Technology

Technology is integrated into the educational program at The Philadelphia School. Technology instruction and use focuses on critical thinking, collaborative learning, creative problem solving, and media literacy. We are forward thinking in our approach to teaching and learning about technology and strive to keep pace with the educational opportunities it affords.

We seek to provide students with the tools to explore technology on a daily basis, as appropriate. We believe that technology, under the supervision of teachers, broadens what students are able to do and that by embedding it in the curriculum we offer students authentic, real-world ways to seek knowledge, problem solve, and analyze data. The school has established comprehensive guidelines for the responsible use of technology by students and staff.

The Philadelphia School has 130 laptops for student use at school (grades 1-8). Wireless base stations allow access to the school network and Internet from anywhere in the school or the school’s outdoor spaces. The school has several SMARTBoard interactive whiteboards and projectors, which have almost limitless potential as educational tools. They are used widely throughout the curriculum. In music class, teachers can use a program that displays a template of a musical staff; the class “makes music” by touching the screen to add and move musical notes anywhere on the page, creating a composition that the entire class can both see and hear.

A variety of digital media products are available for student and teacher use, and software resources and applications are rich and varied. Technology is used to conduct research, prepare presentations, share information, and communicate verbally and visually.

Innovation is at the heart of the mission of The Philadelphia School. Mirroring the nature of technology itself, our technology curriculum is an evolving work in progress. Assessing new uses of technology for incorporation into the educational program and providing faculty and staff with regular professional development in technology are central to the work of the school's technology department.