Technology in Private School
At The Banff School, we believe in the potential of technology to enhance learning and teaching. Students must develop skills in creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and digital literacy that better prepare them to be successful citizens of the global community.
The Banff Technology Program
Technology at Banff is more than flashy devices - it is an integral part of the learning skills and attitudes that are necessary for our students to succeed in higher learning, employment, and in life. It involves students and teachers learning and discovering together. It is not only learning the operation of a computer or iPad, but also learning to use technology responsibly, appropriately, and respectfully. We believe that teaching about technology in private schools are important in this digital age.
Our PreSchool 3 and 4-year-olds have exclusive use of our Kaplan Early Learning "Inspire Plus" Interactive Display. Designed with Head Start Objectives and Kindergarten education standards in mind, the interactive software includes cooperative play explorations as well as content-specific enrichment activities...all through a large 60" interactive, high-definition screen. The screen remains upright for some activities but can also be flipped parallel to the floor and be used as an interactive "smart table." Rather than the linear play typical to early childhood software, the activities used are designed to highlight the natural curiosity and creativity of children. With explorations that span the early childhood curriculum, the learning opportunities are endless!
Our Lower School students utilize a mobile Apple iPad cart, stocked with enough iPads for every student in the class. Teachers are able to utilize all of the exciting educational opportunities the iPad provides as part of their class...from thousands of enrichment "apps" designed exclusively for the elementary classroom, to "outside the box" teaching methods taking the iPads on the go, around our campus.
Students in 6th-12th grade use a "1 to 1" technology program to ensure each student has his/her own device, appropriate for their grade's level of work. All students are responsible for providing their own technology device: 6th-8th grade work on iPads (changing to MacBooks in 2024-2025) while 9th-12th grade work on MacBook laptops. From online, interactive workbooks, technology-based research projects, and exciting digital explorations, our Upper School faculty utilize technology in the classroom each day. We believe a family-provided 1-to-1 iPad program strengthens student learning, increases student organization and confidence, and insures personalized learning experiences becoming routine rather than random and occasional -- both for struggling students and for students requiring more challenging curriculum. That being said, The Banff School is also careful to not overload our students with technology, opting at times for analog teaching methods and activities when appropriate.
Learn more about the required technology devices for our 6th-12th grade students and how to purchase one at a significant discount if the student does not already own an approved device by visiting our 6th-12th Grade Technology page.
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the banff difference
one-of-a-kind programs
At The Banff School, our mission is to "Educate the Whole Child,” providing exciting and engaging curriculum as well as unique programs and activities that help the students grow and mature, both academically and creatively.
