Technology at C-Wood

There is so much technology and technology courses at my school it's absolutely incredible! Of course, a lot this "WOW" factor is because I'm at a private school where money is no object. The school dedicates thousands of dollars to acquiring the newest technologies and allots countless hours to learning and teaching these technologies/programs to students. ICT Courses include: Multimedia 9, 11, and 12; Computer Science 12; Yearbook 11 and 12; Digital Photography 11 and 12; and Graphic Design 11 and 12 (to name a few). All of these courses are electives and many of them are open to 9, 10, 11, and 12 students, despite their course title. Click here to look at the course guide - the information technology courses are located under "information technology" and "visual arts."

Technology does not stop in the classroom. The library is equipped with two SMART boards, 50 laptops, as well as desktop computers. Classes of all subjects come to the library to learn about Google Docs, Wikispaces, and how to surf the net carefully and appropriately. The librarian is keen on teaching proper research skills and proper documentation styles to avoid plagiarism. The research skills she teaches are extremely important and tacked onto each class.

Based on the courses offered and the outlines described online the pathway adopted at Collingwood resembles the Digital Media Development stream. The courses focus on digital animation, web design, and audio editing. All assignments are due in class and for the majority of the courses homework is not assigned. The courses are offered based on student interest; however class size is not a factor. If six students sign up for the course, it will be offered.

The Multimedia 9, 11, and 12 course focuses on web design, digital imaging, and 2-D/3-D animation; as well as special effects, lighting, texturing, and rendering of scenes and animations.

The Computer Science 12 course explore the use of Java script, interfaces, arrays and many other topics.

The Yearbook course is designed for students who want to enter the world of publishing. The students work on the actual yearbook, taking pictures, editing the photographs, and creating layouts. Deadlines are extremely important in this course.

The Graphic Design 11 and 12 course introduces students to the artistic possibilities of Graphic Design. Through observation, discussion and hands-on practice we will explore the wide spectrum of possibilities offered by the study of graphics. Practical explorations will range from concept building with pen and paper to project completion with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop CS4.

Technology is used throughout Collingwood and is very encouraged. In many of the classes I have observed, students are allowed to bring and use their own personal computers; however in some classes they are not. Technology in the classroom is dependent on the teacher’s personal preference. IPad’s are becoming very popular and many students have them. As I was talking with the information technology teacher she told me a story about a student who wanted to use his iPad in class instead having the hard copy of the book they were studying – the teacher said no. Some teachers are embracing the technological advancements and recognizing the benefits, while others are simply ignoring technology. Many teachers are afraid that if they allow students to have access to technology during class they will be surfing the net, chatting online, and being on facebook instead of paying attention. This is very fair and a concern that we have talked a lot about. Because of the amount of money the school devotes to technology and technological advancement students and teachers are well rehearsed in technological practices. Every member of the staff is given their own school laptop, an HP Tablet to be exact. Many members of the staff switched from their school Blackberry’s to iPhones this year; as well, those staff members who wanted an iPad to play with and explore classroom use simply had to ask for one. The students who attend Collingwood (for the most part) come from wealthy families who already have the newest Blackberry, iPhone, iPad etc. etc. Collingwood loves technology