Beginning
with the 2007-2008 school year, all students in grades 5-8 at Fort Worth
Academy will be issued their own laptops
connected to a campus-wide wireless network, an initiative called the
1:1 Computing Program.
The decision to launch
this initiative was in part based on the tremendous success of a four-year pilot
program in which FWA tested the program via
mobile banks of laptops, according to William Broderick, Head of School.
With the cost of the computers included in tuition, all students successfully
completing 8th grade will depart with a computer.
“
Fort Worth Academy is known for being at the forefront of educational technology,
both in Tarrant County and throughout the country,” said Mr. Broderick
of his K-8 private school in Southwest Fort Worth. “Our 1:1 Computing
Program exemplifies FWA’s unrelenting quest for ways to ensure
that students receive the greatest benefit from their education here.”
Mr. Broderick explained that to stay abreast of rapidly changing technology,
FWA laptops will be upgraded every two years, and by using personal laptops
as learning tools in addition to textbooks and other traditional classroom
materials, students engage with their subjects and become accustomed to
interacting with the digital environment for academics. Technology in a
formal learning environment develops students’ understanding of
appropriate computer usage, he noted. The school is adding staff to support
the technical
aspect of the program.
Additional benefits anticipated
include:
• Enhanced student
learning through access to readily available information
• Students can expand
and refine research methods
• Students able to
create increasingly more dynamic presentations via latest available
• Students enjoy
a seamless flow between the learning process and technology itself.
“
Students won’t just have the technology, but the latest technology,” said
Mr. Broderick.
A supportive faculty and
an integrated learning environment is key to the success of a program such as
1:1 Computing. FWA researched this program
thoroughly and conducted the pilot program to assess compatibility with
the school.
FWA faculty members can
readily adapt both teaching styles and computer usage in the classroom so as
to increase benefits for the students. This
adaptability is honed in each teacher through continuing education requirements.
Among the faculty requirements are:
• Every teacher is
required to compile a minimum of eight hours of, per year, in educational technology
applications (since 1999)
•
Every teacher at FWA is a certified “Schools-Attuned” teacher
(A 45 hour course that provides teachers with the latest neurodevelopmental
tools
to broaden their teaching skills.)
“Relationships between students and teachers will continue to grow with
this technology and enhance the environment of open communication and respect,” said
Mr. Broderick. “We are confident that all students will view their new
laptops as another innovative tool for learning supplied by FWA.”
Established in 1982, Fort Worth Academy is Fort Worth’s premier coeducational
K – 8 private school. Located in southwest Fort Worth, FWA welcomes
motivated students and their families who expect greatness and look forward
to experiencing
the challenge of an outstanding education. FWA classes include the core subjects
of math, English, science, history, and Spanish. Art, computer technology,
music, performing arts and physical education complete the curriculum. Advanced
classes
are also offered, including participation in extracurricular activities such
as interscholastic athletics, band, violin, and visual and performing arts,
along with service to the community. Website is www.fwacademy.org.
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