Technology

OUR COMMITMENT TO TECHNOLOGICAL EXCELLENCE

Foothills Academy recognizes the importance of technology on campus, and its potential for improving the learning environment. We have invested heavily in this aspect of education to provide the very best hardware and software for student, faculty, and administrative use. Some features of note include:

• Laptops on Campus : Students are encouraged to bring their laptops for academic purposes. We provide 24 laptops onsite for those who cannot..
• Broadband Internet Access: We subscribe to a 7.0 Mb/s DSL line which is networked throughout our campus.
• Wireless Access Points: The entire campus area is covered by four 802.11b wireless access nodes allowing convenient use of laptop computers.
• Electronic Gradebook System: Teachers utilize an electronic gradebook system for timely reporting of student progress.
• Wired Classrooms: All classrooms have a networked computer, intercom, and extension accessible phone line.
• Multimedia: Classrooms are equipped with ceiling-mounted LCD projectors tied into VCR, laserdisc, and internet for instructional purposes.
• Technology Staffing: We retain on call both a network manager and multimedia specialist for maintenance, installation and training.
• Cyber Patrol: This is a group of student volunteers who train with our network manager and help maintain our technology infrastructure.
• Science Lab: Our Science Lab has six work stations with state-of-the-art equipment, including an electronic weather station.
• Website: We maintain an internet presence to provide contact information, school documents, daily assignments, grade reports, and campus news.

Future plans include the introduction of streaming media for off-site instruction, a broadcasting studio for daily announcements and media coursework, and further lowering of the student/computer ratio. We provide below a sampling of images related to technology at Foothills Academy.

The original Computer Resource Center, with 28 work stations, served us well for the first five years. In 2008, it became new classrooms #198 & 199.

Also in 2008, we made the move to campus-wide wireless laptops. Students at all grade levels are encouraged to bring their laptops to school for academic tasks. Those who cannot are able to use any of 24 laptops maintained and provided onsite. This is one of two laptop carts that can be scheduled and moved to any classroom as needed. To see some photos showing this new technology in action, click here.

Faculty work stations include all the technology required for efficient classroom and task management. We use a comprehensive database called SchoolMaster™ for scheduling, rosters, attendance, and progress and grade reporting. Parents can monitor their student's progress online through our website.

Ceiling-mounted multimedia LCD projection systems are out of the way, but always ready for use.

Six-foot-diagonal motorized projection screens and stereo sound systems add impact to faculty presentations. The systems are often used by students for their own presentations.

We also maintain a portable multimedia projection system with laptop, DVD, and VCR for off-campus events and student projects.

Our Science Lab in action: these students are using an electronic photogate to measure a bearing's acceleration as it rolls down a ramp.