Technology

Hill Top views technology as an important tool to facilitate our educational mission.

It all begins with our 1:1 laptop program.  Every student and every teacher is provided with a laptop.  The entire campus is outfitted with a robust wireless network to provide constant access to learning resources.  The faculty and student computers are loaded with software tools that facilitate writing and research and the effective organization of ideas.  About one quarter of Hill Top students use a special text to speech software, called Kurzweil, which allows students to listen to the text as it is read by the software.  This helps our students who process information more effectively by hearing it out-loud while they read.  This software also has built-in highlighting and note-taking functions which help our students greatly with the processing, organization, and recall of important information.

Each classroom is equipped with interactive HDTVs to display lessons visually for all students, and to enable teachers to add a dynamic multi-sensory touch to their lessons.  Students and/or teachers can use either an electronic marker or their fingers to contribute to classroom activities or express their creativity abilities.  Real-time dynamic content can be shown, commented on, or captured right from the TV and made part of the lesson with little effort.

Hill Top Prep has implemented several technology initiatives that provide amazing benefits and opportunities to our students and faculty.  This state-of-the-art technology allows for a unique multi-sensory approach to teaching and learning, and allows for improved communication between all members of the Hill Top community.  Highlights of our equipment and programs can be found below:

Kurzweil 3000       (www.kurzweiledu.com)

Kurzweil 3000 is a comprehensive reading, writing and learning software.  This software provides struggling readers with a multi-sensory solution to reading texts, surfing the internet, writing, improving study skills and more.  Eligible Hill Top Prep students have this software on their laptops for use at home and school.

Smart Notebook 16 https://education.smarttech.com/en/products/notebook

Notebook includes subject-specific tools, integration with mobile devices and thousands of free lesson resources, making it easy to make learning fun.  Based on 22 years of education expertise, Notebook is designed for schools and used by 2.4 million educators worldwide.

HILL TOP’S 1:1 LAPTOP PROGRAM FOR ALL STUDENTS AND FACULTY

 

We believe technology is a very important tool for learning.  We facilitate access to information by providing every student and teacher a 13” Apple Macbook Air.  Apple continues to be a leader in providing technology products and services for education, and Hill Top Preparatory school is committed to providing top level technology services to enhance your child’s learning experience.

 

Teachers and students in all grades

 

 

 

The SMART TV is an interactive HD television which allows teachers and students to manipulate their projected computer screen with electronic pens or their fingers.  Along with the included SMART Notebook software, teachers can create and project slideshows, interactive activities, diagrams, video, and more!  Teachers can setup interactive services through SMART’s website allowing students to answer questions shown on the TV in either a classroom poll or a quiz, giving teachers the ability to receive instant feedback on student comprehension.

SMART is a global leader and innovator in interactive learning technology that empowers teachers to engage, educate, assess, and motivate learners. Developed by and for education professionals, its award-winning products help teachers to prepare digital lessons quickly and easily.

The technology enables teachers to create, customize and integrate text, images, quizzes and tests, web, video and audio content, so they can more easily capture students’ attention and accommodate different learning styles.

SOFTWARE AND ONLINE RESOURCES

 

Along with the wealth of technology equipment found on campus, Hill Top students and faculty have access to many excellent software programs and online resources.  These programs support the student’s academic life, faculty instruction, and administrative functions.

 

Software/Online Resource	Function
PCR Student Information System	Manages the entire online gradebook, scheduling, course enrollment, and contact database functions.  Teachers, parents, and students can access PCR from anywhere, to get up-to-the minute information on homework assignments, tests, quizzes, and progress updates.
Kurzweil	Kurzweil is a comprehensive reading, writing and learning software.  This assistive technology provides struggling readers with a multi-sensory solution to reading texts, surfing the internet, writing, improving study skills and more.  Eligible Hill Top Prep students have this software on their laptops for use at home and school.
Google Apps for Education	Faculty and Student email accounts; Powerful online word processing, spreadsheet, and calendar apps; access to the Chrome Web Store
LoggerPro/LoggerLife	Many applications for collecting and measuring data within the science program
typingweb.com	Online typing skills development program for Middle Schoolers
Adobe Creative Suite 2 Premium	Photo Editing for the Arts Program and the yearbook
iPhoto	Great photo management program on the Macs
Geometer's Sketchpad	Useful tool for Geometry classes
3D Design/Print	Hill Top’s middle school participated in a 3D design competition and won a Makerbot 3D printer, taking 1st place in the contest!  Learning 3D design with software such as Tinkercad, Sketchup, and using the Marketbot 3D printer, it allows students to both design AND print their ideas