Technology
Technology Philosophy
The technology department believes that technology is a means, not an end. Learning in and out of the classroom should be accomplished through best practices. When learning Chumash, students should prefer to start by reading from a Chumash rather than electronically, even if I might go to online resources later and examine various translations and commentaries that are available. Even project based learning should not always be technology based. Students should know how to navigate a blat of Gemara, do math problems using a pencil and paper (and in their heads), and read authentic texts for language arts and social studies without ever opening their devices.
Classroom Technology
Our Regio-Emillia inspired Early Childhood focuses on play. Students do not regularly interact with technology outside of specific use cases. Teachers utilize technology to keep parents informed and may use technology resources to augment play in classrooms.
Classrooms in the Lower School and Middle School have access to Chromebook carts that students can use in class. Unless remote learning is in effect, these devices do not travel home. We want students to spend time outside and playing rather than in front of screens. We employ industry standard filtering software to keep students safe and on task.
High School students are required to have a Windows, Mac or Chromebook laptop. These laptops are used extensively in and out of class in addition to extracurricular activities such as Palette and Yearbook.
AJA Maker Space
The Atlanta Jewish Academy Maker Space is the center of new and emerging technologies on our school's campus, and a leader in educating AJA students, faculty and staff on how to explore, and develop their creative, and problem solving skills, in a collaborative and innovative environment.
The AJA Makerspace fosters innovation, ingenuity, and creativity through the exploration of new, and emerging technologies in an inclusive and collaborative environment. The AJA Makerspace is a place where formal and informal learning comes together to provide users with hands on experiences that help them refine their ideas, be more engaged with problem solving, and develop leadership skills, such as ingenuity, adaptability, collaboration, and persistence.