TECHNOLOGY

Technology as a Tool for Teaching and Learning

Windermere Prep believes that the seamless integration of technology into our daily instructional practices is a way to actualize our instructional and curricular point of view. We embrace the integration of technology in our classrooms for the purpose promoting high levels of learning and in the process, transforming instructional tasks in ways that were never possible before. The fundamental purpose of this transformation is the activation of skills like critical thinking, discovery, innovation, problem solving, communication, and collaboration.

We utilize the SAMR model as a lens for identifying and discussing effective integration in this context. The "SAMR" acronym represents a four-level model of technology integration in our classrooms:

• Substitution: Technology acts as a direct tool substitute, with no functional change in instruction.

• Augmentation: Technology acts as a direct tool substitute, with functional improvement in instruction.

• Modification: Technology allows for significant task redesign.

• Redefinition: Technology allows for creation of new tasks that were previously inconceivable.

Laptop learning program

The Laptop Learning Program provides the opportunity for students to learn and to use technology tools within their classes. By incorporating the use of email, word processing, database, spreadsheets, presentation, and research tools into the curriculum, students have an opportunity to learn and use these skills well in advance of traditional programs. These technological skills are intended as tools to support the class curriculum and to assist students in completing assignments and projects. This model not only allows students the opportunity to gain computer skills, but also provides both teachers and students with tools for powerful teaching and learning. Laptops are simply another aspect of the excellent education provided at Windermere Preparatory School.

Laptop Specifications

1:1 iPad program

Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, WPS will supply a school-issued iPad and protective keyboard case to all students in Grades K-5. Families are no longer required to purchase a device through the "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD) program for these grade levels.

Why We Are Making This Change

By providing uniform, school-managed hardware, we can more effectively foster Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills and the IB Inquiry Cycle. This new model offers:

• Consistency: All students use the same apps and software versions, maximizing instructional time.
• Enhanced Safety: Devices are pre-configured with WPS security and web-filtering protocols.
• Seamless Support: On-campus technical support is provided for all school-issued hardware.

At-School vs. Take-Home Policy

To support age-appropriate Self-Management skills, portability varies by grade level:

iPad Specifications

Google apps for education

Windermere Preparatory School has partnered with Google to access their Google Apps for Education suite of productivity tools for classroom collaboration. The addition of Google Apps for Education furthers the use of modern online collaboration tools to foster learning, teaching, and research on our campus. The use of Google Apps at WPS allows faculty, staff, and students to easily collaborate. The migration to Google Apps for Education provides UNLIMITED storage for all files and documents stored within Google Drive.

Google Apps for Education includes the following services:

• Gmail: Google’s powerful e-mail program without the ads. 

• Google Docs: create and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, presentations, forms, and drawings in real time.

• Google Drive: upload, store, and share any file type.

• Google Sites: develop and customize simple websites (no HTML required).

We're extremely happy to add these services to the growing suite of online tools that make it easy for students, teachers, and staff of Windermere Prep to work together. We believe that web-based software that enables real-time collaboration for students and faculty can truly enhance the unique education and research environment of WPS.