The Vision
Asheville Christian Academy is excited to embark on a fresh vision for our Upper School. iConnect is a technological initiative integrating iPads into our current Upper School curriculum and instruction. Each Upper School student will have an iPad for the 2012-13 school year. Our goals are: Collaboration, Innovation, Creativity and Productivity. ACA is committed to infusing these goals into our biblically integrated curriculum, providing a world class, 21st century Christian education.
Collaboration: Community and relationship are trademarks that shape an ACA education. Teamwork and collaboration are realities in the “real” world and specifically in most fields of employment both now and in the future. We believe that this initiative will allow for further communication and collaboration within our own student body, between students and teachers, and with the world outside of our classrooms. Many suggest the world is becoming “flatter.” Through the implementation of iPad technology, ACA is prepared to teach students how to engage with, interact in, and minister to a world that is increasingly connected.
Innovation: Change is constant and rapid. The 21st century student is entering a technological world where the problem of tomorrow has yet to be found. Therefore, students need to be taught to bring new solutions to new problems. iConnect will encourage students to engage problems, technological or otherwise, challenging students to find innovative solutions. This initiative will also lead to innovation in the classroom creating a more dynamic, interactive, and flexible learning environment for our students.
Creativity: Creativity is similar to innovation in that new solutions are sought; however, creativity extends innovation by encouraging divergent thinking. Attacking problems in a traditional manner often produces traditional solutions. iConnect will encourage students to think creatively, encouraging divergent thinking. When students are innovative and creative, they will be primed to engage the world. Research demonstrates that creativity is one of the most important attributes being sought by both universities and employers today and in the future. It is also one of our Creator’s most wonderful attributes that He shares with us.
Productivity: Whenever we work, we produce. All of us seek to become more efficient and often employ technology to assist us in becoming more productive. While technology has the ability to increase productivity, simply acquiring more technological tools does not deliver increased productivity. We need to be taught to be productive, especially when the means to productivity is technological. iConnect will integrate productivity strategies into the current curriculum, encouraging students to develop skills that will increase their productivity and providing effective and efficient feedback mechanisms for teachers and students.
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