A New Computer Lab

Over the holiday break, one of Fenway’s two computer labs got a much needed make over, thanks to a generous grant from The Llewellyn Foundation.  The grant allowed Fenway to purchase 25 new desktop computers.  Fenway’s computer labs get almost constant use during, before and after school.  The level of frustration from students and teachers when the old equipment fails or operates slowly interferes significantly with productive learning.  The new computer lab has been a flurry of activity since the beginning of the semester. 

This makeover has coincided with the beginning of junior and senior elective classes which are new additions to this year’s Advisory curriculum.  Students are participating in elective classes twice a week and there are two classes in particular that are benefiting from the new technology equipment.  Mr. Kevin Brill is teaching a class on how to build websites.  The course allows students to take an online tutorial as well as receive face to face instruction.  Mr. Brill hopes that the class will be able to create an interactive website for Fenway’s Project Week, happening in April.  Math teacher, Benadette Manning is teaching a course called Solid Works, where students are learning about and creating three dimensional products.  

Technology is a tool for learning, not a subject-matter of learning itself.  Fenway graduates will be required to be adept and agile users of computers, graphing calculators and advanced software applications at college and in their careers.   With this new computer lab, students and teachers will be able to engage in new and innovative curriculum that will ensure that Fenway students are prepared for the future.