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MPCS has launched into high-tech, collaborative learning in middle school with the introduction of the Connected Learning Program. Personal learning devices and digitalized curriculum directly support our goal to create an environment that equips students to think skillfully and innovatively with greater opportunities to expand real-world application beyond classroom walls.
1:1 Device Initiative
During the 2016-2017 school year, seventh-grade classes piloted the 1:1 initiative with all students receiving Microsoft Surface Pro tablets. The teachers who were involved passionately embraced new instructional approaches and a wider array of resources, and our students were the beneficiaries. The Connected Learning Program has now expanded this year across the entire middle school with intentions to expand to high school for the 2018-2019 school year.
One direct benefit of using the Surface devices has been the teacher’s enhanced ability to provide students with immediate feedback regarding student understanding of content through formative assessment. For example, in math, Mrs. Wilder has been using GoFormative.com to interact with real-time student work which better enables her to provide immediate reinforcement or redirection of instruction. In language arts, Mrs. Varner has been able to “jump” into student documents and provide instant feedback while students are creating rather than discovering later that students did not grasp the material. In science, Mrs. Settlemyer gives online quizzes which provide students with their scores immediately. This allows students to ask for additional assistance while the information is still fresh in their minds.
Education of the Future
Social studies teacher Mrs. Wilbur said, “We have gone past rote learning by investing in the how and the why of history by harnessing a new world of resources.” Seventh-grader Kendall Konieczny added, “We play a history game on our computers that gives us a live-feed ranking which is fun.” Many parents stated they have never seen greater excitement toward school from their children and that they are even more willing to complete homework. Parents also shared that the use of the Surface Pro 4 has improved organizational skills and increased students’ sense of responsibility.
The skills and competencies that our students are developing through their participation in the Connected Learning Program transcend the boundaries of the traditional classroom. Student learning is increasingly becoming more relevant and more rigorous, yet still anchored on the forever important foundation of building strong relationships. These expanded educational resources provide a closer alignment with the technology that awaits them in college and beyond.
Paul Montaperto serves as the Middle School Head of Mount Paran Christian School.
To learn more about academic rigor within a loving, Christ-centered environment, please click here.
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WingTips
Welcome to WingTips, a Mount Paran Christian School Blog. The MPCS Blog features many independent school contributors and thought-leaders.
Learn More About MPCS
Recommended Series
PRIVATE SCHOOL PRIMER:
- How School Choice Programs Increase Educational Opportunities for Families
- 5 Tips for Making the Middle to High School Transition
- What Families Should Expect
- 2 Most Important This to Consider When Choosing a Preschool
- 4 Benefits of Choosing a K-12 School for Life
- 3 Reasons Why I Believe in Christian Schools
- 7 Tips for Affording a Private School Education
- 4 Reasons We Chose Mount Paran Christian School
- How to Choose the Best Private School for Your Family
PARENTEd. TALKS:
- Helping Students Boost Their Brain Capacity for Success
- Teaching Children Fiscal Responsibility
- Tips for Parents to Help Teens Avoid Drugs and Alcohol
- Excelling in the Midst of Adversity
- 3 Tips for Navigating the Hidden Dangers of Social Media
- The Blessing of a B Minus
- Real Talk for Moms
COLLEGE SERIES:
- Finding the Right Fit - An Individualized Approach to College Counseling
- ParentEd.: Here’s What You Need to Know About College Admissions
- To Save or Not to Save: 529 Plans are the Question
FROM THE TEACHER’S DESK:
- The Importance of Play
- What Families Should Expect
- Play is Learning Through the Arts
- 4 Tips to Capture the Minds of Your Students
CHRISTIAN LIFE:
- What is a Covenant School?
- Seeing Through a New Lens: A Biblical Worldview
- Faith and Intellect as One
- Philosophy of Belonging: 4 Tips for Fostering a Diverse Culture
- Innovation in Education: Teaching Cultural Awareness
- A Call to Brotherhood: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Wisdom for Today
- CommUNITY: How Do We Love One Another?
- Campaign for CommUNITY
- How to Raise Empathetic Children in Today’s Culture
- Imageo Dei: Why Diversity Matters
Providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment, Mount Paran Christian School unites with home and church to prepare servant-leaders to honor God, love others, and walk in Truth.
