Body
Saint Ursula Academy (SUA), a private all‐girls Catholic high school in Cincinnati, Ohio is a leader in one‐to‐one computing. Even before the term became widely used Principal Frances R. Romweber and her faculty could see the benefits of putting a computer in the hands of every student.
They recognized the use of technology in every field – education, medicine, engineering, law, publishing and the arts – and the responsibility of high schools to prepare students for these fields. They hypothesized that a one‐to‐one program could have a significant impact in preparing students for college, promoting the transition from a paper to digital environment and addressing emerging classroom trends toward collaboration and engagement.
Kim Henninger, director of technology at SUA, was assigned to spearhead the one‐to‐one initiative. In 1998, Henninger presented the idea of a one‐to‐one computing program to the St. Ursula Academy Board of Trustees, who controlled the budget and resources for the school.
Challenges
Although the proposal was strongly considered, the Board of Trustees decided computers should first be integrated in a shared environment, and resources should be directed at preparing faculty for use of technology in the classroom. Additionally, the Board had concerns about what students would do with the computers in a one‐to‐one scenario, and software was not available to provide management in the digital classroom. The proposal was denied, but Henninger and her team would not be discouraged.
Solution
After thorough research of available products and software, felt the combination of HP Tablet PCs and the DyKnow Software Suite could provide a total classroom solution to achieve their goals.
Goals
Goal 1: Prepare Students for College and Beyond
SUA faculty and staff have observed significant progress in student note‐taking, personal organization and responsibility; all characteristics imperative to success in college and the workforce.
Goal 2: Move from Paper to Digital
Faculty, students and administrators have come to rely on DyKnow Vision’s ability to facilitate the easy and efficient exchange of digital documents. This minimizes the materials students must carry to and from classes, while also giving everyone anytime, anywhere access to course materials.
Goal 3: Address Emerging Trends like Collaboration and Engagement
Henninger believed technology could create the dynamic collaboration which 21st Century students desired. Since the HP Tablet PC and DyKnow implementation, she has observed a more active learning environment where students are engaged and excited.
Conclusion
Henninger and the SUA team set out to provide their students with more opportunities by being on the forefront of technology. Their tenacity made the school’s program successful by reaching all of its intended goals. Students are challenged and more prepared for their future.
Other education leaders in the Cincinnati area have recognized the success of SUA’s program. Using SUA as a model, other secondary schools in Cincinnati have decided to implement one‐to‐one programs.
