Becoming a Technological Anthropologist

Wasilla High School is not a technologically advanced place of brilliant learning. What it is however is a school that sees the importance of using the technology that it does have to the best of its abilities. WHS is a school that is more than 30 years old and it shows, there are stains on the carpet, too many kids for too few classrooms, and not enough computers to be considered a leader in technology in the education system. Although there are many drawbacks the administration highly encourages educators to make the best use of technology in the classrooms and makes a great effort to accommodate teachers and student with what is required. WHS has a rather large selection of classes available that make use of technology such as drafting, interior design, computer programming, desktop publishing and more.

One of the biggest drawbacks for students and teachers alike is the availability of computers to non-computer based classes. There are four labs with computers only one of which is available for constant check out by teachers and students. This can pose scheduling issues and issues for individual students who wish to get on a computer during their free time if a class happens to be using the "lab"/library.

One of the great things about WHS, as I mentioned before is the support and encouragement from the administration. The majority of the classrooms at WHS have had Promethean Boards installed and they see a tremendous amount of use. Personally, I don't think i ever go a class period without turning it on for some reason or another. The teacher computers in the classrooms all are running the Microsoft Office Suite and carry either one of two types of Promethean software. We have a great support staff to take care of any problems both hardware and software that are permanent at the school, either as educators or ed tech.

WHS might not be a leader in technology, but it definitely makes a great effort at using what is available on a school level. Staff and administration at WHS both use and promote technology and use it on a daily basis. Students who attend Wasilla High will at the very least have a decent exposure to technology and should have a basic if not intermediate knowledge of how to use the main programs available in todays tech age. Overall I believe WHS to do a good job in the technology department.




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