Sept. 3, 2008
In August every high school student at Springwood School attended a two hour “roll-out” session during which he/she received a brand new Lenovo Tablet Computer and began learning to utilize this powerful tool on a daily basis, both at school and at home, as part of their academic program of studies at the school.
The Tablet Program at Springwood was developed methodically over the past few years as the school first integrated technology throughout its curriculum, added a wireless network, upgraded its infrastructure, and trained its faculty. As classes began on August 7th, high school teachers and students finally realized the fruits of their labor. Thanks to generous donors who believe fervently in the value of technology in education, the Tablet Program costs high school students only $25.00 per month.
Many high school textbooks are available as online subscriptions or in electronic format, helping eliminate the need for students to carry such heavy backpacks. All high school teachers and students have 24/7 access to an entire world of educational content and will be able to exchange assignments, research projects, and e-mails about their classes.
Teachers can utilize specially designed software to direct classroom instruction and are able to restrict student access to undesirable sites while still directing them to sites that are relevant for a particular day’s coursework. Teachers are able to communicate with a single student or simultaneously with an entire classroom full of students. Course materials and assignments can be shared electronically, and, all the while, students will be gleaning essential skills for college and beyond. Thanks to its Tablet Program, Springwood will be graduating students who can effectively utilize technology for school, for work, to organize their lives, and even for entertainment.
Technology also permeates the junior high and elementary grades at Springwood. Computer laptop carts, called C.O.W.S. (computers on wheels), can be used in all classes, and K4 – 3rd grade students have a dedicated laptop lab, complete with an interactive whiteboard, cameras, and developmental software for reading and mathematics.
Springwood is proud of its legacy of challenging college preparatory education and is excited to enhance its exceptional educational experience through the new student Tablet Computer Program.
