Trinity Academy Upgrades Technology To The Next Level

As part of Trinity Academy’s ongoing commitment to develop students with 21st-century skills, the use of technology has become an essential part of teaching and learning. 

Students at Trinity Academy are using a variety of new tools — such as new iPads — that allow them to communicate via written and spoken words, offer occasions to display their creativity, enhance collaboration, and provide them with a platform to demonstrate their learning.

“We are dedicated to being progressive in the use of technology in teaching and learning,” said Kim Fiore, Trinity Academy technology coordinator.  “Technology has proven to be an effective, dynamic tool in acquiring knowledge, practicing skills, communicating and problem solving.

"Even our kindergarten students are given the opportunity to engage in technology with the use of SMART boards in the classroom, technology class each week and the use of iPads to enhance a reading or math lesson.” 

One of the tools being used is Prezi, a dynamic multi-media presentation tool.  Others include Edmodo for classroom assignments and discussions; PBWorks, a Wiki Site for students and teachers to create and  collaborate on projects; and Voicethread, a multi-media site that can be used for storytelling, classroom discussions and oral reports. 

Student favorite multi-media sites being used are Glogster EDU where students can create digital “posters” for assignments; Animoto for the creation of digital stories; and Kidblog, a moderated blogs for students.  

Under teacher supervision, students may use these tools for a range of tasks, such as classroom discussions, video conferencing, multi-media projects, group projects, reports, demonstrations, assignment completion, and for classroom support.

Trinity Academy students are also challenged to use technology to collaborate with people and students around the world. They use Epals, a moderated site that allows students to interact with students their age who live in another part of the world, and Skype which enables them to obtain a more personal view of the world. 

Trinity Academy faculty is dedicated to making the most out of the available technology. Faculty will have the opportunity to attend "Appy Hour" where they can stay up to date on all the powerful tools that can be done with iPads.  

Also, all teachers are invited to sign the iPads out and use them to supplement and incorporate into their lessons and daily teachings.