"Faculty members also integrate powerful technology into the
classroom to supplement students' learning and aid them in using
information effectively" (
Our Common Purpose).
The task of the technology department at MKA is to provide the support
that students, faculty, administrators and staff need to use a broad
range of technologies to enhance and improve student learning. The
multifaceted nature of this task requires the members of the department
to have both a forward-looking, 21st century vision for teaching and
learning and a specific focus on the day-to-day aspects of managing
equipment and meeting the daily needs of the technology users.
Educational goals and common sense, rather than technological
developments, guide adoption of new technology.
The technology department is composed of the Tri-campus Director of
Technology, the Coordinator of Research and Information Systems, the
Network Manager, the System Technician and a Technology Coordinator at
each campus (the campus Technology Coordinators divide this time
technology and other teaching and administrative duties). The members
of the technology department consider that their primary
responsibilities are to support:
Innovative, powerful teaching and learning
Effective Communication
Analysis of Information and Data
Expansion of learning beyond the walls of the classroom
Understanding of the moral and ethical issues related to the use of technology
To ensure that these responsibilities are met, the Technology team engages in ongoing support for and improvement of:
Training for staff, faculty and students
Online learning opportunities
Information/data management systems
Communication systems
Computer hardware and software
Student training begins at the Primary School where basic
skills ( e.g. keyboarding and use of applications such as Inspiration,
PowerPoint and Word) are taught within the context of library research
and lessons. At the Middle School, the fourth and fifth graders'
computer classes continue to focus on the acquisition and honing of
skills within the context of the curriculum. After the fifth grade, new
technology skills are acquired and refined through application in all
areas of the curriculum. At all grade levels students are taught to
choose the technological tool that is most appropriate to the task.
Students are challenged to use technology to be more flexible problem
solvers and to understand and respect the moral and ethical issues
related to their use of technology.
For technology to become an integral part of the curriculum,
faculty training provides teachers with the technical and pedagogical
skills to enhance course content and course management in ways that
support student learning. Monthly technology meetings at Brookside
provide both skills training and methods for integration of technology
into the classroom. Teachers may discuss what has worked in the
classroom and what has not. At the Middle and Upper Schools, training
is accomplished within departments and grade-level teams as needed or
requested. In addition, ongoing individual training and technical
support are available to all faculty and staff. More formal, tri-campus
training occurs primarily through the Faculty Laptop Program. In its
6th year, the program provides participating faculty with a laptop and
printer and monthly training sessions focusing on gaining proficiency
with a wide range of applications, use of digital media, and curriculum
design methods and strategies for integration into curriculum. The
week-long summer Tech Institute workshops also offer faculty from all
campuses an opportunity to explore ways to use digital media to create
innovative, classroom-ready products.
Montclair Kimberley's online learning structures provide opportunities
to teach 21st century learners in engaging and effective ways. The
Homework Hotline is designed to make the interface between home and
school as seamless as possible. The libraries on all three campuses
provide access to extensive online resources-?from encyclopedias to
large databases such as ProQuest Direct and EBSCOhost. Electronic
bulletin board discussions and online chats allow students and teachers
to collaborate to share ideas and build knowledge together. Online
learning at MKA continues into the summer months with innovative
programs for both students and faculty. The Summer Virtual Classroom
provides enrichment options for students in grades 4 - 12 in writing,
reading and math problem solving. In addition, faculty summer learning
opportunities allow teachers to develop their curriculum and their
teaching craft through a series of MKA's own online workshops that
feature topics such as Ethics, curriculum design and assessment.
Montclair Kimberley's email program allows quick and effective
communication within the school and provides a digital bridge between
the three campuses. The service also provides a means for effective
communication between parents and teachers and teachers and students.
In addition, Montclair Kimberley's communication and information
management has been enhanced by the addition, within the past year, of
a school-wide database that incorporates all constituents' data. The
database improves the efficiency of access to information by teachers,
administrators and staff and offers the opportunity to more carefully
analyze student performance data. The newly redesigned web site
provides wide-ranging information about Montclair Kimberley to parents,
students and the community. The web site also makes available a
comprehensive school calendar with information to help families plan to
take advantage of games, offerings in the arts, and special programs
and events. The calendar's automatic update feature ensures that the
information is both current and accurate.
Technology Summary - Montclair Kimberley Academy
| Description |
Total |
| Total number of computers: |
440 |
| Total number of student-use computers: |
293 |
| Computer to Student Ratio: |
3.5:1 |
| Number of Computer labs by campus |
| Primary: |
1 lab, 1 mobile lab
|
| Middle: |
2 labs, 2 mobile labs |
| Upper: |
5 labs |
| Other: |
| Full video production studio: |
1- Upper School |
| Digital photography studio (new arts wing): |
1- Upper School |
| Smart Board: |
2 Primary, 1 Middle, 3 Upper
|
| LCD Projectors: |
All classrooms at Primary, Middle and Upper schools, all libraries and Middle and Upper School auditoriums.
|
| Network Information: |
| Servers: |
11 |
| Internet Connection: |
2 - T1 @ 3 mbps |
| Inter-Campus Connectivity: |
T1 @ 1.5 mbps
|
| Wireless Access Points: |
42 |
