Private School Maintains Socratic Traditions with Technology

Technology Coordinator Martha McMahon of John Burroughs School describes precisely here how in tandem with up-to-date technology, the school maintains an atmosphere based on the time-honored Socratic method of learning. 

"We have a campus wide wireless network, and we encourage the use of computers in the classroom where it is appropriate."

"In addition to our 5 stationary computer labs (one is a language lab with 18 stations), we have a number of mobile laptop carts that can be used around the school, and the total number of computers here is closer to 350 —about 150 are faculty machines and the other 200 are for student use.

"Students can check out laptops from the library’s inventory of 50+ computers throughout the day.  

"We do not allow students to bring computers from home but we certainly make sure they are available when needed, with network access. We are not a 1-1 school and don’t plan to be, but we are definitely a very rich technological environment.

"In addition, a number of our teachers use technological tools to enhance instruction. To name a few, SMART boards, podcasts, blogs and wikis."

"Our main concern at JBS is maintaining the Socratic atmosphere in the classroom upon which the school’s philosophy is built."

Editor's note: McMahon's description here is in response to a Patch article How Does Lindbergh Stack Up Technologically? In an effort to limit the repeat of inaccurate information, suffice to say JBS is a wireless network campus.

The school was founded in 1923 and is a private, co-educational school on 47.5 acres grades 7-12.