Welcome to 2012-13 from Head of School David G. Behrs, Ph.D.

High School biology students use digital tools -- and goldfish! --
in pursuit of learning goals during the first week of classes.

I’m honored to welcome you to the first iLearning @ San Domenico School blog post for this academic year.  The lull on this blog is indicative of the amount of work happening on site here at San Domenico School.  Our leading one-to-one iPad program is growing; this past Friday almost one hundred fourth and fifth graders received their iPads for the first time.  In addition, a cart of iPads is now available in third grade for a “one-to-two” experience.  Macs and iPads are available as part of learning centers in kindergarten, second grade, and first grade.

When you add these enhancements to our established one-to-one program in sixth through twelfth grades, it “feels” like a large program.  How are we able to effectively integrate technology into such a diverse number of grades and age levels?  With 596 children on campus, this is quite an effort.

This effort is especially effective when we, as a community, utilize the “backward” design concept described by Wiggins and McTighe.  I especially appreciate their question, “Given a worthy task to be accomplished, how do we best get everyone equipped?” (Wiggins, G. P., & McTighe, J. (2005). Understanding by design (2nd expanded ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Education, Inc., p. 19).   We need to identify our desired results before designing lessons and mapping our curriculum.

Over the course of this semester, our director of technology, Christopher Sokolov, and our faculty members will be sharing questions, insights, and stories from our continued evolution as a leading integrated technology program.  We will be learning and reflecting together as we seek to educate, engage, and empower the students entrusted to us.

Here’s to a great school year!

My very best,

Dave