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2010 School Spotlight Recipient - St. Joseph's Academy, Baton Rouge, LA St. Joseph’s Academy, an all-girls Catholic high school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is nationally recognized for its cutting-edge use of technology at the secondary-school level. Lessons have been redesigned and technology has been integrated across the curriculum SJA is among the first high schools in the country to implement a 1:1 laptop program fully supported by a student-run Help Desk. Each student and faculty/staff member has exclusive use of a wireless tablet computer, software, on-campus support and access to SJA’s network, email and 20 mb internet. This innovative educational approach creates a dynamic learning environment in which students and teachers can access up-to-the-minute electronic information as well as work at levels of complexity impossible without electronic tools. Web-based research is the norm at SJA. Students engage in interactive, internet-based activities and utilize software to evaluate acceptable use of online sources. Technology facilitates electronic delivery of course materials; interactive assessment and survey tools are used during the presentation of lessons to gauge students’ engagement and understanding; and programs help students brainstorm and map concepts throughout the curriculum. Teachers integrate collaborative lessons into their curriculum, and students are able to share information with small groups or entire grade levels with the touch of a button. Common network space allows all students to post and trade files related to the classroom.
In addition to the integration of technology across the curriculum, SJA’s large Computer Science program offers technology-centered electives. Every student begins with a basic software applications course before choosing to further her studies in one or all of the following areas: computer architecture, multimedia, robotics, web design, A+ certification and CCNA. Students enjoy hands-on work within every aspect of the technology curriculum. About the School Spotlight Award Beginning with our 2007 event, the Laptop Institute began recognizing 1 to 1 programs that have led the way both with innovation and expertise. These programs have effected change across the school, with administrators and faculty as well as technology staff members committed to teaching effectively with laptops and tablets. Their classrooms demonstrate best practices in information literacy and emerging technologies, serving models and mentors for fellow schools locally and nationally (and often internationally). Spotlight schools bring a cadre of teachers, administrators, and tech staff to the Laptop Institute and offer a strand of sessions each day that provide an in-depth look at an exceptional program in action. The 2009 School Spotlight was awarded to: Nashwaaksis Middle School The 2008 School Spotlight was awarded to: American School of Bombay The 2007 School Spotlight was awarded to: The Urban School of San Francisco Would you like to recommend a school for the School Spotlight 2011 award? Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your nomination. |
to support the teaching of higher-order thinking skills and allow young women the opportunity to make the computer a standard learning tool in all academic areas.
Teachers and students use the Moodle online course management system for communication, assignment posting, discussion boards and online testing. Moodle is available on and off campus via the internet. Parents have anytime, anywhere access to student grades and notes.