Technology
Computer Lab
Students come at least once a week where
they learn keyboarding skills and strategies for using software as a
tool for learning and presenting information. The lab has 28 eMac
computers, a Smart Board and a projector. The lab teacher's workstation
computer is projected to the board. This facilitates instruction by
increasing the size of the students viewable area. The Smart Board can
be written on by "virtual" colored markers. Office 2004 for Macintosh is installed on each computer as well as other software.
Media Center
There is also a mini-iMac lab set up in
the library. Five iMacs are available for student use. Because of the
heavy use of the Accelerated Reader software, these computers are
primarily used for AR tests.
Classrooms
Each classroom has at least 1 networked teacher workstation, 1 or two student networked workstations and networked mobile laptops available for student use. Accelerated Math (AM) is a program being used to enhance student Math skills. This is a program that allows teachers to individualize assignments according to students' needs. The use of AM requires bubble sheet scanners and laser printers. With the help of our PTO, Fox Hollow has purchased additional scanners and laser printers to accommodate the use of this program.
The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation
The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation has donated funds to provide software to increase reading readiness skills in kindergarten (Waterford program) and reading proficiency skills in grades 1-6 (Accelerated Reader).
Mobile Laptops
Fox Hollow has 24 iBooks and two mobile laptop carts. Funds used for these purchases came from the State Technology Allocation and the help of the PTO. The laptops are used in classrooms on a rotating schedule. Our wireless networking accommodates the networking of these laptops. They are used for AR quizzes, research instruction and practice in creative and descriptive writing, for independent practice activities designed to increase student skills in math and language arts.
Fiber Gigabit Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Fox Hollow Elementary School is also enjoying the fiber gigabit Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) implemented in Spring of 2001. A gigabit MAN means data is traveling between school sites at a rate of 1 billion bits per second. This is over 3900 times faster than before! A file transfer that used to take 30 minutes now takes less than a second.
