Academics

Technology

One-to-One Technology

Mount de Sales embraces its philosophy that “traditional disciplines are enhanced by those practices which are most effective in modern methods of teaching.” This compels us to revisit teaching techniques to ensure the utilization of up-to-date, suitable resources and learning platforms. In today’s educational climate, these innovations are largely technology driven and can enhance our curriculum while still maintaining its authenticity.

The One-to-One Technology Initiative is designed to enhance the Mount de Sales curriculum while still maintaining its authenticity by supporting academic excellence, moral responsibility, and ethical formation.

Teachers and students are using Canvas Learning Management System, Office 365 and Microsoft education tools such as OneNote Class Notebooks, Microsoft Forms, and Sway in innovative ways to enhance the learning experience for students daily. Technology integration at Mount de Sales is utilized to foster and encourage important 21st century skills such as communication and collaboration among students and teachers.

New students attend technology orientations, and faculty and staff receive professional technology development. In addition, during the school day our technology staff and media center with help desk are available.

Incoming families are required to buy their own device based on the school’s criteria. However, there are no technology fees in addition to tuition. Students will have full access to Microsoft Office Suite and Office 365 online at no charge.

MDSA was named a Microsoft Showcase School for 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022.

Two MDSA faculty/staff members were selected as a Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts for 2021-2022.

  • Liz Johnson - Social Science Department Chair
  • Laura O'Friel - Vice Principal of Academics
The MDSA Tech Team was awarded the 2017-2018 Teams that Make a Difference Award by the Catonsville Chamber of Commerce.

Contact Us

Michael Mnkande 
Technology Administrator
Helpdesk@mountdesales.org

Canvas

At Mount de Sales Academy, teachers and students use Canvas for assignments and grades. In order to view course information, assignments, and grades, parents will need to create their own Canvas Parent account using either the Canvas Parent App (available for Android and iOS) or a web browser.
In order to create an account, you will need a pairing code, which is generated through your student's account. 

Have your student follow the directions for Creating a Pairing Code.
Click here for Canvas Pairing Code FAQs.
The following resources may be helpful when using the Canvas Parent App:
See the blog post Clarity for Canvas Observers for more information about your role as an Observer in Canvas.

For questions or assistance, please email Helpdesk@mountdesales.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 11 frequently asked questions.

  • What kind of device can my student bring to MDSA?

    The MDSA requirements for student devices can be found here: device requirements.
  • Why not a Macbook, Chromebook, or Android?

    This is not a decision we took lightly or in haste. We visited and surveyed nearly a dozen local schools. Mount de Sales also spent a considerable amount of time discussing and debating the issue to determine what is best for our students. Some of the primary reasons for deciding on Windows are:
    1. Windows is a single device solution. Many schools we visited that used a “companion device” such as Android or Chromebook also required the student to have a traditional PC at home.
    2. Our school utilizes ClassPolicy for its classroom and instructional management software. ClassPolicy on Windows allows for the highest level of instructional management and security. Instructional functionality for ClassPolicy on other operating systems is greatly reduced.
    3. USB: Many of the tablet or companion devices lack USB support. Having USB greatly expands the educational uses of these devices. With USB students can use Flash drives, cameras, science probes, printers, scanners, and more.
    4. The school is already standardized on Microsoft Windows. Consistency in the classrooms allows for more effective classroom instruction. By using Windows we can guarantee that all software we currently use on campus can continue to be used. Additionally, our faculty, staff, and students are already familiar Microsoft Windows products.
  • What computer software does the school provide?

    As a Microsoft Showcase School, MDSA provides every student with the Microsoft Suite and Office 365. Some classes will require students to use specific software, like Photoshop, and the school will provide this software to those students. 
  • Do I need to buy antivirus software?

    All MDSA devices are required to run on Windows 10. Windows 10 operating systems come with a virus protection called Microsoft Defender Antivirus which is the anti-malware component of Windows computers.
  • How will teachers make sure students are not abusing technology privileges in class?

    1. MDSA employs a state-of-the-art content filtering system.
    2. MDSA proactively monitors new content areas that need to be filtered.
    3. MDSA actively monitors student internet usage.
    4. MDSA teachers are all trained to use ClassPolicy in their classrooms. This classroom management and instructional software not only allows teachers to see students’ computer screens but also enhances the classroom instructional experience.   Some key features of ClassPolicy:
      • View all students’ screens at once
      • Launch and lock to specific applications 
      • Restrict / limit web browsing 
      • Interactive polling
      • Testing Mode 
      • "Eyes to the front of the class"
      • Share and collect files
      • Monitor battery life
  • Is a keyboard required?

    It is required, but it may be a detachable keyboard.
  • Is a touch screen with stylus required?

    Though it is not required, this functionality is strongly recommended.
  • I forgot my tablet at home. What do I do?

    Students can borrow a school loaner tablet from the Library. See the Borrowing a Tablet FAQ link in the Helpful Link section of this page.
  • My tablet is malfunctioning/I forgot my password/I can't access the internet. What do I do?

    The Help Desk is the first stop for student computer issues! If a student's device runs into some trouble, they can communicate directly with the Help Desk by stopping by the Help Desk during the school day or by emailing the Help Desk at helpdesk@mountdesales.org and providing a detailed description of the problem.
  • Have additional questions?

    Contact our Technology Help Desk at helpdesk@mountdesales.org.

Mount de Sales Academy

Academic Excellence in the Catholic Tradition