“Thanks to cloud computing, robotics, 3G wireless connectivity, Skype, Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Twitter, the iPad, and cheap Internet-enabled smartphones, the world has gone from connected to hyper-connected. This is the single most important trend in the world today.” - Thomas Friedman, A Theory of Everything (Sort Of), NYTimes
Students have access to a seemingly infinite variety of resources, modes of communication which provide incredible opportunity for engagement or distraction. The goal of the Technology Initiatives at Mount Vernon is to teach students to (i) safely and efficiently use the tools and resources at their disposal to learn and communicate and (ii) establish a framework for discerning the merit of emerging technologies.
The Upper School utilizes a One to One Laptop Program, cloud computing platforms, wireless connectivity, and an eLibrary.
All students are trained to master effective email communication with their MVPS account, calendar management, the nuances of word processing and presentation software as well as online document storage. Each academic areas use technology, from guided 
research to subject-specific applications, to enhance the curriculum. Additionally, students are offered a variety of technology electives such as Computer Programming, Net-Centric Computing, Video-Making (with PC + Mac), and Multimedia Production. At each juncture, the goal in using technology is to develop the essential skills of critical reading, clear and concise writing, effective time management, and superior communication.
Power Users & Techies
At Mount Vernon, we talk about “TECHIES” – those who understand the backgrounds and frameworks behind various technologies (think programmers, IT specialists, computer scientists, etc.) – and “POWER USERS” – those who are able to assess the worth and make appropriate use of available technologies.
At Mount Vernon, we believe that all graduates need to be either a “TECHIE” or a “POWER USER” (or both!) because seeking 21st century solutions, collaborating effectively, and communicating with people from all walks of life unquestionably involve the creative use of social media, video, and various other forms of technology. Therefore, we train our students so that even if they are not able to write code, they are able to, for example, make videos, blog, and optimize websites for search engines.
See also…
