Global Learning in Manhattan.
Apple 1 to 1 Learning
Technology has always played a critical role at The School at Columbia. In fact, laptop usage was factored into the design of the entire school building. Each classroom features special cabinetry with slide-out shelves that allow easy access to students’ iBook laptops, and ensure that the computers are recharged when not in use. Every classroom also includes a SmartBoard connected to an iMac computer, as well as an array of peripheral devices.
“The use of the iBook laptops and the iLife software really helps the kids reflect on their experiences and connects them to their learning.”
— Andrew Gardner, First Grade Teacher, The School at Columbia
All students in third grade and above have their own wireless iBook laptop to use at school and at home. First and second graders have a 2 to 1 laptop ratio. Apple Xserves keep The School’s fleet of applications (including the iLife suite) on track. Students and teachers also store backup copies of all of their work, and share their home pages, blogs, and streamed video with each other via an Xserve RAID with 3TB of storage.
Each teacher at The School uses a wireless PowerBook laptop. The laptops readily support the faculty’s communications via email, online classroom forums, shared calendars, and directories. The School’s faculty also has devised innovative ways to use their technology tools, particularly the iLife suite: Even first and second graders are now creating books, movies, and multimedia presentations. These digital projects help support the curriculum, while closely connecting students to learning.
