Technology

Educational Technology Vision Statement

The Fenn School, in its efforts to prepare boys for a lifetime of learning, strives to balance the time a boy spends in the digital and non-digital realms, prioritizing the unmatched value of in-person, face-to-face interactions with peers, teachers, and parents. Its use of technology complements these efforts by helping boys to become thoughtful, knowledgeable, empathetic, and critical users of technology to achieve their larger educational goals. 

At Fenn, technology should: 

  • Enhance the collaboration between student and teacher, making feedback more meaningful, reflection more frequent, and the learning process and growth more visible and tangible. 
  • Enhance collaboration between students.
  • Empower students to tailor their learning experiences to their individual needs. 
  • Foster ethical and responsible digital citizenship, with guidance and support from knowledgeable faculty and engaged parents.
  • Promote informed, critical consumption of information and media. 
  • Offer students the opportunity for innovation, creativity, resourceful problem solving, and demonstrating understanding and mastery of a given topic.

 

One-To-One iPad Program

All Fenn students receive school owned iPads to use for their academic work at Fenn. These devices are strictly controlled and monitored to help ensure that they are used only for homework and in-class work required by Fenn teachers. Family-owned devices are not permitted at school unless a teacher approves of their use for special school projects that require technology not readily available at Fenn.

Each division of the School has a specific policy of supervision related to the use of iPads, reflecting the expectation that boys' understanding of appropriate use will develop over time. iPads stay on campus and do not go home for lower school students.

  • Lower School: Students in grades four and five use iPads only with direct supervision of a teachers. 
  • Middle and Upper Schools: Students in grades six through nine are trusted to use their iPads appropriately for educational and course-related work or research at school without direct supervision or specific permission from a teacher.

Across the campus, Fenn boys are excitedly:

  • using 3D printers and laser cutters in the Stone Family Innovation Lab

  • creating iMovies to reflect on literature and historical events

  • producing podcasts

  • utilizing electronic notebooks in science and math classes

  • creating literary musical accompaniment on iPads using GarageBand

  • employing devices such as spectrometers and Vernier temperature probes to conduct science experiments

  • mastering the state-of-the-art tech booth in Ward Hall

  • composing with the aid of Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI)

  • teaching themselves how to play the piano with the use of virtual keyboards

  • Challenging their knowledge of a subject using interactive apps

We teach boys how to use technology effectively and appropriately, including offering lessons on digital safety and responsible use of technology. Being a good citizen is just as important in the digital world as it is in the 'real' world.– Jeff LaPlante, Director of Technology  

New YONDR + FENN Program:
Creating a Phone-Free Environment

At the start of the 2024-25 school year, Fenn launched a partnership with YONDR, the industry leader in creating phone-free spaces for schools, organizations, and businesses around the world. The Fenn+YONDR program requires that students secure their cell phones and wearable personal technology such as smart watches and Bluetooth headphones in locked pouches during the school day to enhance teaching and learning. Students with documented medical needs that require continual or periodic access to technology during the school day coordinate with Fenn’s Health Office regarding their participation.