At St. Teresa High School, improving classroom technology is an ongoing process in the rapidly evolving technology world. Classroom updates and computer upgrades have been a priority. During the summer of 2018, a new Epson Brightlink Interactive projector and Epson document camera were installed in a pilot classroom. These new tools enhance instruction and encourage interaction between student and instructor in the classroom allowing students, through technology, to actively participate in various instructional projects. Thanks to the generosity of a local family foundation, together with a grant from the Nims Foundation, St. Teresa received $120,000 to upgrade nearly every classroom with the same Epson projector and document camera - this work was has been completed already this summer.  The library also benefited from improvements in the instructional space with new computer tables, and a cart of 20 computer laptops are in the process of being purchased which will add to these other improvements and provide additional flexibility to instruction and scheduling.

Quality Network Solutions, St. Teresa’s network manager, will soon begin the process of replacing and upgrading the entire wireless networking equipment which will expand the reach and improve the quality of WiFi available throughout the school. With the additional technology improvements to the school, it is necessary to make these network improvements to ensure a seamless transition and to maximize the ability of students to utilize all learning tools that St. Teresa now has to offer.  

Along with these new improvements, St. Teresa has aggressively sought to provide cutting-edge digital experience to students. The 24 seat computer lab was recently upgraded with powerful new computers. These improvements include licensing for software from Adobe and Microsoft, top of line programs used by professionals. The new licenses allow students to access these programs, as well as all of their files, i.e., homework, from anywhere and on their own devices via cloud software. This extends learning capabilities outside the classroom and enhances student and faculty productivity by allowing remote access and homework submission as it is completed in real time. Groups of students can even work on shared projects, each from their own device and in different locations. This aligns St. Teresa’s technological tools with those students will encounter both in college and work environments. St. Teresa is committed to staying ahead of the curve in terms of equipment, software, and curriculum, which gives students a game-changing advantage.

Additional projects aimed to continue advancing St. Teresa use of technology are in the works. If you have a passion for these types of improvements and would like to contribute towards future projects, contact the advancement office at 217-875-7950 or [email protected].