Opening Day tech and laptop orientation

Groton School believes that its students should be technologically-savvy generalists who understand and can use technology to meet their research, analytical, presentation and communication needs. To that end, there is an expectation of a basic computer literacy in that students should be proficient with:

• word-processing
• graphing and spreadsheets
• web based research
• e-mail and electronic communication

Certain departments require other discipline-specific skills. The technology needs of each department are constantly evolving, and departments believe in careful assessment and implementation and eschew the notion of technology for the sake of technology. All teachers are provided a laptop and support of existing and evolving technology resources in their classrooms and curriculums.

Groton has a required student laptop program. Students connect their laptops to the School network and the Internet with wireless networking in the Schoolhouse, the Library, and the Student Center; dormitories have wired access.

Groton School’s technology department provides on-going support for the required laptops. Support includes coordinating any required warranty or damage repairs, support of connectivity to the Groton network, and access to Groton required software.

Click for more information on the specific laptop model for the 2009-2010 school year.

Teachers in many different disciplines use technology in their classes. The following are only a few examples:

• Algebra students learn how to program computers
• Geometry students use The Geometer's Sketchpad to analyze geometric problems
• History students consult their teacher's intranet website for up to the minute sources
• Biology students use scanners and advanced imaging software to analyze fallen leaves to determine how far they grew from the trunk of the tree
• Ecology students use state-of-the-art Geographic Information Systems software to learn more about local and global issues
• English students edit video of a class performance of a play
• Art students learn how to create and manipulate digital images
• English students read and discuss each other's work using online forums
• Music students use Practica Musica as their primary text
• Students also use technology to support extracurricular activities. For instance:
• The Circle Voice (school newspaper) and The Grotonian (school literary magazine) use the multi-media Graphics Lab to prepare their issues.
• A dedicated yearbook lab is used to produce the year book.
• The stock market club track their successes and failures online.
• Many student groups make use of private and semi-private "email conferences" to communicate and enhance their productivity.

While our students gain the experience and proficiency they need without formal computer classes, we offer an AP Computer Science course as a Math Department elective. Other electives on computer-related topics are available by arrangement with faculty. Recently, students have done technology related Faculty Sponsored Activities in lieu of an afternoon sport.