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Wednesday, September 4, 2013

High Tech, High Touch, High Performance | Connected Principals

High Tech, High Touch, High Performance | Connected Principals:

High Tech, High Touch, High Performance

September 4, 2013
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High Tech, High Touch, High Performance. You may heard these words if you attended one the orientation meetings or our opening day staff meetings. The Centerburg Middle/High School staff has embraced these terms and they are adjusting to the new direction very well.  But what does all this mean?
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Photo by rgallwitz
High Tech – This past summer Centerburg invested in new computer equipment to meet the growing demands of the PARRC - the next generation of online assessments.  Our computer labs were updated with new Mac minis as well as continued improvements was made to the network infrastructure. Switches and hardware were replaced to create a more robust wireless network. Students are now permitted to bring their own device and connect to the wireless network. Each teacher will communicate with the students when it is appropriate to use their devices and when they should be put away.
Many would ask the question, “Why computer labs?” With the growing use of personal devices, why not invest in personal devices for students or ultimately a 1:1 initiative.  We believe that personal devices are just that, personal. We must meet the demands of the online testing requirements as well as provide technology to support pedagogy and ultimately student learning. We felt the Mac minis would meet our needs well.
But there’s more…
Creating a wireless network capable of handling the amount of devices carried by our students was very important to our decision. Students will be able to use their devices, when appropriate, to