As a new school in Lebanon, Wellspring Learning Community, wanted to offer their students more than what others school were offering. 

“At Wellspring Learning Community we believe in educating our students for the world of tomorrow and technology plays an important role in that education. Technology changes not only how we teach but also what we teach, and using technology in the school setting gives our students access to knowledge and ways of learning that we certainly didn’t have when we were in elementary school!” Said Dr. Marj Henningsen, Principal, Wellspring.

With a firm commitment to technology in mind, Wellspring has dedicated a substantial amount of their start-up resources to ensure that students will benefit from the latest learning technology.  As such, Wellspring has outfitted every classroom and their Computer Learning Lab with Apple iMac desktop computers and an interactive whiteboard.

Apple desktops are provided and supported by Interlink sal, Apple Authorized Reseller in Lebanon.

“They say ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ and how true it is.  At Wellspring Learning Community, students have the rare opportunity to virtually tour anywhere in the real world from the comfort of their classrooms. Using the iMac computers in connection with the interactive whiteboard technology, exotic faraway places, unusual landscapes, or even famous museum visits can become part of any lesson.  New concepts can instantly become real and understandable to students”. Said Kitty Battah, Grade 3 Teacher.

With a focus on technology in the classroom, Wellspring’s aim is to combine their students learning of skills and concepts with their learning about technology and how to best present the knowledge they are acquiring.  Working together to integrate learning, the classroom teachers often collaborate with the IT Liaison during their unit planning.

Recently, the 2nd Grade students were studying a unit about Beirut and the Grade 3 students were learning about paper and papermaking.

“With the help of our iMacs we used the Internet, Photoshop and Photobooth to help students create a tri-fold brochure about Beirut and Papermaking.  Not only did the students learn how to find the information they needed, but they also learned valuable presentation skills that most adults have probably never been exposed to!”  said Denise Chammas, IT Liaison, Wellspring.

Using technology at Wellspring extends not only what students and teachers can do in the classroom, but also what we can teach parents as well.  Wellspring offers a host of technology workshops in the Computer Learning lab for parents throughout the school year to ensure that parents can support what their children are doing in class and at home.

At Wellspring, we have really just scratched the surface in our understanding of how to best leverage technology in the classroom to enhance student learning.

But one thing is for sure, with the right tools and technology like the iMac, there are no limits to what students can learn, and accomplish now (as students), and later (in the career world).

As Dr. Henningsen notes, “we want our students to be prepared and think beyond the borders of where they stand today.”  Understanding technology will certainly help take them there!

About Wellspring
Established in 2007, Wellspring Learning Community is a secular, non-sectarian school welcoming grades Nursery through Grade 5 with higher grades added each year. It is a pioneer in cutting edge teaching approaches and technologies. Wellspring is located in the Mathaf area of Beirut.
For more information:  www.wellspring.edu.lb

About Interlink sal
Established in 1993, Interlink is the APPLE Authorized Reseller in Lebanon. Interlink also provides XEROX printers and miscellaneous Macintosh peripherals and accessories.
For more information:  www.interlink.com.lb