An MKA faculty professional development initiative exploring the uses of technology in the curriculum was introduced in 2000. Since that time, numerous members of the faculty have engaged in professional training, and MKA's faculty professional development program was recognized as being in the forefront of technology use with the receipt of an NAIS leading Edge Award.
In November 2007, all teaching faculty, administrators and some staff members will receive a new Apple Macbook laptop computer on a two-year lease paid for by the school.
This represents a commitment from the Administration, Board of Trustees and the school community as a whole to provide the most powerful tools to support and advance the teaching and learning that occurs inside and outside of the walls of the Academy.
The Laptop Initiative is intended to facilitate faculty efficiency and the implementation of all three MKA Action Plans. Laptops allow teachers to:
• Be more productive in the fulfillment of those responsibilities and tasks that require the use of technology.
• Map the curriculum and access information on the curriculum maps (to support Action Plan #1)
• Expand strategies for teaching and assessing student learning and facilitating the mastery of 21st century skills (to support Action Plan #2)
• Participate in professional development to expand the repertoire of teaching strategies (provides a common platform for professional development)
• Communicate with advisees and parents via email (and/or other methods of electronic communication) and organize student information (to support Action Plan #3, Advising)
