The Latest News
On January 19, Apple announced the launch of digital textbooks. Mr. Basil Kolani, Director of Information Services at Dwight, spoke with the Tech News Daily and that feature was picked up by MSNBC, along with The Daily (an iPad-exclusive newspaper). Dwight is excited about the launch of digital textbooks and has already begun thinking ahead about how to utilize this new and innovative technology. Mr. Kolani is constantly experimenting and informing the Dwight community about new devices that might aid how we educate and learn. Last year Mr. Kolani ordered iPads for the Dwight community to experiment with, and iPads are now implemented in certain art and technology classes and curriculum. Mr. Kolani is already holding workshops for faculty members who want to learn about Apple's new iBooks technology.

Mr. Kolani had this to say on the day of Apple's announcement, “Apple's announcements today have the potential to really change the way that K-12 think about content and engagement. With free apps that are available right now, it's possible to not only consume a whole new breed of dynamic and interactive textbooks but create and publish them, too. This should get students excited about jumping into textbooks, but a new kind of ‘book’ that mixes book and website, words and moving images. iTunes U also looks to be a very compelling alternative to web-based course management systems/learning management systems (CMS/LMS). Most web-based CMS/LMS solutions leave something to be desired, but iTunes U looks like an amazing way for teachers to provide lectures, discussions, and most other materials for their classes in one iPad app. I'm hoping that iTunes U makes the jump down to K-12, too.
It's a really exciting day for schools that already have iPads and Macs. Hopefully similar technology pushes beyond the Apple ecosystem soon so that any student can benefit regardless of what device or operating system they use. Apple did it with music and phones and changed the way we interact with them forever -- I'm excited to see them do the same with educational material.”
Third Grade Goes to the United Nations
On Tuesday, January 24, Dwight third graders trekked over to the United Nations as part of their unit of inquiry on Basic Human Needs. They sat in the seats of the Great Assembly Hall and learned what the UN is doing around the world to help others in need. One student said, "It was amazing to see the room where all the UN members sit during important meetings. I wonder what it looks like and sounds like during a meeting." View more photos here.
The EAL Department Celebrates Chinese New Year!
On January 19, the EAL Department celebrated the Year of the Dragon by making paper lanterns and learning about the origin of the holiday. "We also shared some delicious dim sum for lunch!" says Ms. Standig. View more photos here.
Timothy House Celebrates Chinese New Year!
On Monday, January 23, grade 1-5 students in the Chinese language program celebrated Chinese New Year by performing traditional Chinese songs and reciting Chinese poetry for parents and faculty. View the full album here!
The Dwight School   291 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024-3002   Phone: 212.724.6360