Technology to Support Learning

Branksome Hall leverages state-of-the-art technology into the academic curriculum. Through technology, we develop a digital community of learners with the technological skills and attitudes to become active, creative members of our global society.  Technology is an important component of developing an innovation mindset.  

Our high-speed fibre optic infrastructure and a wireless network throughout the campus ensures universal access to leading-edge technology for students, staff and faculty. Our network is continually upgraded to provide network security and virus protection. We provide more than 800 modern digital tools with wired and wireless access across our campus and boarding residences. These include laptops, Chromebooks, iPads, tablets, Virtual Reality equipment and desktop computers in the film lab providing high-end multimedia hardware and software to support individual student learning styles. Increasing demand for multimedia access is supported through classrooms with mounted data projectors, wireless casting equipment, projection screens, SMART Boards and high-speed access to the Internet.

We have a One-to-One Laptop Program for Grades 7–12. The aim of this program is to enhance the range of instructional practices for our faculty, to provide students with increased 24/7 access to technology and information resources, and to allow students to process, collaborate on and present this information in more efficient ways. This One-to-One Laptop, coupled with our use of collaborative tools such as Microsoft OneNote, our Portal and Google Classroom, provides our students with the ability to create a digital ecosystem for all of their classes and collaborate effectively with their teachers and peers.

All faculty have laptops and attend various professional development programs, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to maximize their learning and teaching. Students are required to care for their laptops and avoid defacing their equipment or treating it in a harsh fashion that might result in damage.

Faculty deliver our world-class curriculum while leveraging Microsoft OneNote, which is used extensively for note-taking, organization and collaboration. As well, Branksome email and our Portal provide a key communication link between teachers and students. Our portal provides students and parents access to online course content.

Technology classes from SK–Grade 12 not only give students an understanding of computer hardware and software, but empower them to use more advanced technologies such

as those used for photography, video and audio editing, robotics, 3D printing, coding, virtual reality, desktop publishing and website design.

Makerspace

The Junior School has a Makerspace in the Design and Technology Centre with state-of-the-art desktops, complete with flat, touchscreen monitors. This centre has evolved into an exciting Makerspace, where students are able to design and create physical things that support them in class learning.

The STEAM Studio

In the Senior School, The STEAM Studio is an inspirational state-of-the-art open-space studio that encourages the use of various technologies and tools in collaborative design projects.  We will be adding additional Innovation Hubs so that students can leverage a variety of tools and technologies that allow them to explore their passions and develop an Innovator's mindset.

There are also SMART Boards and interactive projectors in Grades 1–6 classrooms. From JK to Grade 2 we have a 1-to-1 iPad program for students and from Grade 3 to 6, Branksome Hall provides Google Chromebooks to students so that they can fully leverage the collaborative digital environment in an easy and safe fashion. Software is continually being added, including a variety of programs that support the development of early reading, writing and mathematics skills, as well as programs to support the use of robotics in both our curricular and co-curricular offerings.

Students are expected to use technology resources shared by the entire community in a responsible, ethical and legal manner, as outlined in the Code of Conduct.