Technology at Heritage Hall
Overview
Heritage Hall produces digitally literate students who are productive, innovative, efficient, and ethical users of technology. Our students learn to be creative, collaborative, critical thinkers. Chargers acquire the necessary skills to use digital tools for gathering, evaluation, and application of information to their advantage. It's more than just the "nuts and bolts" of computers and software. Our teachers don't use technology just for the sake of technology - they use it when it's the best tool for learning in a student-centered classroom.
At Heritage Hall, significant focus is placed on promoting digital citizenship and technology ethics. As younger Chargers begin to form "digital footprints," our teachers take extra care to ensure they are doing so in a safe environment. As those digital footprints grow, students take on new digital citizenship issues like cyberbulling, identity theft, and social networking. Upper School students discuss human, cultural, and societal issues relating to technology while experiencing greater freedom to express themselves online with continued guidance from teachers.
In the fall of 2012, Heritage Hall established a 1:1 program. Students in grades 7-12 enjoy the educational benefits of a school-issued Apple MacBook Pro laptop, both at school and home. Each grade from 1st through 6th boasts its own shared MacBook Pro cart. The youngest Chargers, those at the ECC or in Kindergarten, share one of two Apple iPad 2 carts for app-based learning and motor skills refinement. Elective subjects also have access to MacBook carts, one shared in each of the Lower School and Middle School divisions. Thanks to a generous anonymous donation, our Lower School has an additional blended cart with 10 MacBook Pro laptops and 10 iPads that is enjoyed by Lower School students and KidCare attendees.
Here are some other facts relating to technology at Heritage Hall:
- Every classroom teacher on campus has an Apple MacBook Pro, the same 13" model that students carry.
- SmartBoards with integrated document cameras (or iPads) are installed in almost every classroom and get regular use by students and teachers.
- Within each division, teachers and students share access to student-response "clickers" that work hand-in-hand with SmartBoard-based review and assessment activities.
- Students at all divisions have access to digital cameras (still and/or video), green screens, and movie-making software to express their learning in creative ways.
- Wi-Fi is available campus wide.
- PowerSchool provides students and patrons online access to grades and attendance.
- Students can access class agendas and resources online using teacher FinalSite webpages in addition to Google Apps.
Google Apps for Education (w/ student email)
Heritage Hall became a "Google School" during the Summer of 2011. Our students have school-issued Google accounts that provide them with access to email, online calendar, the Google Docs suite, Google Sites, and much more. By incorporating these digital tools into the fabric of our curriculum, Heritage Hall is better preparing our students for college and life.
View the Heritage Hall Student Email Policy
Phases of Technology Education
- Exposure. Early Childhood Center students explore technology in a hands-on environment as they become familiar with devices they will use in subsequent phases.
- Foundations. Lower School students begin to learn operating system basics, keyboarding techniques, word processing skills, and basic functions of popular creative programs and Web 2.0 (interactive) sites.
- Essentials. Middle School students perfect skills in the Microsoft Office applications while reviewing foundational skills and tackling digital citizenship issues.
- Specialization. Upper School students can select branches of technology that interest them, with course offerings in computer applications, multimedia, Web design, and networking.Through freedom of choice, students can get a taste of different technology career paths in preparation for college.
Charger Technology Staff
Luke Steelman '93 Director of Academic Technology & US Technology Teacher 
Karen Littlefield One to One Coordinator
Bryan Bolding Director of Technology & US Networking Apprenticeship Teacher
Patrick Bashlor Assistant Director of Technology
Ami Steelman Technology Integration Specialist
Jeremy King, Help Desk
Michelle Powell MS Technology Teacher
