Technology philosophy

The inventions and improvements of technology throughout centuries have been vast, and many of these have made it relatively easy for us to gather needed information, connect with family and friends all around the world, or entertain ourselves. Throughout history, inventions of man – possible only through God-given abilities – have had a dramatic impact upon the life we know. 

In today’s society, it is common to see kids spending a good portion of their day using some type of electronic device (Xbox, PlayStation, tablet, IPod, or Smartphone, to name a few). The administration and faculty at Wesleyan Christian Academy has spent considerable time to research the effects that great amounts of exposure to technology have on students. 

That research includes how the constant use of interactive devices and the Internet seems to have a negative impact on linear thinking. As an example, reading an article on the Web with all its hyperlinks tends to promote a non-linear approach to thinking. This approach can result in a loss of patience for those who simply try to read a book; instead, they find themselves willing only to read a short web article or post.

It is important that our students have non-linear experiences to develop their creative sides and to keep them current with technological advances. We believe an approach that also promotes linear thinking is critical to develop students’ skills with personal interaction, vocalized communication, reasoning and analyzing, learning, and much more. Linear thinking is a step-by-step process for learning new information or solving a problem. A balanced approach that promotes both linear and non-linear thinking is important to developing each student. 

Because the WCA vision demands us to pursue God’s excellence in all matters, the administration and technology staff have researched and visited some of the leading high-tech private institutions in the region, which in turn led us to be more intentional in articulating how we define and integrate technology at Wesleyan. We believe that:

• Technology is an incredible resource through which to encourage and expand learning efficiencies.
•  Parents should rightly expect a safe academic environment in which their student can research, learn, explore, and navigate the Web. 
• Our students need to have access to some of the latest technological advances and to demonstrate strong competencies in an increasingly technological global society.
• Technology does not replace the effectiveness of human interaction and personal interaction.  
• Technology is a tool to facilitate learning and preparedness for our students to positively impact and excel in the world in which they live.
• Teacher interaction is instrumental in a student’s ability to learn and thrive intellectually as well as relationally.
• We value the dynamics of vocalized communication which expresses genuine empathy, emotion, and reflection. 
• We value employing reasoning  and analytical skills as well as the ability to demonstrate understanding of those skills over a total reliance of technologically acquired solutions.
• Students need periods of time to  “unplug” from technology. We must guard against compromising a student’s ability to learn due to overexposure to online stimuli. 
• We will nurture our students' cognitive development without consigning their minds to externalized  problem solving. 
• Our students’ sustainable  success will largely be measured by the expansion and retention of their personal knowledge and a genuine ability to communicate effectively and relate well with others. 
• We are supportive of and implement several STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) initiatives throughout the campus.
• Our technology philosophy and integration reflects good fiscal stewardship with the resources God has given us.

Wesleyan’s approach to the educational process means that your child will have learning opportunities with emerging technologies, hands-on learning activities, strong interpersonal communications, online resources, textbooks and other reading assignments, and other curricular tools as needed. By drawing on more than 40 years of experience and staying current with emerging technologies, Wesleyan will continue to provide one of the top Christian educations in our geographic area. More importantly, Wesleyan will stay focused on providing a rigorous Christ-centered education in which God's Word is woven into every facet of this ministry. 

Technology List

Wesleyan Christian Academy is continuously and regularly adding or upgrading technology to equip teachers and aid student learning. The list below of technologies being utilized by the school is not inclusive but provides a general overview. 

• Wireless teacher microphones:  All-in-one system delivers high intelligibility of the teacher’s voice in Elementary School and Middle School
• Robotics Club 
• EBSCO on-line research database
• Blackbaud: Online grade book,  homework, and teacher communications to students and parents 
• MACs in journalism class for photo editing
• Middle School lab has 30 MACs 
• IPads in the Enrichment Center 
• Panaboards (interactive white boards) in majority of classrooms 
• Elementary Computer Lab with Success Maker and Keybo software 
• Mobile Panaboard in library 
• Digital cameras in Middle School lab and High School journalism class
• Document cameras in majority of classrooms 
• Mouse Mischief in Enrichment Center 
• Auditorium:  Professional sound board, light board, and video equipment operated by students on the WCA tech team 
• Library: Follett eBooks are digital editions of print titles with advanced capabilities that accelerate learning. Follett eBooks give students powerful new ways to
  learn and provide a new way for teachers to integrate technology into their classrooms
• On-line courses 
• Enrichment Center Computer Lab with Inspiration software
• Internet bandwidth and network backbone upgraded
• Secured WiFi deployed in common areas
•  New telephone system installed, allowing teachers to receive voice mail messages via email (attached to the email as a .wav file)
• .Meals Plus: Cafeteria POS system that allows parents/guardians to prepay online with credit and debit cards as well as sending payment to school office .Parents may view student account balances and meal history.
• Sound bars in classrooms 
• Copiers set for high speed scanning to the network.  Teachers are scanning work book pages to show on classroom Panaboards.
• Middle School/High School Computer Lab with: 
           Keybo
           Adobe Photoshop
           Sketchup
           Microsoft Office 
           Atomic Learning
             

FOR A MORE DETAILED DISCUSSION OF OUR TECHNOLOGY PHILOSOPHY - CLICK HERE.