In 1992, pencils, paper, and calculators were staples of the school supplies list. Today, tablet computers, Final Cut Pro, and digital pens make up a student’s toolbox at private schools like Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School. “Technology allows us to teach much more effectively and efficiently,” says Lisa Lyle, head of school at MICDS. “Teachable moments happen seamlessly, it’s easier for students to be more organized, and there are more opportunities for students to access and process information.” Here’s a breakdown of some ways technology has transformed teaching at some of the area’s most advanced schools, compared to 20 years ago.
Then: Teachers jotted down grades in a ledger.
Now: Teachers record grades in an electronic program that parents can access.
Then: Students raised their hands when they needed help.
Now: Students can discreetly instant-message their teachers from their personal computers during class.
Then: Students had limited access to a few computers in a designated computer lab.
Now: All students in seventh grade and up at MICDS have tablet laptops in a one-to-one program.
Then: Students physically turned in homework to teachers.
Now: Students turn in almost everything electronically and can easily refer back to past quizzes and homework.
Then: History lessons came from textbooks and lectures.
Now: While learning about World War II, MICDS students can video-chat with students from other countries to get their perspective on the war.
Then: Teachers wrote lessons on a chalkboard.
Now: All MICDS teachers use interactive whiteboards called SMART Boards to display information during class and get students involved in the learning process.
Then: Students stuffed notes and papers into their lockers.
Now: All notes and handouts are typed or saved in tablet computers or written with a stylus or electronic pen.
Then: After a lesson was over, students moved on to the next one with little access to information from previous lessons beyond their notes.
Now: Students can watch videos of previous lessons throughout the year if they get stuck and can even refer back to lessons years later.
Then: Teachers were the gatekeepers of information.
Now: Teachers move into coaching roles as kids’ appetites for learning grow with increased accessibility of info online.
Then: Teachers had to share phones to communicate with each other and parents.
Now: Every teacher has a phone in the classroom and can send notes electronically to parents.
