For decades, York has valued and developed creative abilities alongside logical and technical expertise.
For decades, York has valued and developed creative abilities alongside logical and technical expertise. In A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule The Future, Daniel Pink asserts that in the 21st century's global economy the most valuable workers will be those who can design creatively.
As we help students build their foundation of core academic knowledge, we also provide opportunities to develop abilities in leadership and creativity. From designing better tools and systems to dealing with civic issues and global problems, our students learn how to empathetically and intelligently shape the world. We need to help them develop the tools to create change. How do we put this idea into practice? With a series of innovative programs that demonstrate how York THINKS FORWARD.
We require all students to come to school with a functional laptop computer, charged for use during the school day. We are committed to having our students use technology in the classroom to help prepare them for college and the work world.
Our BYOD program respects the diversity of opinion at York. While we don’t require a particular type of hardware or operating system, we do ask that the device run a desktop operating system such as Chrome OS, Windows, OSX, or Linux. The device should also be in the form of a laptop with a keyboard and trackpad.
As always, we stress a balanced approach of technology use for teenagers. These devices provide student access to a seemingly unlimited amount of academic information and creative tools, greatly enhancing the classroom experience. We also recognize the importance of “screen down” time for face-to-face discussion and interaction. At home, we recommend that technology should not interfere with essential sleep. A good strategy is to have devices plugged in outside of the bedroom during sleep time. This allows both the student and device to be well charged for the school day!
Acer Chromebook Spin 11 ($365 on Amazon--price subject to change) This computer is our top pick for most York students because of its quality, ease of use, durability, battery life, and price. The touchscreen can be easily converted into tablet mode. The frame is sturdy with quality hardware. This device is not recommended for digital art students or students who want to pursue deep-level computer programming; however, computers are available on campus for those classes.
Macbook Air (starting at $850) This is a very high quality computer at a very high price. Many students and teachers find that the quality is worth the cost. This is a popular machine on campus, but no family should feel pressure to purchase one. No classes require students to own a Mac.
Windows There are many options on the market for Windows users, but we have found that Windows machines require more maintenance than Chromebooks or Macs, and York is unable to provide tech support for these machines. Windows machines made by Microsoft (such as the Surface) are generally easier to maintain and do not come overloaded with unnecessary 3rd party software. One can easily find an affordable Windows computer, but we advise against it. Chromebooks are the best inexpensive computers for York students.
TABLETS AND PHONES
Tablets such as iPads or Android tablets are nice to have as secondary devices, but they are not necessary nor suitable as a student’s primary digital device. We’ve found that mobile operating systems like iOS and Android are great, but do not meet the demands of tasks assigned to our students. The Surface 3 is technically a tablet, but it runs a full version of Windows 10, and for York use, should be purchased with a full keyboard and trackpad.
We love our phones, and students are welcome to bring them to school as long as they don’t distract from our academic program. In fact, with their cameras and microphones, these devices can be used for many academic assignments. That said, they should NOT be a student’s primary digital device. No one should endure wr