Academics
How Technology Supports Learning
Technology with balance means considering and applying the most appropriate digital hardware or software for the tasks at hand in support of student learning, while recognizing when the absence of technology is the preferred approach. It is becoming more apparent in our computerized world that cultivating literacy in programming and logic is as vital and necessary as developing language and math skills.
Technology with Balance
While laptops are certainly the star of the show in the modern classroom, there are a multitude of peripheral devices and software platforms that have become invaluable assistants to the individual learner at CDS. Technology with balance means considering and applying the most appropriate tools for the task at hand in support of student learning. This approach may, or may not, include the use of digital hardware platforms, specific software applications and/or web-based resources during the academic day. Most importantly, this cultivated mindset ensures that specific learning outcomes remain the focused objective in the classroom, and not the technology itself.
It is becoming more apparent in our computerized world that cultivating literacy in programming and logic is as vital and necessary as developing language and math skills. One such recent development initiated by our Junior School Technology Integrator, Lara Gee, is our participation in the global phenomenon known as Hour of Code. This well crafted introduction to design thinking and coding is in addition to the better known and long established robotics programming opportunities present in the Junior School.
While the Chromebooks are the clear favorites in the Middle and Senior Schools, other constellations of devices do shine bright. Peer into the new Fitness Area in the Senior School and see an iPad embedded in the HOIST, providing personalized training and support with that specialized workout machine. Also notice the Apple TV and monitor mounted on the wall for ease of sharing iPad screens with the class in the same space.
Peek into S12 in recent weeks and observe an installation of digital audio workstations for Grade 11 and 12 music students to work with digital audio and MIDI in Audacity and multi-tracking recording software such as Cubase. Gaze upon a Google Doc on any Chromebook screen in the entire school and you will see a small purple picture puzzle piece labelled Read & Write - an incredibly useful text plug-in assistant that is site licensed for every CDS student and faculty member throughout the school.
It is becoming more apparent in our computerized world that cultivating literacy in programming and logic is as vital and necessary as developing language and math skills. One such recent development initiated by our Junior School Technology Integrator, Lara Gee, is our participation in the global phenomenon known as Hour of Code. This well crafted introduction to design thinking and coding is in addition to the better known and long established robotics programming opportunities present in the Junior School.
While the Chromebooks are the clear favorites in the Middle and Senior Schools, other constellations of devices do shine bright. Peer into the new Fitness Area in the Senior School and see an iPad embedded in the HOIST, providing personalized training and support with that specialized workout machine. Also notice the Apple TV and monitor mounted on the wall for ease of sharing iPad screens with the class in the same space.
Peek into S12 in recent weeks and observe an installation of digital audio workstations for Grade 11 and 12 music students to work with digital audio and MIDI in Audacity and multi-tracking recording software such as Cubase. Gaze upon a Google Doc on any Chromebook screen in the entire school and you will see a small purple picture puzzle piece labelled Read & Write - an incredibly useful text plug-in assistant that is site licensed for every CDS student and faculty member throughout the school.
These are exciting times for students to be able to leverage such incredible tools to advance their personal learning!
Generative AI at CDS
The Country Day School’s Long Range Plan identifies Balance and Innovate as a key priority. Within that context, CDS is actively exploring the integration of Generative AI into our teaching and learning practices and developing guardrails for appropriate student use with the following aims:
- The School establishes a baseline understanding of how generative AI works for all faculty members through shared resources and training sessions.
- The School regularly reviews our policies and procedures to ensure they are fit for purpose given emerging tools that students have access to.
- The School is supporting teachers with curricular planning so that they can set specific and realistic expectations for how students can employ Generative AI for their units and assignments, while simultaneously establishing practices and policies to ensure that student learning is not compromised by Generative AI.
- The School is piloting a generative AI tool among faculty for productivity purposes.
Technology in the News
List of 3 news stories.
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CDS Charts a Path Toward Responsible Integration of Gen AI
The Country Day School is embracing the transformative potential of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) to enhance education while maintaining a steadfast commitment to responsible use and technology with balance. As GenAI continues to reshape the educational landscape, CDS is taking proactive steps to ensure its integration benefits for both students and educators in meaningful and ethical ways.Read More -
Middle School IDEA Lab Opens Doors to Creativity and Innovation
Read MoreBuilding on the overwhelming success of the Senior School Makerspace a year ago, CDS has now launched an IDEA Lab tailored specifically for Middle School students. This vibrant new space is designed to inspire collaboration, creativity, and invention through hands-on learning experiences.The IDEA Lab is the new home for Navigating Technology 7 and Design Technology 8 courses, as well as most Grade 7 and 8 art classes. It is also open during lunch on Days 1 and 2 for supervised use by students and faculty. Equipped with cutting-edge tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, professional color printers, and a print/cut machine, the lab mirrors many of the features of the Senior School space, with some exciting additions for Middle School learners. -
Build It and They Will Come: Students Collaborate in New Maker Space
Read MoreWhat is a maker space you might ask? The term has been bandied around for a few years now and schools, libraries, community centres and independent facilities have started embracing the concept.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
