Winter 2013 - Baldwin School

More documents

Recommendations

Info

TECH TIME ENGAGE, EXPLORE, LEARN AND CREATE: THE LEARNING COMMONS AND IPAD PROGRAM By Linda Mullen, technology coordinator Balancing Tradition With Technology It’s no secret that dynamic technological innovations have fostered tremendous discoveries in science, communications and myriad other fields. Technology can improve efficiency, provide a competitive edge and help us succeed. Today, its use inside the classroom is a logical, necessary part of a comprehensive education. At Baldwin, students learn how to use technology responsibly and ethically. They work with faculty and classmates to navigate and explore many forms of technology. The growing use of technology in the classroom, from iPads to video conferencing, in support of the curriculum is helping students adapt to an ever-changing world. New tools are vehicles for experimentation from an early age and integrate seamlessly into lessons. Imagine: simulating a science experiment that would have previously only been possible in a controlled, multi-million dollar lab, or fine-tuning motor skills in Pre-Kindergarten by tracing letters before taking to pen and paper. Read on for a look inside technology at Baldwin. 18 The Baldwin School philosophy is grounded in an idea that “academic excellence begins with the ability to think logically, independently, and imaginatively.” At Baldwin, this philosophy means continually seeking innovative approaches to learning that engage students. In 2011, teachers and administrators finalized plans to integrate technology into the Lower School curriculum. This led to the development of two initiatives that have been implemented for the 2012-2013 academic year: an iPad program for students in Pre-Kindergarten-Grade II and The Learning Commons, a unique space of learning and discovery for students in Grades III-V. Fifteen iPads are available in the Early Childhood Center and 32 are reserved for Grades I and II for one-to-one use. iPads are easily integrated into existing curricula, utilizing games and apps to support math, writing and creative projects. For example, in math class, Coin Critters helps students iPad Program—Pre-Kindergarten-Grade II • Provides a variety of experiences – tactile, auditory, visual • Enhances engagement and learning • Integrated into curriculum • Opportunities for anytime, anywhere learning Learning Commons—Grades III-V • Learning Commons is an extension of the library • Students have a wide range of resources for research, learning and creation • Equipped with Smartboard, MacBook Air laptops, document camera and whiteboard identify coins and learn to count change. iPads provide tactile, auditory and visual experiences and their portability creates opportunities for learning anytime, anywhere. The Learning Commons is a colorful, comfortable environment that is an extension of the Lower School library. The flexible space and furnishings are designed for small group activities or an entire class. With the library at its core, students have access to a wide range of resources and equipment for research, learning and creating. Thirty two MacBook Air laptops reside in the Learning Commons and are available for Lower School student use anywhere on campus to support and enhance their classwork. As a result of this initiative, the role of the librarian is evolving into one of a technology specialist, guiding students through a variety of media choices to help them find the information and platform that best supports their projects and imagination. The Learning Commons is designed to accommodate small group activities or an entire class.
Unveiled at the start of the academic year, the Multimedia Studio and Lab is an open, dedicated space for students to collaborate and work creatively. In addition to a green screen and black and white production backdrop area, the space is outfitted with professional sound treatment and lighting. Students enjoy the hands-on approach and learning the ins and outs of the audio-visual equipment through experimentation. Teachers have found that the space generates more excitement and creativity around completing assignments. “In addition to having an online course management supplement, the girls can record some of their work as a Google doc and share it with both me and the students,” said Jennifer Cutler, Upper School history teacher. “The students can share documents, create presentations, research, blog, watch videos and more – it definitely facilitates collaboration and real-time feedback.” The Multimedia Studio and Lab is also home to The Baldwin Television Club (BTV Club). The club has both an Upper and Middle School group, each with the objective of producing a newscast. The girls will determine the format of the production: broadcast news, eyewitness/journalistic news, a talk show or editorial format. The approach to developing a MULTIMEDIA STUDIO AND LAB David Pulli, Help Desk specialist newscast is slightly different for each group. Middle School students are learning first about various technical aspects of news production: the use of audio, video and graphics. Next, they will apply their newly learned skills to the format they have selected for their newscast. The Upper School girls are working on format, style and technical aspects simultaneously—developing a complete news program all at once. The girls take cues from female newscasters they have identified as role models, including Ann Curry, Diane Sawyer and Robin Roberts. The Multimedia Studio and Lab allows students to build a competitive digital portfolio, or just have fun. Students learn presentation skills utilizing the latest technologies, customized to the audience or topic. “I’m so glad we can enjoy this environment. It’s impressive and useful. As BTV becomes bigger and grows, it will become a very vital part of the Baldwin community. Aside from the multimedia space, technology in science is continuing to grow. We recently tracked our ancestors’ pasts by using our cheek cells.” - Sara Tupchong ’13 The BTV Club gives students a hands-on opportunity to learn the technical aspects of producing a news program. WINTER 2013 ECHOES 19
Page 1 and 2: BALDWINECHOES THE MAGAZINE FOR ALUM
Page 3 and 4: FEATURES Technology and Tenacity: F
Page 5 and 6: BROTHERLY LOVE Baldwin girls and th
Page 7 and 8: ALUMNAENEWSMAKERS Julie E. Wollman
Page 9 and 10: TREKKING ON Computer Science Coordi
Page 11 and 12: FLYING HIGH Vicky Gold, Baldwin’s
Page 13 and 14: MAKE YOUR MARK: ATHLETICS HALL OF F
Page 15 and 16: Baldwin mom, Heather Andrews. Varsi
Page 17 and 18: Electron microscope image of coated
Page 19: The Robinson lab at the Orchard Tea
Page 23 and 24: FACULTYFOOTNOTES Each year faculty
Page 25 and 26: Because of Baldwin… A Baldwin gir

Winter 2013 - Baldwin School

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?