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Technology

Packer empowers students and faculty to tap the full promise of powerful learning tools by applying technology in intentional and meaningful ways. Lower School classrooms have access to tablets and laptops, and every student in Grades 5 through 12 is provided with an Apple laptop (MacBook Air) by the school, included in the cost of tuition.

Integration of academic technology plays a pivotal role in enriching the educational experience of students across grade levels and disciplines. Our computer science teachers are at the forefront, actively collaborating with faculty across the school to ensure that technology is not only a tool for learning but also an integral part of the curriculum.

Courses in computer science emphasize skills in critical thinking, digital wellness, and innovative design that are transferable and relevant across disciplines. The program encourages students’ curiosity and grows their confidence in an evolving digital society.

Academic Technology

Our academic programs in Computing & Design (Lower and Middle Schools) and Computer Science (Upper School) are designed to educate students in the appropriate and effective application of technology for their own learning, expression, and discovery. By incorporating cutting-edge technology and programming, our computer science teachers empower students and staff to become not just consumers of technology but also power users, creators, and problem solvers.

Our goal is for students to use technology to engage in experiences that are both challenging and fun. We nurture our students to be ethical and empathetic digital citizens as they develop their technology skills. We envision our students seeing technology as a tool to shape a more equitable future by solving complex problems through creative design solutions.

Lower School

In our Lower School Computer Science program, students in grades 1st-4th are introduced to essential digital skills through hands-on experiences that foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. They explore topics such as computing and citizenship, LEGO robotics, binary coding, and digital storytelling, gradually advancing to areas like AI robotics, creative coding, AR/VR, and app/IoT construction.

Upper School

In Upper School, Packer's computer science program is designed to meet the needs of all our students, offering a variety of courses that emphasize problem solving, abstract thinking, design, and creativity. The required Introduction to Computer Science course, typically taken in Ninth Grade, serves as preparation for further study. In this first course, students are introduced to foundations of computing, computational thinking, and computer programming. Later courses include physical computing, data science, and web engineering, allowing students to develop and deepen their skills.

Middle School

Middle School students are introduced to computer science and the design thinking process through a required yearly semester-long course. The Middle School computing and design curriculum exposes students to key concepts in the field including computational thinking, physical computing, and the design process. Through the development of engaging software and hardware projects students develop their creativity and critical thinking.

Academic Technology Integration

Computer science educators extend their influence by spearheading workshops and individual training sessions for their peers, elevating the entire community's technological fluency. Their efforts are pivotal in preparing students, faculty, and staff to navigate the complexities of an increasingly digital world and fostering a school environment where technology enhances learning and creativity across all subjects.

Artificial Intelligence

Packer is actively engaging with the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence to both harness its potential and address the challenges it presents. Recognizing the profound impact AI will have on education and society, Packer is committed to developing comprehensive policies that assist faculty in integrating AI tools responsibly into their curriculum. These initiatives aim to create an informed and ethical framework that empowers educators while safeguarding academic integrity.

Simultaneously, Packer is pioneering opportunities for students to explore AI safely and ethically through a critical lens. Packer currently offers computer science units of AI and algorithms in Middle and Upper School. By incorporating AI into the curriculum, students are not only learning how to use this technology but are also encouraged to consider its ethical implications, societal impacts, and potential biases. This balanced approach ensures that Packer students are not only consumers of AI technology but also thoughtful critics and innovators, prepared to shape the future of this dynamic field responsibly.

IT Services

In addition to providing laptops for every student in Grades 5 through 12, Packer provides access to a comprehensive age-appropriate software suite and academic resources that are accessible both on and off campus. All classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboard displays, which support innovative teaching and classroom collaboration. 3D printers are available to all grade levels. An experienced and dedicated IT Services team supports all aspects of technology use at Packer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What devices are provided in which grades?

How are student laptops paid for?

What if my child doesn't need to have a laptop?

Will my child have access to anything on the internet on their Packer device?

What support is there if my child encounters a problem?

What happens if my child's laptop breaks?

How do students get tech support?

How do parents and guardians get tech support?

How do I reset my Packer Parent Login and password?

How do I contact members of Packer's IT team over the summer?

What is Packer’s policy on cell phones and other personal electronic devices?

Packer strongly values in-person connection and helping students develop healthy boundaries around use of technologies that have become an integral part of all of our lives.

For students in the Preschool and Lower School, cell phones and personal electronic devices may not be brought to school. In Middle School, these devices, if brought to school, are collected from students in the morning and returned at the end of the school day. Beginning in the 24-25 school year, Upper School students turn their phones in upon arrival at school, and phones are available for pick up at lunch, when students are permitted to leave campus. Our Upper School cell phone policy may continue to evolve to best meet the needs of our students.

Tech Support

Families:
Stop by the Technology Center (Founder’s Hall, lower level) or email us at support@packer.edu.

Students and Faculty: Stop by the Technology Center (Founder’s Hall, lower level), open an IT Service Desk help request (requires your Packer credentials), or email us at support@packer.edu.