Technology Integration in the Classroom
We live in an exciting time when technological advances are shaping the world around us. The use of computers and personal devices is becoming a more and more essential component of our students’ experience, both in education and beyond. To best engage responsibly and successfully in our information-rich society, students must learn to utilize technology appropriately and effectively as they prepare for whatever God has for them after their time at Westminster.
Westminster requires all students 8th through 12th grade to bring a personal laptop to school each day. This is exceedingly beneficial as students are able to collaborate, create, and research using their laptops within the classroom setting. As a school, this allows us to further enhance our curriculum by incorporating technology.
Westminster follows a "Bring Your Own Laptop" initiative for all students 8th through 12th grade that requires students to bring a personal technology device to school for educational purposes under the direction of a teacher or administrator. Cell-phones and smart watches are not permitted.
Phone-Free Campus During School Hours
As a school, our goal is to faithfully pursue the mission of WCA and navigate the challenges of the digital age and its impact on our students.
Our administration and staff had the opportunity to read “The Anxious Generation”. Author Jonathan Haidt says:
“Students' phones are loaded with apps designed to catch the attention of young people, pinging them with notifications calling them out of class and into their virtual worlds. That’s what is most disruptive to learning and relationships. Any school whose leaders say that they care about fostering belonging, community, or mental health, but that hasn’t gone phone-free, is standing on a whale, fishing for minnows.”
Westminster is a school that is committed to fostering belonging and community and developing strong and healthy students. Therefore, we believe it is necessary for us to demonstrate these values through our actions. Our policy states that students are not allowed to have a cell phone with them during the school day. Upon arrival at school, students place their cell phones in a designated cell phone locker. At the end of the day, students retrieve their device. Students who need to communicate with their parents during the day are able to use the phone in the school office. Likewise, parents can communicate an urgent message to their child by calling the school office.
This policy is a visible demonstration of our desire to partner with families and our commitment to the well-being of our students. See our full Technology Policy here.