Catholic Schools Embrace Technology

On Monday, Supt. of Catholic Schools Dale R. Hoyt presented each of his educational leaders with an Apple iPad 2 as a way to promote high tech learning in Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of Hartford.

The Professional Development Day took place at the Archdiocesan Center at Saint Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, where Apple instructors trained the educators on how to use the iPad 2 and discussed how they could best model the use of technology to become more efficient.

Hoyt says Catholic educators will not be able to embrace teaching and learning with technology unless they themselves become the digital leaders, incorporating these skills in their day-to-day instruction. He believes that it is vital for Catholic schools to excel in technology in order to nurture the digital learner.

In East Haven, serves preschool to middle school students.

Sister Christina Joseph Dolan , principal of St. Matthew School in Forestville, attended the professional workshop and feels that the iPad 2 will be very beneficial.

“Mr. Hoyt is helping us move forward, helping us to become digitally astute," she said. "The iPad 2 will be of great assistance with the administrative work we do in our schools.” 

The educators had no idea that they would be receiving the high-tech tools, assuming the meeting would be a typical professional day of information gathering and note taking.

“It was very exciting, a big Christmas surprise,” added Sister Christina.

Another educator who attended the workshop was Principal Mary Alice Nadaskay of St. Bridget School in Manchester. She said she is thrilled that the Office of Catholic Schools is taking such a proactive approach in embracing technology.

This past September, her school rolled out a portable Apple Learning Lab equipped with 25 iPad2 units for seventh and eighth graders to utilize during the academic year.

“It is important that we as Catholic school leaders stay above the learning curve, especially when it comes to technology," Nadaskay said.

"The iPad has numerous applications within a school setting, including globalizing the educational experience as well as individualizing student learning," she said. "Technology opens the door for the students at our school to communicate with students from other countries, for example. The iPad is a wonderful tool and this gift is a great step on our road to technological advancement."

“The goal of the Office of Catholic Schools is to foster educational excellence through critical thinking skills, faith-filled principles, and an innovative and rigorous curriculum, which includes cutting-edge technology,” Hoyt concluded.

The iPad 2’s were provided through funds donated specifically for the implementation of the strategic directions for Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Hartford.