Mazapan School embraces the use of technology as a tool for learning in support of 21st century skills. In addition to technology classes, students utilize technology as a means of communicating, organizing, researching, presenting and sharing in the learning process.
Technology Advancements
Mazapan School utilizes Google’s G Suite for Education as our communication, collaboration and content creation tool to support learning.
In 2014, we launched a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program for our students in grades 7-12. Our secondary students each bring their own laptop that meets the required specifications. Students in these grades access their laptops in each class as our teachers utilize the Google Classroom feature for digital discussions, sharing of articles, videos, posting assignments, and sharing information. Students in these grades also have access to their textbooks through an interactive platform in all core classes. Emphasis has been placed on using technology as a tool for learning and has not replaced the face to face interaction, hands on, or relationships in the classroom, rather, it supports those areas and extends the depth of learning. The school utilizes a U.K. based technology that allows us to monitor and control laptops that are connected to our network in order to maintain security and ensure that our student devices are utilized correctly.
We have also acquired 50 chromebooks K-6 that were distributed in the classrooms and are used in centers and small group work. Students in these grades utilize a variety of web resources to explore and practice new skills as well as to dig deeper into new concepts. In our elementary classrooms, you will see students working independently on a task that helps them to further develop foundational skills in mathematics, reading and writing, or exploring historical and scientific concepts through videos, webquests, and research. In our 4th-6th grade classrooms, chromebooks are frequently used in small group investigations and projects to support research and presentations.
Computer Lab
Our computer lab remains a busy place at Mazapan School with its 30 desktop computers. Located in the center of our campus, it serves our students in preschool-grade 12 for their technology classes. Students engage in developmentally appropriate technology exploration that begins with learning the basics of computer use and vocabulary and culminates with advanced computer sciences in our upper levels. Students become proficient in the use of the G Suite as well as Microsoft Office. Our computer lab also serves as a testing center for the TOEFL, AP examinations, and MAP test. Teachers and staff participate frequently in webinars, online trainings, and collaborative work in the computer lab.
Technology Infrastructure
Campus-wide wifi network
Computer Lab
Adequate bandwidth
Classroom Chromebooks in grades K-6
Mimio Interactive whiteboards
Projectors in each classroom
Teacher desktop computers
Surface pro computers
Impero software
CISCO OpenDNS
Technology Use
Google G Suite
Google Classroom
Powerschool
Powerschool Parent Portal which allows parents to monitor student progress in real time
Microsoft programs
Stemscopes
Coding applications
EBSCOHost Database
NWEA MAP Testing
TOEFL Examination
AP Testing
...and much more