Technology
What is technology like in private schools? In most private schools teachers and students have been using computers since the mid 1990's. Tablet PC's are the norm.
Wireless networking and electronic presentation devices such whiteboards, LCD displays and projectors are all part of the private school teacher's bag of tricks. In the old days technology was a curious if fascinating add-on. You went to a computer lab and taught keyboarding or used programs such as MathBlaster. In the 21st century technology supports and enhances all aspects of the curriculum and teaching. Everybody has their own portable computer with the flexibility and efficiency such mobility encourages.
Most schools now subscribe to Internet 2 as well as the commercial internet. They also use email and VOIP phones internally for seamless integration of data and voice messaging.
While Macs are popular in many schools, most private schools use PC's in line with the common practice in the business world.
Technology staffs are now fulltime professionals. Their duties are divided between traditional line and support functions and academic technology responsibilities. Showing teachers how to use technology in the classroom is just as important as troubleshooting somebody's malfunctioning PC.
Web 2.0 tools can be found throughout private schools. Blogs, Skype, RSS feeds, social networking sites and wikis flourish. Many schools encourage parents to follow their child's progress through the use of Web portals and messaging. Parents can monitor academic progress in realtime rather than just waiting for a report card to be issued.
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