Purposeful, curriculum-based, and engaging – these are words that describe our approach to enhancing student learning with instructional technology at Norfolk Collegiate School. As we begin the 2011-12 school year, an infusion of electronic tools and digital applications for teaching and learning is evident in our classrooms and common learning spaces. Interactive whiteboards and projectors, wireless access, laptops and tablet computers are just a few of the resources available for teaching and learning. Teachers have spent considerable time over the summer attending professional development sessions to hone their skills at creating information and media-rich lessons and activities that employ technology to engage and inspire students, and to personalize instruction. A few of our initiatives in instructional technology for the 2011-12 school year include:
• 23 faculty members completed SMART Board training and earned the designation as “SMART Level 1 and Level 2 Certified,” qualifying them to train other educators in SMART software
• Mobile learning labs with iPads and laptops on both campuses
• Infusion of SMART Boards, interactive projectors, and student hand-held response systems
• New staffing model in place to optimize student success with technology integration
• Wireless access on both campuses
Wireless Internet Access
We believe that students should have the ability to pursue intriguing questions at the moment of inspiration, and that teachers should be able to use these pivotal moments to personalize learning for every student. To maximize student access and engagement in the learning process, we have created a wireless environment that supports both school-owned and student-owned laptops and tablets. Wireless access is customized for each of our school’s three divisions in order to allow all of our students to have the right tools and resources they need to make critical connections between the classroom and the world. Please check our school website for specific guidelines and specifications for students who may want to consider bringing a laptop or tablet from home.
A Collaborative Initiative
Innovative uses of technology and information across the curriculum will be facilitated through the collaborative efforts of the communication arts & library services and information technology departments. Working together to provide technical expertise and instructional support, the hallmark of this shared initiative is a hands-on, responsive approach to working with teachers and students as they use technology in learning experiences. Regarding this initiative, Charlene Loope, director of communication arts & library services, says, “This union of technology integration and library services makes sense when you consider that technology is almost synonymous with information today – and libraries have always been places where people go to find information and to find professionals willing to help them locate and sift through the information they need.” We believe that students should have the ability to pursue intriguing questions at the moment of inspiration, and that teachers should be able to use these pivotal moments to personalize learning for every student. To maximize student access and engagement in the learning process, we have created a wireless environment that supports both school-owned and student-owned laptops and tablets. Wireless access is customized for each of our school’s three divisions in order to allow all of our students to have the right tools and resources they need to make critical connections between the classroom and the world. Please check our school website for specific guidelines and specifications for students who may want to consider bringing a laptop or tablet from home.
Two staff members officially step into expanded roles this fall to support curriculum-based instructional technology integration at Norfolk Collegiate School. Kathy Windley at the lower school and Casey Harney at the middle and upper school will assume positions as technology integration specialists for their respective campuses. They will be working closely with teachers and students to incorporate digital tools and technology-rich activities into the curriculum for enhanced student learning and engagement.