Technology Resources

TCIS has many resources for students and faculty that promote a 21st century learning environment. We strive to provide and prioritize the implementation of these resources in the most effective ways to impact student learning. All classrooms are equipped with digital equipment such as projectors and computers. As a whole, the school is transitioning to the Apple platform. Currently, two iMac labs are available for graphics, digital music, and other computer classes in all divisions. An additional Windows PC lab primarily serves the elementary, but is available to other divisions as well. Teachers in the middle school currently use the Apple platform. The elementary and high school teachers will be receiving Apple laptops as their current computers are replaced.

TCIS uses Google Apps across the divisions to provide collaborative tools for students as well as communication via email. Faculty are also able to access these same applications for communication and collaboration. All students and staff can access the internal network outside the campus, as well as, use certain software via our Citrix solution. Citrix increases access to the network storage in addition to providing students with more software resources such as Adobe products, among others they may not be able to access at home. TCIS also utilizes Moodle to share course content and extend learning outside of specified class time as well as Edline, an online parent and student portal for each class, inclusive of grades. The TCIS library accesses extensive electronic resources via digital databases.

TCIS continues to increase its web presence through wikis and blogs by both teachers and students. The TCIS community is an active contributor to online learning resources for other teachers and students, both inside and outside of our school. The school also engages other students around the world to expand learning opportunities and participate in global, cross-cultural experiences.

Each elementary classroom has student computers equipped with with age appropriate software. Weekly Information Communication Technology (ICT) classes build on content being taught in the classroom and complement the resources available in the individual classrooms. Promethean interactive whiteboards are currently being piloted in grades 1 and 4 in addition to the elementary library. The 5th grade classes are equipped with Mac Minis in the classroom so that students may access Apple tools.

The middle school teachers transitioned to the Apple platform during the 2009-10 school year. In addition to the lab resources, MS students use a pod of computers placed in the design technology lab. Students regularly engage with technology in all their courses at different levels.

The high school is fully 1:1 with all students in grades 9-12 having laptops. Although different subjects use the laptops more than others, all students are expected to come to each class prepared to access digital resources. The 1:1 laptops provide great flexibility for teachers in presenting the lessons in the most engaging format for the task and allow students to inquire into content for themselves, utilizing the great research resources available to them through the internet and library databases.