Technology at AISK

Technology at AISK

At AISK we know that technology is the way into the future, and so it is imperative that our students are all digitally literate and understand what it is to be a good digital citizen. That’s why we employ a 1:1 Digital Device Program, and provide a digital school account for each of our students–including IT support. We also require our students to go through focused IT courses, in addition to incorporating digital citizenship into the core structure of every division—and in fact into our fully wireless e-school itself.

Bring Your Own Device

AISK follows advancements and efficiencies in technology and uses them to improve the student and parent experience with the school. Students use laptops every day for research, presentations, writing, group projects and to access the online learning systems.

Individual student laptops are a necessity for students. AISK requires that all students in grades one through four bring their own iPads, and grades five through twelve bring their own MacBook to school each day. This allows us to ensure that all students—and teachers—can work efficiently together.

AISK provides hardware and software support and minor repairs to machines at no additional charge. Repairs covered by warranty are performed by the local Apple Distributor.

Sean Forde
IT Director

Nathaniel McIntosh
IT Systems Manager

I joined the AISK family in July 2014 as the IT Systems Manager, with over 12 years of diversified and demonstrated experience in maintaining operating systems, networks and providing technical support. The thing I love most about AISK is the level of emphasis placed on technology integration, application and our students.

I am an IT Consultant and Tech enthusiast who has a passion for all things Apple, coupled with excellent troubleshooting skills relating to Networking, Computer Maintenance and Software platforms.

Sports is one of my first loves and in my spare time I partake in basketball and swimming.

Lionel Allen
IT Coordinator

I joined the AISK family in June 2014 as the IT coordinator. The tech Integration at AISK coupled with my passion for all things technology, with an emphasis on “how stuff works” made the decision to work at AISK a no-brainer. The constantly changing Information Technology landscape and being an avid lifelong learner inspires me to be in this field.

Outside of work I enjoy outdoor walks and other associated physical activities. I also love watching documentaries and listening to tech podcasts

Marrian McKay
Information Technology Specialistl

My heart’s desire is to leave an indelible mark on the lives of the future generation. My journey at AISK began in 2010 where the door was opened for me to be a substitute teacher. I transitioned into a teaching assistant role, then a teacher in the regular Elementary classroom and became the Information Technology Specialist for the Elementary School beginning August 2012.

As I was completing my Masters of Arts in Teaching Degree (MAT) at Mercer University in the U.S. my heart yearned for home and I recognized that AISK was the institution that would afford me the opportunity to not only use the skills I had garnered in my studies, but also capitalize on my experience as a student growing up in Jamaica. I truly wanted to make a positive impact and provide students with well rounded experiences that would influence them for life. That passion has not changed as I engage in activities with enquiring minds each day. My role as an I.T. Specialist has also afforded me the opportunity to aid in the professional development of fellow teachers and staff.

This year I embraced the task of returning to the regular Elementary classroom and became one of the Homeroom teachers for Grade 5. I have had the privilege of engaging the students in Math and STEM, continuing the process of strengthening critical skills and preparing them to be solid leaders tomorrow.

Outside of my professional career, I thoroughly enjoy writing and hope that someday in the near future I will be able to write children’s books.

In addition to the integrated use of digital devices, AISK also uses a small package of digital classroom programs and applications, like Schoology® to help students access all their assignments, learning materials, and manage their work. This approach has been extremely effective for multiple reasons.

Firstly, because it collects all of the relevant items in one place. From a single dashboard, students have their courses, homework, grade book, attendance, email, bulletins, calendar, classroom blogs, research databases, third party and web based applications… all at their fingertips. They are also free to incorporate approved applications to help express their learnings, through many types of media.

Secondly, because it embraces the concept of learning not being relegated to the classroom. This “learn everywhere” practice allows students to engage in their education any time, from anywhere.

And finally, from a health and safety perspective, in light of the current pandemic, because it has given us the ability to safely close off a single pod in the school without affecting the lives of the rest of the students. Since every Hurricane is equipped for distance learning, the school can move to a pandemic response strategy quickly, and efficiently, with minimal impact to the unexposed divisions.

Technological literacy is not just the foundation of future learning, it’s already necessary for all kinds of communication in our increasingly-digital world. That's why technology learning at AISK includes several real-world skills courses, as well as being fully integrated into the curriculum of every grade.

In the lower grades, students learn basic skills such as proper keyboarding and mouse handling, switching between mobile and desktop computers, and using multiple platforms concurrently. As students continue, they cover increasingly challenging material, including website construction, sound and video editing, basic robotics, and basic coding.

A factor in our education, as well, is that of digital citizenship. We address the differences in social etiquette and expectations in real life and digital life, how to best present ourselves in the digital age, and how to take responsibility for yourself and your actions on a public platform. We also discuss cyber bullying, and how the factors of anonymity, immediacy, and visibility can create dangerous, but preventable situations.

The AISK Difference

Be known and inspired by faculty committed to connecting with you and supporting your passions.
Find meaningful academic challenge through engaging classroom and experiential learning.
Connect with your community through Classrooms Without Walls experiences that allow you to push past your comfort zone and develop skills practical and profound.
Earn the confidence to share your ideas and effect change, among your peers and in the wider world.