At Trinity, we also work to integrate the computer into the classroom as we prepare students to take an active, creative and responsible role in a technologically changing society, says Mr. Hedney. Improving information distribution by replacing information only type meetings with bulletin boards, e-mail notices and intranet postings. Using information technology in the classroom helps improve teaching and learning Access to the world s best libraries and other resources through the Internet, superior mainstream and course-specific software, electronic mail and discussion groups, for example, can all be fabulous teaching and learning tools, he says. The first step, however, was installing a technology network to support its new teaching and administrative process initiatives. Our students and teachers, using Compaq Deskpros or Compaq notebooks, can now access the network from almost any room in the school including the student residences, says Mr. Hedney.
Students also have unprecedented access to the Internet and their own e-mail accounts.
The switched 10Base-T Ethernet solution at Trinity is second to none in secondary education in Canada. In addition, the design enables it to expand the network as needed, including future deployment of higher bandwidth technologies. Therefore, the school is well positioned for the future while benefiting from protection of its current investment. The design is built around a 100Mbps Fast Ethernet fibre optic backbone that radiates from a centralized Network Operations Centre to eight satellite wiring closets strategically placed throughout the sprawling campus. In addition, it is possible for the students or staff to access the school s LAN from off-campus through the Internet.