TAL Program

Updated 10/01/2024

Technology-Assisted Learning, or TAL (pronounced “tall”), is a program designed to incorporate advanced technology into our everyday learning. Students are allowed to provide their own laptops or tablets with a physical keyboard as a way to further their own learning both in and out of school for things like taking notes and reading e-books. Along with academics, the program also teaches cyber safety and digital etiquette. While personal devices are required, students will also have access to school computers.

The benefits of TAL are hard to overstate. Students who can seamlessly integrate academics with technology are better prepared for the rigors of university and professional life.

Requirements Updated 10/01/2024

The most important requirement is that students possess a 5Ghz or 6Ghz WiFi device recommended by the Technology Department such as:

• Chromebooks – 14″ screen size recommended, metal case preferred for durability AND capable of running the latest Chrome OS (Currently version 128 as of Oct. 2024) or are less than two years old.
• All MacBooks (Pro and Air from 2013 and newer) have 5Ghz AC Wireless built in. If you buy a used Mac laptop consider that Apple only supports the last three released operating systems. As of 10/2024 they are macOS 15 (Sequoia), 14 (Sonoma) and 13 (Ventura).
• PC laptops that have 5Ghz AC/AX WiFi 6 or 5 and 6Ghz, WiFi 6E or WiFi 7. (see WiFi recommendation below).
• Consider a spare charger for your locker/backpack. We don’t have spares at JD for every brand and model of computer. Google the part/model number on your current charger to find were to purchase a spare.
• Students are responsible for keeping their devices free of viruses and malware. Failure to do so could result in being banned from the WiFi network. Please make sure your student’s device has an active subscription to software like (but not limited to) MalwareBytes to keep computers clean.
• CONSIDER a hard case for the laptop if your student is “rough” on their devices.
• OPTIONAL: Devices that support 6Ghz wifi, this can be listed on the box as “Wifi 6E” (SOME 802.11AX devices are 6E compatible and others are just WiFi 6 devices in the 5Ghz range) or “WiFi 7” (802.11be ) will be able to take advantage of our new WiFi 7 access points.
• We do not recommend HP Windows or Chromebook laptops as of October 2024.  We’ve been seeing many devices per week with the same problems with keyboards and wifi issues.

NOT allowed: iPads, Kindles, netbooks, mini-tablets, and smartphones as primary devices. These devices don’t have large enough screens or the necessary processing power and lack a physical keyboard and cannot run the software students need to be successful at JDCHS.

IMPORTANT: Purchase a waterproof padded laptop sleeve/hard case to protect your computer investment.  If your student is enrolled in the, AP Computer Science, TV Journalism, Video Production, or Yearbook classes they will need a Mac or PC. Hotspots (on phones or standalone) are not allowed on campus because they can cause interference with the school wifi network.  Students also need to turn off their phones before placing them in their Yonder pouches.  The Introduction to Innovative Technology class requires a new Chromebook that can run the latest Chrome OS.  Older Chrome OS devices (older than 5 years as of 2023) old will not run some of the web based programs this class uses.

WIFI RECOMMENDATION: Purchase a laptop with 802.11ac and/or 802.11ax which operate in the 5Ghz band for best performance on our WiFi network and AX is highly recommended and could be listed as WiFi 6. Optionally consider a computer that supports 6ghz (some 802.11ax devices are WiFi 6E and WiFi 7 802.11be).  We do not support 2.4Ghz WiFi.

WIFI “types” EXPLAINED: Be sure to check that the device has 5Ghz-capable wireless (Wi-Fi), or you must purchase a USB dual-band Wi-Fi adapter. The specs will usually be listed as “dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax.” The “b” and “g” types are 2.4Ghz, the “a” type is 5Ghz, and “n” can be either 2.4Ghz and/or 5Ghz, so don’t rely on just “n” being listed. If it lists “dual-band” or it has the “a” and “n” or “ac” or “ax” types listed it’s a 5Ghz-capable device or if it lists WiFi 6.  Newer 6Ghz devices include some 802.11ax devices when listed as WiFi 6E and 802.11be for WiFi 7.

Families who do not have the means of purchasing a digital device may contact our Finance department during the summer. Support will be provided at the rate of tuition aid eligibility.