George Walton Academy is pleased to announce a new technology initiative called techKnowledge; A Campaign to Expand Learning. This campus-wide upgrade involves teacher development, installation of wireless, 1:1 student devices for middle and high school, further technology integration into the lower school, and curriculum changes.
“These upgrades will change the face and change the pace of education at George Walton Academy,” said Faye Machen, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
This long-term project will build upon a well-established technology foundation. In 2011 Technology Director, Jim McCarthy, established a steering committee to evaluate and make recommendations for the best scenario for the Academy. Based on feedback, five critical areas are being addressed: investing in faculty to improve skill levels and foster and innovative environment; building the necessary infrastructure to support emerging technology; revamping our technology curriculum to ensure students’ success at the collegiate level and beyond; providing real-time support staff to quickly solve technical problems; and transforming GWA into an industry leader by partnering with other schools, higher education and technology suppliers.
“The 21st century global environment requires that our students can navigate smoothly through a world of ever-advancing technology. Upgrades to these systems will strengthen our ability to help our students develop into self-directed, independent, life-long learners and compete in the global arena for college placement and employment opportunities,” said William Nicholson, Headmaster.
WiFi upgrades have been completed campus-wide to accommodate the increasing number of smartphones, tablets, and laptops being brought onto campus by the school's students, faculty and staff, as well as guests. In selecting the new WLAN system, the school's IT staff were looking for a solution that was easy to manage and troubleshoot; and provided secure, differentiated access for students, faculty, staff, and guests.
The new WLAN will help support the school's 1:1 initiative, which begins in December with a teacher pilot. 2014 will bring a complete teacher 1:1 rollout simultaneously with a technology curriculum rollout. At that time additional Promethean Boards will be installed in the Lower School.
Starting in 2015 select High School students will begin receiving mobile devices. Lower School will implement additional carts and devices to build the program at the younger levels. The following year additional devices will be deployed until Middle and High School grades are covered.
“Based on our research, we feel this systematic approach will guarantee a more seamless transition for integration of technology campus-wide,” said, Jim McCarthy, Technology Director.
If you would like more information about George Walton Academy, please contact Dessa Morris at dmorris@gwa.com or 770.267.7578.
(This is a press release from George Walton Academy)
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