Instructional technology at Cardinal Forest enriches the classroom content, thus impacting student achievement through creative approaches to learning. Achieving high-levels of student interest in the core content areas is a direct result of the enhanced infrastructure and classroom computing options available to all students. Through generous donations from multiple federal government agencies, parents in the Cardinal Forest community, and our business partnership, the students have benefitted tremendously from increased opportunities to explore the world outside of Fairfax County.

Each student has access to classroom computers and wireless mobile laptops that host a student software suite. The ability of teachers and students is enhanced by a building-wide computer standard of Pentium IV processors and grade-level Smartboard interactive whiteboards. The computer lab is a state-of-the-art center complete with color-printing capabilities, thirty-four Pentium IV PCs, and a Smartboard Interactive device.

Every grade-level teacher at Cardinal Forest has a projector cart and a a Smartboard in their classroom to aid in the instructional process. Access to Discovery Educators Network allows students the ability to view streaming media within standard lesson format and with this added ability to learn through visual literacy, students develop a stronger connection to the content. A new assessment system, the Smart Senteo, was added to the technology line-up in October 2008. The response clicker system allows both student and teacher the added benefits of receiving immediate feedback from content questions.

The student-run closed circuit television station, WCFE, provides students school-wide with a daily beat on items of interest. The news studio is located in the library media center and supports live broadcast ability and digital media integration through Pentium IV computers and video editing software applications. The studio also supports vast curriculum integration projects that promote group collaboration and tap into the creative talents of all students.

Additional opportunities for enrichment are exemplified with a weekly computer science programming environment called Scratch. Student lessons focus on learning how to code or program and group collaboration. Students from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology work closely with the School Based Technology Specialist, Fred Allard, to focus on individual research and mentorship of Cardinal Forest students in kindergarten through sixth grade.

If you would like to volunteer in the computer lab, in the classroom, or in a Scratch session, please contact Fred Allard for more information.