Vision

The Information Services Department at Worcester Academy includes the technology office located in Walker Hall and the Library located in Rader Hall. To access the Library web page click here.

The main focus of technology at Worcester Academy is to provide every student with the ability to access information and ideas, and to demonstrate what they know and understand. The use of technology is intended to facilitate communication, explore new ideas and find new ways to express those ideas. Computers and information technology are integrated throughout the curriculum with all teachers and students having access throughout campus.

Teachers, administrators, trustees, parents and students work together to ask critical and probing questions, discuss issues and concerns, and formulate ideas and evaluate progress. This collaborative approach to technology allows for the greatest level of growth over the longest period of time.

Everyone in the WA community is able to access the WA web site and find current information within an easy to navigate interactive site. The WA web site is an integral aspect of life at Worcester Academy and all segments of the community depend on it to efficiently access and communicate information.


Technology Highlights

Faculty members primarily use their laptops for all school functions as well as connecting to the school wireless network and Internet for instructional and administrative purposes.

All students are assigned accounts on the Academy's network server. Students have storage space in which they can save personal files that are then accessible from any computer they log into. All students have email accounts. The email accounts are accessible through any web browser, from anyplace in the world. PowerSchool provides similar services to faculty, staff and members of the administration. Parents also have access to the 'Assignments' and 'Academy News' sites. Parents also have access to PowerSchool to view progress reports and grades and comments.


Network Backbone

All of the buildings on the WA campus are fully wired and interconnected with a 2-gigabyte, fiber-optic backbone, and a 3M high-speed connection to the Internet. The WA community is currently connected to the GigaPop at WPI. This high speed connection allows faculty and students to connect to Internet2. All major academic locations and buildings, the Library, Daniels Gym, Hervey S. Ross '46 Auditorium, Warner Theater, the Student Center and all dorms are enabled with wireless technology for seamless access to network resources. All dormitories are equipped with voice and data connections as well as cable in common rooms and computer workstations. Printers are provided in common areas.


Interactive Learning Environment

The Academy has three main computer labs with an average of 18 computers per lab. Ackerman Lab is located in Walker Hall and acts as a language/computer lab with 18 Macintosh workstations. Kingsley computer lab has 18 G4 iMacs for use in video editing and web design as well as DV video camcorders. The Rader lab has 20 workstations primarily used for the Middle School computer program, but accessible to all. Mobile Wireless Laptop carts are available in Kingsley, Rader and Walker Halls. The student center also has wireless internet access for student use. The Rader building has a conference room equipped with interactive smart board technology. To view pictures and video tours please visit the Media Library.

A 20-seat seminar room in the library is equipped with wireless network connections and an overhead LCD projector. This interactive learning environment is used for meetings, as a classroom space, and gathering area. The library itself has several workstations as well as a 20 wireless laptops for student use. Online resources are available at the Library Portal.