AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--St. Gabriel’s Catholic School, an Austin-based private school serving pre-kindergarten through eighth grade students, today unveiled a comprehensive innovative technology initiative to improve student learning and achievement focusing on metrics and outcomes. Pre-K through 3rd grade classes each received classroom sets of iPads while all 4th and 5th graders received individual iPads. All students will have access to live tele-presence technology connecting their classrooms to museums, laboratories, architectural wonders, artists, scientists, and other students around the globe. While the use of technology in the classroom is not new, the school is taking unprecedented steps to benchmark technology’s impact on educational outcomes ensuring that all technologies deliver a long-term academic advantage to the students.
“Our mission is to raise our children to be world-ready leaders,” said Steve Balak, Head of School. “This means we must equip them with the right tools and 21st Century skills necessary for success. We also recognize that any new classroom tool must have a positive impact on learning and performance which requires a rigorous commitment to evaluation. We are proud to launch a comprehensive strategy not only to put the best technology into the hands of our students and teachers, but also to adequately and honestly assess its impact. It is not about technology for technology’s sake; it’s about using technology to obtain results. Technology is a tool, not a toy.”
While laptops and tablet computers have become standard in most high schools, St. Gabriel’s Catholic School is one of the first schools to put iPads in the hands of 4th and 5th graders. The school recently hired a Technology Champion and Metrics Specialist, Matt Lipstein, who will work with teachers to determine educational goals and clear measurements, and implement best practices using all the technology being offered under the new initiative. “So much is coming from the students; the tools are in their hands. Now when our faculty notice a ‘teachable moment’ they can allow students to act on it and research on the fly,” said Lipstein.
The strategy is to integrate technology into the curriculum with the goal of differentiating learning for each student, strengthening students’ ability to think critically, and connecting students with resources and experts globally. Through the knowledge and experience gained in the use of technology-enhanced classroom tools, students will find success now and will be prepared for the future.
iPads are being integrated into the classroom experience to give students everything they need to access schoolwork remotely. One of the most promising approaches being deployed is the “flipped classroom.” In the “flipped classroom” students watch video lessons from Khan Academy at home and complete assignments in class. By doing so, teachers are able to provide direct observations of student learning and attend to each student’s individual needs. Also, St. Gabriel's has devoted a set of iPads to the school’s Language Specialist to use with students who require support in specific learning areas. During a session, a student uses an App (such as phonics) which is custom-fit to his or her individual need.
Teachers can use the tele-presence interactive projection system to connect with and learn from people around the world. Students have the opportunity to collaborate with experts from organizations in New York, Paris, Russia and China.
St. Gabriel’s is not new to technology. For more than five years, the school has offered students an elective in robotics. The course is designed to inspire creativity using math and engineering skills as well as software design and programming. Emphasis is placed on the importance of teamwork, initiative, and self-confidence. The St. Gabriel’s FIRST LEGO League® robotics team is a four-time national champion and has received numerous awards for problem-solving research and the unique presentation of their findings.
“Our program prepares children to enter a challenging and competitive world and not just get by, but succeed, in whatever they pursue,” said Michael Scallon, Science teacher and Robotics Team Coach. “Robotics isn’t just about ‘the build’ – we inspire the team to think critically and independently about individual tasks and to work collectively as well to produce the most outstanding and creative project possible.”
St. Gabriel’s middle school students have a proven and successful track record of using laptops. Over the last five years, the St. Gabriel’s 1-to-1 laptop program has allowed sixth, seventh and eighth graders the opportunity for authentic assessment, to improve test scores, time management and organization, to engage in timely and original research, and to respond to individual learning needs.
“Our faculty is committed to ensuring students are equipped with the skills necessary to adapt to the ever-changing world around us,” said Misty Poe, Head of Middle School. “We have seen the benefits of our middle school laptop program; it is one of the reasons we continue researching and framing curriculum based on evidence of best practices in innovative teaching methods.”
St. Gabriel’s will disclose its findings as the program is implemented and metrics are gathered on educational outcomes. “As a school committed to excellence and providing an academic advantage to its students, we believe it is our responsibility to share the data and what we have learned with the community,” said Balak. “Such a commitment will help strengthen not only our students, but also the community both locally and globally. It is a cause which we believe all who work with children should embrace.”
About St. Gabriel’s Catholic School
Located in Austin, Texas, St. Gabriel’s Catholic School is a community for learning focused on helping children excel academically, grow in virtue and acquire the leadership skills, experiences and confidence required to form the foundation for successful and meaningful lives. Serving children in grades Pre-K through 8th, St. Gabriel’s gives children an academic advantage enabling them to excel in school and to gain a strong, intellectual foundation. The school seeks to create a safe and nurturing community that helps instill in children the virtues, judgment and courage to do what is good and right. Ultimately, St. Gabriel’s is focused on engaging young minds and readying them for leadership at school, in their communities, and in the world. For more information visit www.sgs-austin.org.
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