Technology

Overview
There are few, if any, fields as dynamic as the field of technology. But change doesn’t have to be the only constant. At Hawken, we organize our use of technology around clear, broad themes that remain relevant even as particular tools and technologies emerge, evolve, and evaporate. Our approach thoughtfully balances stable ideas and principles with the flexibility to capitalize on an ever-widening stream of possibilities. 

The following core values guide our use of technology at all divisions:
• Technology is in the hands of our students 
• We emphasize producing over receiving information
 
 Our use of technology:
• Feels natural and integrated into other subjects
• Promotes student engagement and creativity
• Helps us to better understand our learners
• Is woven into the fabric of our school culture

While these principles guide our school-wide technology trajectory, we believe many of the design choices (hardware, software, skills of focus) are much better made at each division of the school. The way we use technology should be matched appropriately to developmental needs.

Preschool-Grade 5
For Early Childhood and the Lower School, we choose technology that is intuitive, interactive and application-driven. With this in mind, iPads and touch screen computers are a good fit in this division because their design is premised on simplicity. The touchscreens make these devices highly interactive without requiring the fine motor skills needed to use a stylus. Even our youngest students can begin to navigate the menus with very little instruction. At this level, skills are emerging more independently. Applications targeting specific skills (reading, math operations, music note reading) allow us to address the specific needs of our students without being overly coordinated. For teachers of Lower School students, images, video and audio recordings help us capture key signs of development in many domains.
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An independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school, toddler through grade 12

Early Childhood, Lower, and Middle Schools, 5000 Clubside Rd, Lyndhurst, OH 44124
Birchwood School of Hawken, 4400 West 140th Street, Cleveland, OH 44135 

Upper School, PO Box 8002 (12465 County Line Rd), Gates Mills, OH 44040
Mastery School of Hawken, 11025 Magnolia Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106

Gries Center, 10823 Magnolia Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106

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