By Craig Brinkerhoff
Copy Editor

This piece is a part of a series exploring  how new technology will be changing how teaching is approached at WA.  For the other pieces, see How WA Does Technology.

While all of this talk about integrating cloud based computing and new instructional software initiatives is great, it does not take away from the power of hardware, and nowhere at Westford Academy is the use of technology more visible than at the Wright Library.

The Wright Library at Westford Academy features 29 Macs, 25 HP PCs, digital still cameras, flip video cameras, iPods, DVDs, Playaways, and MP3 audio books in addition to the many books, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and online reference materials occupying the shelves and cyberspace.  It is the central place of study for most students, and is filled to the brim during exam weeks, after school, and during DLTs.

Just as apparent is Mark Miller’s AV room, which is home to WABC, the broadcasting club of WA.  It is a part of the Wright Library and, naturally, relies on technology to function.

Obviously this vital student and faculty resource would not be what is is without adequate funding, of which there is.  Of course the school’s six year turn over program, in which all computers and hardware are replaced every six years, seriously cuts into funding for Antonelli’s plans to bring the student body into the cloud, and that may cause some friction down the road.  Regardless, the library, naturally, needs funding.

“WA Library funding for technological equipment and programs has been good over the last few years. The Technology Department and Mr. Olsen were very supportive of the high school library when we wanted to replace the 25 thin clients with HP PC’s to improve teaching and learning,” says Elaine Pietras, Library Media Specialist.

The main question being posed right now is how the library department will be tied into the plan to bring more technology to all schools in town including WA, especially with such a fervent Antonelli backing this new approach.

“Don’t think about the hardware pieces right now, think about the instructional software, applications, those kind of things that help enhance a lesson,” he says.

Luckily, Pietras seems open to the idea of bringing Julie Elkan, K-12 Director of Digital Learning, onboard and finding a solution that is efficient and the best the school can do.

“The reinstatement of the Technology Coordinator position for the WPS public schools is huge! She will be able to assess current technological needs K-12, and make changes as necessary,” she says.

Overall, the Wright Library is a huge asset to everyone at WA, and its fusion of traditional research methods with high tech products and processes is great.  The real discussions, however, will stem from how it will tie into the new technology at WA planned to come to the school in the next few years.