A technology initiative is a plan to facilitate the effective integration of computers and instructional technologies into the curriculum at Tuscaloosa Academy . The Tuscaloosa Academy Technology Initiative was originally developed and presented to the Administration and Board of Trustees in Fall 2006. Our plan was to help provide the equipment and training necessary to meet a variety of teaching, research, and telecommunication needs now and in the future.

The Tuscaloosa Academy Tablet program is the first of its kind in West Alabama . Beginning in the Fall 2008 semester, all students in grades 7 – 11 will bring their own Tablet PC's to class every day. Our newly installed wireless network will allow our students and teachers to access resources from throughout the school and around the world.

This will lead to a significant transformation of our teaching and learning processes. Our students have grown up in an era of cell phones, iPods, PDA's, and instant web access. For our students, “anytime, anywhere” learning comes naturally. The learning tool of twenty-first century students is the computer. This initiative will not reduce or eliminate the role of the teacher. To the contrary, it will enable, enrich, and empower great teachers to new heights.

The Tablet PC will be taken to each class and then it will be taken home each night, just like a textbook. We know that many publishers are offering and will in the future offer electronic versions of their textbooks. This would eliminate the need for students to purchase a printed form of the text when it is available in a digital format, accessible on their Tablets.

Additionally, many teachers have evolved a course of study that is unique to their class and they would be able to create a course-specific online textbook that would incorporate all of their information. This will be another unique advantage that TA will offer to its teachers and students.

Students will benefit by taking on increased responsibility for their own learning. Studies have shown that tablet programs often lead to students' showing a better attitude towards school, increased motivation and work habits, and more involvement in the learning process.

(Jeroski, S. (2003). Wireless writing project: School District No. 60 (Peace River North). Research report: Phase II. Horizon Research and Evaluation, Inc. http://www.prn.bc.ca/?page_id=59 )

While we realize that technology is an ever-changing field and that there will always be something new and exciting on the horizon, we feel that it is time for TA to make a move! Our students need to be ready for total technology integration.

Wireless networks and tablets are becoming common, certainly among centers of education, and we should do everything we can to establish ourselves, in the community and the world, as a leader in educational and technological excellence. It is our responsibility to furnish our students with the skills, equipment and motivation to make use of amazing devices that are a relatively recent addition to mainstream teaching and learning.

Please use the links below to learn more about the TA Tablet Program.

Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

List of Banned Software (PDF)

MPC/Gateway Tablet Technical Specs and Pricing

Microsoft Office Pro Plus 2007 will already be installed. This is included in the price of the Tablet You must order through Tuscaloosa Academy to receive the quoted price. If you place your order without going through TA, you will pay a much higher price and you will pay all shipping/handling charges and sales tax. Click below to see the price if you order directly from MPC/Gateway.

Individual Gateway Tablet Pricing (without the TA discount)

Questions? If you have questions or would like to post a comment about our new TA Tablet program, please visit the TA Tech. Forum