By Courtney Cooperman `16, Commentary Editor

On July 5^th, the Newark Academy community received an email from the Technology Department announcing “a radical new change to our wireless infrastructure.” The email explained the new login system: effective July 16^th, students and faculty would have separate networks, accessed by inputting email usernames and passwords. The system would also include a filtered, limited guest network available to anyone.

Many students viewed this change as “just another thing […] to log in to,” in the words of Paige Cooper `16. Although constant logins can be frustrating, the new system is essential for protection. Mr. Ionescu, System Administrator, explained the shortcomings of the old system: everyone using the school’s WiFi was on the same network, able to browse open share files and access off-limits printers. Now, the network is split up, increasing overall security. For the student body, adapting to this change will take time, but eventually, the nuisance of logging in will become second nature, and the benefits of a more secure network will outweigh the minor annoyances of the change.

Although the network system is a major development, this year’s most consequential technological transformation is Canvas. Students were not notified about Canvas until an email outlined the platform in late August, but the switchover process began long before this summer. Educational Technologist Ms. Rusen, Webmaster Mr. Alford, and Technology Integrationist Mr. Harris detailed the undertaking and the motives for the change.  Ms. Rusen described, “The process of moving to Canvas began with teachers’ request for a more robust learning management system. They felt very confined and limited with the tools in Whipple Hill, the old system, and they looked to us to find a system that could help them create more effective assignments. The process began with the Faculty Technology Leadership Team examining four or five different learning management systems. We examined them all using a rubric of tools and services, and found Canvas to be the most effective and useful.”  A group of teachers piloted Canvas for four months, then presented research to the general faculty, who agreed that Canvas would best suit their needs.

Cross-departmentally, teachers are already experiencing the benefits of Canvas.  Science teacher Mr. Erlandson believes organization and preservation of files, links, and assignments through the modules are worthwhile, and has “found the online quiz feature to be useful to quickly gauge students’ understanding of a topic in class.” He uses the discussion tool to “extend the learning process out of the classroom a little more.”  To foreign language teacher Ms. Ronan, the recorded messages and speech responses “stood out as a great resource for foreign language teachers.” Science teacher Ms. Tavares cited reduced paper usage and preparation for online college courses as additional benefits.

In only one month of school, such praise for a drastic change is impressive. Mr. Harris stated, “We think it has created a change and provided flexible options. As the year progresses, we will see what the faculty and students are able to accomplish, and we’re very excited and very optimistic for what the future brings.”

Despite the benefits, negative passing comments about small glitches – which Mr. Alford emphasized “should not be a reflection on Canvas” – and the system in general are common. Many criticisms stem from a stubborn attitude: since the old course pages had no problems, many view their replacement as unnecessary. Yet, continuing to operate with a functional, limited system would hold back Newark Academy, especially as it forges into the 21st century. Instantly rejecting Canvas as an enabling tool shows narrow-mindedness to the prospect of positive change, which goes beyond an online platform. Mr. Harris commented, “With any type of change, you’ll always have a little resistance here and there.” Ms. Rusen elaborated, “We need to develop resiliency. People need to be resilient and develop new methods, so we develop fluid and flexible thinkers and creators.”

Development lies at the core of both the network system and Canvas. Technological expansions parallel Newark Academy’s ongoing process of growth and enhancement, and will play a key role in its evolution. On a physical level, the new network facilitates improved operation. Mr. Ionescu explained, “As we add to the building, more people come in, eventually the [one-network] system would have been bogged down.” The same applies to Canvas: a weak online platform would hinder progress and limit educational horizons as the Academy evolves. Powerful online tools are among the most important assets as Newark Academy moves into the future. Embracing and benefiting from the technology we so fortunately have at our disposal will greatly increase the possibilities of the Newark Academy educational experience.

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