150 Netbook Computers Distributed As Part of New Program

11/6/2009

New Netbook Initiative Puts Technology Into Hands of all NCS Upper School Students, Faculty
150 Personal Computers Distributed to Students on Nov. 4

For Immediate Release:

Contact:

Laura L. Neff-Henderson, APR

540-989-6641, ext. 259

lhenderson@northcross.org

The holiday season came a few months early this year for about 150 North Cross School upper school students who each received a netbook, a small, wireless computer, on Nov. 4. The distribution of these small personal computers is part of the School’s new one-to-one netbook program, designed to enhance learning by introducing the students to a 21st century learning environment.

“Through this initiative, North Cross School students will gain the advantages of having computer and internet resources as an integral part of their education,” said Headmaster Timothy J. Seeley. “Not only will this enhance their experience and learning, it will be another way we prepare them to be as successful as possible in college, where they will find computers ubiquitous there, and an integral part of many courses.”

“This initiative adds to our already strong academic program, and will allow teachers and students to access material and content that will enhance learning opportunities,” said Upper School Director Mark Thompson.

School officials expect the netbook program to enable students and teachers to continue class discussions, share documents and work collaboratively from home, enable classes to go to internet sites together and utilize the array of education material available online, and use various programs in math, science and English classes.

Upper School Chemistry and Forensic Science teacher Jennifer Landry plans to use the netbooks on an almost daily basis.

“In my chemistry classes, we will be using a virtual lab program to integrate more lab experience into the course, websites to practice naming chemicals and chemical calculations, and the internet to research the history of the atom and more. Students will be taking some of their quizzes on the computer in an effort to save paper and give them the experience of online testing. In my Forensic Science class, we will us the netbooks to build wikis, powerpoint presentations, and podcasts. Students will also use the netbooks to research various topics in forensics, complete WebQuests and work through a number of wonderful and educational online activities pertaining to forensic science,” said Landry.

Using specialized software, teachers will be able to monitor computer activity by viewing the screen of each of the students in their classroom at any given time.

The program, which was spearheaded by Information Technology Director Zack DeMoss and the School’s Network Administrator Stuart Rorer, has been in the works for six months. Upper school faculty members each received a netbook over the summer and have received training. Teachers will participate in activities throughout the year to learn different ways to integrate the netbooks into their daily lessons.

In the weeks before receiving their netbooks, students discussed and were asked to sign off on the School’s Netbook Program User Agreement and Network and Internet Acceptable Use Policy.

“This program will help our students become more organized and more productive in their academic pursuits,” said Coordinate of Diversity and Student Resources Art Thompson. “Now, every student will have computer and internet access both during the school day and at home.”

Here’s what NCS students have to say about the new program:

“I think the netbook program is great because it provides every student with an equal opportunity to have access to learning beyond the classroom,” said Junior Catherine Jessee.

"I really like the idea, and feel that it will be extremely beneficial to our classes. It will also be a good way to prepare us for college," said Junior Stephanie Till.

 

"I think they are really good and a great decision! They will help the students get ready for college, especially in areas of computer use and typing. We can now work on our homework assignments during [our free time in] school and not wait until we are home," said freshman Emily Chandel.

North Cross School is a college-preparatory, day school grounded in a strong liberal arts and science curriculum combined with exceptional co-curricular programs. The academic program, from junior kindergarten through twelfth grade, prepares students to become responsible, successful citizens by encouraging them to explore their interests and develop their talents. The School is located at 4254 Colonial Avenue, Roanoke, VA, 24018.