top of page

USING TECHNOLOGY AT WIS

Whether a student is using a pencil, a 3D printer, or a generative artificial intelligence chatbot, at WIS we expect students to gain the skills to appropriately use technology to aid their learning. Our Multimedia and Design Learning Spaces facilitate makerspace activities such as robotics, introduction to circuits, Drone Academy, and 3D Printing. Some of these activities are also done in the classroom. 

 

Device Requirements

As outlined in our WIS Device Policy, ​our Primary students use school-provided iPads from Early Years through Grade 5. 

 

From the second semester of Grade 5 through Grade 12, students must bring their laptops to school. The minimum specifications are articulated below. Many families purchase their Chromebooks through Nanodog.net (mentioning the school’s name for the special order) or by visiting them at Maerua Mall. Alternatively one can purchase a Chromebook outside of Namibia.
​

Communication

  • Primary teachers utilise Toddle to communicate assignments.

  • Secondary teachers utilise ManageBac to communicate attendance and assignments with parents and students.

  • The WIS Parent Network communicates by email, and primarily by grade-level WhatsApp groups.

​

Smartphone Prohibition Policy

  • Students in Grades 10 and under - WIS follows a no-phone policy on Campus

    • In response to evolving educational research about the negative impact of social media and smartphone use, WIS has a policy that students in these grade levels must leave their phones at home.

    • Smartphones seen on campus will be confiscated from the student and returned only to the parent/guardian.

    • If students require bringing a phone to campus for transportation or safety purposes, then the phone must be checked in at Reception at the start of each school day and then retrieved between 1:45 pm and 3:00 pm.

  • Students in Grades 11 and 12

    • Students are permitted to keep their smartphones on their person.

    • Smartphone use is prohibited in restrooms and is prohibited outside during breaks.

    • Smartphones must remain out of sight and in silent mode during class time unless with prior permission from the supervising teacher. 

​

Bring Your Own Device Technical Specifications and

​​

  • Grades 5-8: Chromebooks are recommended, but MacBooks are permitted

Grades 5 through 8 will have the option of bringing their own Chromebook or MacBook. We continue to recommend the Chromebook due to its cost and use considerations for Primary and Middle School-aged learners, but families arriving at WIS in Grade 7 or 8 will likely wish to purchase a MacBook so as to avoid having to purchase their child a different laptop within just a few years.

​

  • Grades 9-12: MacBooks are required

We have petitioned the International Baccalaureate to eAssessments Chromebook-compatible, but the IBO has confirmed that this is not feasible for exam security reasons. This is because the software required for the MYP eAssessment will not function on the Chromebook's browser-based system. 

 

Therefore, MacBooks have additional functionality that will improve students' ability to create work and document their learning in the MYP ePortfolio that is required for external Grade 10 assessments in the Arts, Design, and Language Acquisition. MacBooks are required for all students in Grades 9-12.​​​

 

  • Early Years through Grade 4: School-provided iPads (no Chromebook/MacBook)

The school utilises school-provided iPads for in-class technology as a tool for learning, and students have access to a digital makerspace/computer lab. No other device is required in these grades. ​​

 

Device requirements specs:

Apple Mac

  • Mac OS Version 12 or higher

  • Please ensure the device has received all its updates and has an Apple ID signed in and Find My "Device" is configured

  • Recommended: M1 or M2 series processor – Very Good battery life

  • Recommended: Laptop bag/sleeve/hardshell case

 

Chromebooks

  • Recent model to receive updates (Extensive list)

  • Minimum 4gb ram

  • Recommended: 32GB Storage

  • Recommended: Laptop bag/sleeve / hardshell case
     

 

 

         WIS ICT POLICY     l    WIS DEVICE POLICY 

bottom of page