Technology at Mount de Sales Academy
Leading the way in technology, Mount de Sales Academy was the first private high school in Macon to have a school-wide network with internet access, web site hosting, email hosting, computers in every classroom and wireless mobile labs. Recognized by the National Catholic Educational Association for Innovations in Technology, Mount de Sales continues to enrich and infuse all areas of school operations including administration, business, academics, athletics, and student life with current technologies and practices.
Infrastructure
Mount de Sales Academy faculty and students benefit from the use of over 170 desktop and notebook PCs. Our network topology utilizes a switched Fast Ethernet environment providing the maximum flow of data between nodes. The physical backbone of our campus encompasses nine structural facilities connected with fiber optic cables. This fast infrastructure is supported by six GNU/Linux servers making maximum use of our network: providing web, e-mail and secure file services for all Mount de Sales account holders.
Our student information, library and lunch systems are powered by four Microsoft WindowsTM servers, giving students an electronic identity campus wide along with student/parent global access to track academic progress and attendance. All of these services are secured using state-of-the-art firewalls and comprehensive internet security suites to keep student and guardian data private and confidential.
We also provide fast 802.11g wireless networking technology in key locations throughout the physical plant, allowing ease of access for our mobile computer labs and faculty laptop users. Cox Communications provides Mount de Sales with a fiber optic connection to the Internet equivalent to a fast T1 line.
WMDS
The WMDS television station is configured for campus wide broadcast on channel 3. Equipped with a Canon GL2 video camera and a Canon ELURA 40 MC, morning announcements are broadcast live each day.
The studio has a Videonics MXPro Digital Video Switcher, Makie 140 2VLZ Pro Audio Board, Cyberhom CHDVD300 DVD Player, Magnavox DVD burner, Applied Magic Video Editor, 3 Shure SM 11 microphones and a laptop computer.
Laptop Initiative
In order to prepare our students for the future, it is of utmost importance that we foster an environment where technology is being used in new and creative ways and where technology is omnipresent in the learning process. After reviewing the many facets of existing laptop programs, we have structured our implementation and goals to coincide with schools that are experiencing optimal results.
Our mission is to effectively utilize technologies for the advancement of classroom instruction, student learning, collaboration and research. To accomplish this, we are utilizing a three phase implementation plan.
Phase I – Multimedia Classrooms – Teacher Training and Support (2006-2007)
Laptops will be provided for classroom/instructional members of the faculty contingent upon the successful completion of Part I of the One-To-One professional development plan. Faculty training will be a continuous, ongoing process throughout the entire school year and teacher participation will be required. Multimedia enhanced classrooms complete with ceiling mount projection systems will be installed to facilitate use of advanced technologies
Phase II – Student Pilot Group – Wireless Infrastructure Upgrades – Mobile Instructional Labs (2007-2008)
A Pilot Group of students will receive laptops following the successful completion of the “Acceptable Care and Use” program. Upgrades to the wireless infrastructure and security will be made to facilitate the seamless addition of approximately 100 users to the wireless network. Additional classroom sets of mobile labs will be strategically located in each of the campus’ main buildings for those students and faculty not part of the pilot group.