Follow these instructions to verify and update your contact information used by our system.
Recommended Devices
If you are planning to purchase a new device for the upcoming school year, we have created a checklist of minimum requirements the device should meet.
Also consider that the PSAT and SAT have gone digital since fall 2023. They require a Windows laptop, Mac laptop or iPad. Please keep in mind that an external keyboard is required to use an iPad. Family-owned Chromebooks are not compatible with the new test.
We no longer provide direct links to specific models since inventory is so fluid. When shopping for a device, we recommend choosing a device that meets all the requirements in this list.
Click here to view the PSAT/SAT device requirements
Also consider that the PSAT and SAT have gone digital since fall 2023. They require a Windows laptop, Mac laptop or iPad. Please keep in mind that an external keyboard is required to use an iPad. Family-owned Chromebooks are not compatible with the new test.
We no longer provide direct links to specific models since inventory is so fluid. When shopping for a device, we recommend choosing a device that meets all the requirements in this list.
Click here to view the PSAT/SAT device requirements
Wireless Connectivity
school WiFi network or be able to connect to a
high speed cellular network
(at your own expense.)
Operating System
The operating system running on the device should
be secure, up to date, and compatible with school
software and services. Antivirus is highly recommended
across all platforms. (Windows laptops in "S" mode are not compatible with our WiFi and Printing applications)
software and services. Antivirus is highly recommended
across all platforms. (Windows laptops in "S" mode are not compatible with our WiFi and Printing applications)
System Memory (RAM)
Recommended: 8 GB for general use
To run Adobe Creative Cloud applications, the minimum is 8 GB with the recommendation of 16 GB of RAM for either Windows or macOS.
Other considerations
Build Quality: Is the device rugged enough for a school environment? Can it withstand drops, water damage, temperature, vibration, humidity, etc?
Weight: Is the device lightweight and easy to carry around all day long?
Cost: A capable device does not have to be expensive. In fact, there are many low cost options that are a great fit for our environment.
Warranty: Most new devices come with a 1 year limited warranty that protects against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. In most cases, the limited warranty does not include incidents like accidental damage, theft, cracked screens, and vandalism. Depending on the device, you may want to opt for an extended warranty through the manufacturer or a third party like Squaretrade.
Battery Life
Minimum 6 hrs
Devices should be able to last the
school day on a single charge.
Keyboard, Stylus, & Touch Capability
A full keyboard is highly recommended in
order to work efficiently and comfortably.
Touch capability is also recommended
along with a stylus to help
improve ease of use.
improve ease of use.
Screen Size
The screen should be capable of viewing
content in full without the need to scroll or zoom.
We find between 13-15 inches is the optimal
size while still remaining portable.
We find between 13-15 inches is the optimal
size while still remaining portable.
Camera, Microphone & Headset
A camera, preferably rear facing, and microphone are
necessary in order to participate in learning activities
that require use of photos, video, and audio recordings.
A headset with microphone is also highly recommended
to eliminate background noise for activities that involve
listening and speaking.
Suggested Software for Home:
Productivity Suite
Middle and Upper School students use Google Docs, a free, web-based office suite. It allows users to create and edit documents online while collaborating in real-time with other users. Students may use this at home and in school. Alternativly, you may use the the Microsoft Office Mobile Apps which are accessible through the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Virus Protection/Anti-spyware
Virus protection is important on your home computer. At Hamden Hall we use Sophos for Windows and Mac OS Computers, but Avast, Avira, and Panda are also recommended. These companies have a home user version of their software that can provide internet security and anti-spyware support.
The most important thing to know is that once you buy the software you need to keep your subscription current and you need to set the software to update daily so you get the most current virus definitions.
Email
As part of our Google Apps for Education suite, students in grades 6 - 12 will use Gmail to facilitate the transfer of computer files between school and home and to communicate with faculty and each other.
Middle and Upper School students use Google Docs, a free, web-based office suite. It allows users to create and edit documents online while collaborating in real-time with other users. Students may use this at home and in school. Alternativly, you may use the the Microsoft Office Mobile Apps which are accessible through the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Virus Protection/Anti-spyware
Virus protection is important on your home computer. At Hamden Hall we use Sophos for Windows and Mac OS Computers, but Avast, Avira, and Panda are also recommended. These companies have a home user version of their software that can provide internet security and anti-spyware support.
The most important thing to know is that once you buy the software you need to keep your subscription current and you need to set the software to update daily so you get the most current virus definitions.
As part of our Google Apps for Education suite, students in grades 6 - 12 will use Gmail to facilitate the transfer of computer files between school and home and to communicate with faculty and each other.
Web-based Applications
In school we use various web-based applications. When necessary, students will create accounts for these applications in class. It would be helpful if students had access to these at home as well. Following is a list of the tools students are most likely to use, though this is not comprehensive.
- Voicethread
- Online Typing Pal
- Wikispaces
- Diigo
- Kidblogs
- Edublogs
- Glogster
- Voki
1108 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, Connecticut 06517
Phone: 203-752-2600
Fax: 203-752-2651
[email protected]
Hamden, Connecticut 06517
Phone: 203-752-2600
Fax: 203-752-2651
[email protected]
Hamden Hall Country Day School, located less than two miles from Yale University, is one of the best private schools in Connecticut to enroll elementary, middle, and high school students. Our nurturing and inclusive community provides a dynamic learning environment that promotes academic excellence by understanding each child and fostering their individual growth.
