Technology Integration

Jewish Academy of Orlando operates on the cutting edge of technology thanks to our generous technology benefactors Marc and Henrietta Katzen.  Our technology program accolades include being designated as an Apple Distinguished School in 2013 for our integration of technology. 

Our classrooms are equipped with modern digital presentation tools to include HD televisions, Apple TV’s for wireless presentation and Google Meet Hardware kits to deliver an immersive experience for our remote learners, allowing remote students full participation in classroom activities. We maintain a high performance, high density next generation wifi network that is optimized for high bandwidth applications and video streaming. Utilizing best of breed security, monitoring, and filtering technology we provide a safe digital learning environment for students and staff. 

Teachers are issued Apple MacBook Pro laptops and iPads for 24/7 use. The staff receives ongoing professional development on technology use and classroom integration. One exciting feature of our commitment to professional learning is sending teachers annually to the Future of Educational Technology Conference. This provides the stuff with opportunities to learn about emerging trends in educational technology and to network with professional peers bringing back best practices.  We encourage our teachers to bring back new ideas and provide presentations to their peers during our weekly staff meetings and inservice days. We support our teachers becoming certified in the tools we use and have Apple certified teachers, BrainPOP certified educators as well as Google Certified teachers on staff.

Students are provided the latest Apple M1 based MacBook Air’s on a 1:1 basis. Jewish Academy of Orlando is the first school in Florida to provide these breakthrough devices on a 1:1 basis to every student. The laptops feature next generation silicone and are the fastest, most secure computers in education today. 

JAO utilizes Learning Management Systems (LMS) with our students. Lower elementary (TK-2nd) uses Seesaw. Our upper elementary (3rd-5th) uses Google Classroom. These systems provide a portal for assigning and turning in digital work in a paperless process. All students are provided lessons in Digital Citizenship and Online Safety annually which aligns with our Core Values.

We align our technology integration with the ISTE standards for Educational Leaders, Educators and Students.

We utilize the SAMR model when considering and evaluating technology integration. SAMR is a model designed to help educators integrate technology into teaching and learning.

 

All students in fourth and fifth grade participate on a rotating basis on a full featured live news show that is broadcast every morning in school. Students in Kindergarten through third grade participate as pledge and national anthem leaders, also on a rotation basis.

In 2015-2016 we created our version of a maker space; The Innovation Lab. We utilize the ilab to augment our S.T.E.A.M. infused curriculum. All classes come to the iLab on a rotating weekly schedule. Classroom teachers also sign up to use the iLab for classroom projects during open times. The iLab is stocked with iPad’s, computers, video & music production equipment, 3d printing, electronics prototyping modules, developmentally appropriate robotics resources for each grade and much more.