Technology at Oak Hill Academy
Technology provides a means to enrich the learning process for students at Oak Hill Academy. Proper use of technology in the classroom does not replace the teacher, but rather adds to overall understanding for the student. Technology also provides tools and resources for the 21st century learner and better prepares students for their future.
Each classroom is equipped with Promethean Boards or interactive white boards. The boards allow teachers and students to interact with, add to, and change the lesson presented. Teachers can then routinely demonstrate their lessons, share educational websites, or highlight student work. Document cameras are available to provide an easy means for the teacher to display books, manipulatives, student work, worksheets, etc. Our one-to-one technology program for students in both Lower and Upper School utilizes Chromebook and iPad devices to empower with individual digital tools that fit their needs. The zSpace and Merge cube platforms provide virtual reality and multisensory learning experiences that allows students to interact with digital content naturally and intuitively using visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile senses.
The Soler Science and Environmental Center houses digital microscopes connecting the teacher’s laptop and interactive whiteboard. iPads are also currently in use by students in Grades PreK-8. For example, the PreKindergarten students use the iPads on a regular basis to reinforce their letter sounds, practice math concepts, and work on fine motor skills. Students in the Upper School use the iPads in their foreign language and research classes as well.
Computer Education
Students in grades 1-8 take a class in computer education at the school’s computer lab located in the Scire Student Activities Center. Classes are kept small to maximize student learning. Students in grades 5-8 also have a class entitled “Tech” or “Explorations”. In these classes proper research and presentation is the goal and technology is the vehicle to showcase learning.
Students have the opportunity to further use school technology by participating in Computer Club offered as an after-school activity. One example of the students’ work is this “Virtual School Tour” entirely created, written, recorded, and edited by Oak Hill Upper School students. Here is this student-produced work:
