Beginning in 6th grade, all students at EAB are required to have their own personal computers. They must complete all digital work at school on their personal devices.

This guide is for EAB parents who want to purchase a computer for their child but are unsure which type is most suitable for school use.

The Tech Department frequently receives questions from parents regarding computer usage at school. 

Here are some common inquiries:

1 - How are computers used at EAB?

Here are examples of activities where students will need their computers in the classroom:

• Science and Mathematics: Use simulation software to represent mathematical or physical concepts they have studied.

• Arts: Use digital design software to create digital art, including posters, movies, or 3D printing prototypes.

• Humanities: Use Office Suite software to write essays, create slide presentations, or craft short stories.

• Makerspace: Connect and code robotics kits via USB.

• Day-to-day: Follow school assignments in Google Classroom and communicate with peers and teachers via email.

2 - Can my child use an iPad/tablet instead of a computer?

iPads and tablets are not recommended for school use. While they can function like a computer with a mouse and keyboard, they often lack compatibility with many software programs and equipment used in classrooms, primarily mobile devices. For instance, certain robotics kits require USB connections that might not work with an iPad or tablet. Additionally, they can be distracting, as they may tempt students to play games and access social media more easily.

3 - Which computer is better: Windows PC, Macbook, or Chromebook?

All types of computers can work within our school environment. The choice depends on several factors:

• Durability: Computers can break, especially those used by teenagers. Choose a device that can withstand years of use and be easily repaired. For example, Macbooks are powerful but can be costly to fix if damaged. A simpler, more affordable computer might be better for a 6th grader.

• Chromebooks: Ideal for school use but not great for personal entertainment. If your child will use the computer primarily for school, a Chromebook is the best option. If they need it for personal use, consider a Windows PC.

• Macbooks: Excellent for older students who will continue using their computers beyond high school. They are lightweight, powerful, and compatible with various software, making them perfect for students interested in the arts, as they are favorites among digital artists and musicians.

4 - What are the minimum requirements for a computer?

Here are the essential specifications for a student’s personal computer:

• Age: The computer should not be older than 5 years.

• Processor: Intel Core i5, AMD Ryzen 5, Apple M1, or better

• RAM: 8GB or better

• Storage: 256 GB or better (HD or SSD)

• Operating System: Windows 11, the latest version of MacOS, or Chrome OS

This is a guide we created for the EAB community to share good practices and resources to foster students' online safety at home. 

How does EAB keep my child safe when using the internet at school?

Our technology department has many protocols to ensure our kids' safety whenever they access the internet. 

1. Tools compliance: we guarantee that every online tool available to our students follows our privacy and safety guidelines and the Brazilian Data Protection Law (LGPD). Some tools that we use on a daily basis include:

• Actively Learn

• Adobe Creative Cloud

• Book Creator

• Canva

• Epic!

• Google Workspace

• IXL Learning

• Kahoot!

• Learning A-Z

• Lexia

• Padlet

• Seesaw

2. Managed Google Accounts: Starting in 3rd grade, students are given a Google Account, which they must use for everything related to EAB. The school manages these accounts. We can control:

• Students' profile pictures.

• Access to Google Workspace functionalities.

• Access to Google Chrome extensions.

• Websites logins and permissions.

• And more.

3. Blocked apps and websites: Students use a specific network (EAB Students) that contains many protections to ensure students' privacy and safety, as well as blocks for sites and platforms that are not appropriate for school. Some blocked websites include:

• • • Tiktok

    • Steam

    • Epic games

    • and other games, distractions, and inappropriate content.

4. Device management: Students in the Lower School are given school-managed devices. We can control:

• Permitted apps

• Active time

• Accounts and passwords

• Device location

Students in the 1st and 2nd grades use iPads, whereas students from grades 3-5 use Chromebooks.

5. Upper School Phone Policy: EAB follows the Brazilian phone ban and understands that phones can be a serious distraction in the classroom. 

6. EAB Acceptable Use Policy: Our students have to comply with our acceptable use policy whenever they use a digital device at school:

• I will use Information Technology (IT) with care and use IT for school work only.

• I will ask for help if I don't know what to do.

• I will only work on the programs or apps that my teacher has approved.

• I will not share personal information about myself or anyone else on the internet.

• I will always log in as myself and only share my passwords with my teacher and parents.

• I will only use kind words and positive comments towards others.

• I will tell an adult if I read or see something inappropriate.

• I will not copy words or pictures and hand it in as my own work. I will have to ask or give credit to the owner if I do.

How can I keep my child safe when they go online at home?

1. Talk about digital safety at home:

In today's digital world, it is important to include digital safety in our daily conversations. These are some topics worth discussing:

• Privacy & Security

• Cyberbullying, Digital Drama, & Hate Speech

• Media Balance & Well-Being

• Relationships & Communication

• Digital Footprint & Identity

• News & Media Literacy

2. Set up parental controls:

Parental controls can be activated by parents on their children’s devices to monitor their activity online. You can control:

• What apps can be accessed.

• What times of the day children are allowed to use the device.

• What websites are safe.

• If children are allowed to install apps or make purchases.

• Among other things.

Useful resource: Parental control orientations from the Brazilian Ministry of Justice

Parental controls look different on every platform, here are simple guides to set them up for the most used environments:

• Apple: Parental controls are done with Family Sharing
  You are able to share purchases, settings and accounts throughout many devices.
  You can also set screen time, control which apps are permitted and many more parental control options.
  Guide: How to set up Family Sharing on Apple Devices

• Google: Parental controls are done with the Family Link app
  Family Link helps you manage your children’s accounts and Chrome OS or Android devices as they explore online through parental controls. You can manage apps, keep an eye on screen time, and help set digital ground rules for your family.
  Guide: Set up the Family Link app

• Microsoft: Parental controls are done with the Family Safety app
  Set parental controls to control screen time, filter inappropriate apps and games and set browsing to kid-friendly websites on Microsoft Edge, Windows and Xbox devices.
  Guide: Set up the Family Safety app

3. Select appropriate apps:

Along with parental controls, it is important to know which apps your child is accessing and if they are appropriate for their age and your family values.

When researching an app, consider the following questions:

• What is the educational value of the app?

• Can your child communicate with people they don't know while using the app?

• Is the app age-appropriate, or is there questionable content?

• Can your child buy additional features, known as in-app purchases?

• Can they publish text, photos, or videos publicly?

• Is there live streaming?

• What information is collected about your child, and who can they share it with?

• Who owns the content your child shares or posts?

Source: ISTE - How to choose digital apps, games and services

Additionally, many websites provide lists with reviews of apps and platforms, highlighting the aspects and the reasoning behind the age rating.

• Apps: Common Sense Media App Reviews

• Games: Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)

• Apps and Games (In Portuguese): Brazilian Ministry of Justice Age Ratings

4. Set agreements and expectations:

Talk with your child about your expectations for their online behavior to help them stay safe and protect others. Consider discussing topics such as:

• Technology-free times – Set boundaries for screen use.

• Approved apps and websites – Define which platforms are allowed.

• Online communication – Establish guidelines for safe and respectful interactions.

• Passwords and privacy – Teach the importance of strong passwords and protecting personal information.

Resources:

• Family Tech Planner - Ages 2-8

• Family Tech Planner - Ages 9-12

• Family Tech Planner - Ages 13+

• ISTE - 6 Ways Parents Can Foster Good Technology Habits