The Hilltop student of the Year 2009 is one who uses information technology tools as a resource to enhance learning, increase productivity and promote creativity, and one who understands the ethical, cultural and societal issues related to technology. The 2008 Hilltop student practices responsible use of technology systems, information and software. Most importantly, the 2008 Hilltop student has positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits and productivity.

The Hilltop classroom of the Year 2009 is one where students and teachers engage in a wide variety of educational activities individually, in cooperative groups, and collaboratively as an entire class. The student is excited about learning and confident in their technological abilities. Hilltop students are global learners and thinkers who have access to classrooms and learning experiences around the world via web casts and video streaming. The Hilltop classroom is technologically equipped to provide children different learning modalities through technologies such as Smart Boards, laptop and desktop computers, and LCD projectors. E-mail and interactive network technologies enhance communication with other students, teachers and communities both locally and globally. Students are able to submit assignments electronically for review. Technology in the Hilltop classroom is not used as a supplement, but is completely and thoughtfully integrated into the curriculum to meet the needs of all students.

The Hilltop computer lab in the Year 2009 exists in multiple forms. There are a variety of wireless labs in use throughout the campus as well as a lab devoted to Upper School students for advanced studies in computing. A wide range of educational software programs to support specific curricular objectives is available within lab settings. Students can be found using the computer labs for every subject area within the curriculum. The computer labs are frequently used by other departments to enhance curriculum.

 

The primary computer lab at Hilltop is a dynamic and interactive learning experience for students. It is equipped with presentation and video conferencing equipment that expands students' horizons of learning to a global community.

Having proper support personnel at Hilltop in the Year 2009 in and of itself promotes technology use in the school. In addition to administrators in Information Technology, the school also has technicians and curriculum coordinators to aid with technology use in the classroom. New technology is constantly put into use with the IT team, a group of teachers and administrators who are willing to experiment with various technologies. These team members present and train other faculty members in their findings. The IT team may explore anything from software packages to mobile computing solutions. Hilltop in the Year 2008 has employed technology for teaching and learning that is proven to benefit its students.

The Hilltop library in the Year 2009 is a focal point of access to information throughout the Hilltop community. The library holds a wide range of print materials to support the curriculum, professional development needs, and the leisure reading interests of the school. As an integral part of the collection, the library acquires videos, cassettes, laserdiscs, microform, and software which are available to faculty. The library is electronically cataloged and electronic reference sources are made available both in the library and across the network extending the reach of direct library services to each and every classroom and office.

Each Hilltop teacher has been sensitively educated to the benefits of technology in classroom and is an avid user of technology themselves. Each teacher has a networked mobile computing device with access to productivity software, subject-specific software, student records and Internet resources. Teachers post assignments, pictures and classroom news to the Hilltop website. The implementation of the teacher mobile computing program has enhanced the curriculum by providing teachers a resource for lesson planning, presentation, organization and learning.

Hilltop administrators in the Year 2009 have access to a fully networked administrative database that is integrated to their administrative functioning. Electronic forms have greatly reduced paperwork and improved efficiency. These tools allow the administrator to access data easily and efficiently.

The Hilltop Website of 2009 is an attractive, dynamic and interactive part of the community that reflects the culture and curriculum of the school. Parents and students have access to homework, projects and even study groups online. The library section of the website allows faculty and students to search the electronically cataloged Hilltop library as well as electronic journals. Student and class publications are available on the website. Parents are able to use the website to sign their child up for hot lunch, submit school forms and communicate with staff members. The Hilltop website has become an integral part of the school’s communication and culture.