At James Thompson Elementary School, technology is utilized as a learning tool that allows for creative opportunities that traditional technologies do not provide. This means that technology is not used as substitutive devices or solely as a means to consume information. All Thompson staff and administration are committed to the transformative use of technology. The Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is also very supportive of tech initiatives and engages in fundraising to pay for hardware.
The Richmond School District provides laptops for all teachers. At Thompson, each EA also has an iPad and some teachers have an additional classroom iPad. For students, the school has thirty MacBook Pro Laptops and around fifty iPads. All classrooms have a data projector with Apple AirPlay and the capability to use Apple Classroom. Large televisions are also wall mounted in the multipurpose room, resource room, and library for projection. Another monitor will soon be installed in the main hallway for projection of each week at a glance and a slide show of current event photos.
There are a number of technological resources available at Thompson:
- Creative Studio – The former computer lab is in the process of being transformed into a Creative Studio that will host artistic, ADST, technology, and maker space materials. The school applied for a grant and has two carts of supplies to promote the use of ADST.
- Destiny Discover – Through the Destiny Discover platform, all elementary and secondary schools in Richmond have access to both school and district library resources. Resources available to Thompson can be accessed through the Library Learning Commons. The District Resource Centre (DRC) supports schools by providing a range of resources for instruction, many of which are technology-oriented.
- District Technology Support – The Richmond School District acknowledges that technology can improve students’ education and thus prioritizes the integration of technology into the curriculum. Chris Loat, Curriculum Coordinator for Technology, runs the Integrating Technology for Teachers website. Chris also produces weekly CRAFTY emails, which include curriculum integration ideas, resources, apps, fun facts, tech tips, and answered questions.
- Scholantis Portal – Thompson uses an online portal for communication, collaboration, and assessment. Every teacher reports via the portal and all teachers, students, and parents/guardians have access to student accounts.
- Social Media Use – The Principal at Thompson is active on Instagram, FaceBook, and Twitter. All social media feeds are linked from the website, which is the primary means of digital communication with parents.