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The level of technology presently in place at the Scranton State School for the Deaf makes access to computers, the Internet, video conferencing, state-of-the-art software applications and a school Web Page available to all. With the goal of keeping pace with technological innovation, SSSD has been able to link its campus and classrooms together with Wide and Local area networks, and to provide students and staff with the tools required to fully participate in the 21st Century.
...To prepare our students for the 21st century
The mission of the Scranton State School for the Deaf is to enable and empower each enrolled student to reach his/her full potential. The mission will be accomplished through the collaborative efforts of a quality ,caring staff, a concerned pro-active administration, a loving involved family, and an actively participating student. The mission will be carried out in academic and residential environments that embrace the inclusion of deaf/hard of hearing individuals in all aspects of daily living. The mission will be enhanced by the integration to teaching methods with state-of-the-art technologies.
...By establishing the following goals:
1. All students will use technology as a tool for learning.
2. Technology will be integrated into all relevant courses.
3. Students will master technological skills.
4. Students will use modem connectivity to have access and to
interact with world wide information through technology.
5. E-mail will be used as a communication tool with the school,
the community and the world.
6. Students will understand ethical values with regard to the
use of technology.
7. Technology will be used to motivate students to learn.
8. Students will use technology to create imaginative and innovative
solutions to project specific problems.
9. Students will appreciate the value and need for lifelong learning.
10. Technology accessed through the Distance learning Center and
the Internet will be used as a educational and communication tool.
...Computers
All classrooms on the SSSD campus are equipped with a Pentium III computers or better with printers and access to the school’s Local Area Network, the Internet, the Microsoft Office Suite, E-mail, current multimedia programs and resources including Microsoft Bookshelf software and on-line encyclopedias appropriate for use with students who are deaf/hard of hearing. A new high speed T1 internet connection has replaced the previously used 56K connection to provide students and other users with an increase in connection speed approximately ten times greater than before. Digital cameras, scanners and video capture devices are also readily available to teachers for use in classroom projects and field trips.
Electronic Learning Centers (ELC's), containing eighteen and twelve Pentium IV computers respectively and additional hardware for group instruction are located in the High School, and Elementary School areas. These resource areas allow each student in a class to work on a particular project or assignment simultaneously and to receive individual attention as needed from their instructor as they proceed. Desk-top publishing, Power Point and web authoring classes are offered to students in the High School Center and these areas are also used for inservice training and ongoing professional development. The SSSD Residential Program utilizes the High School ELC as a homework / research area and a place where students can “Surf the Net” under the supervision of a dormitory counselor in the evenings as monitored by a formal Acceptable Use Policy (A.U.P.).
...Distance Learning
PictureTel and Tandberg video conferencing systems are in place on the SSSD campus. These systems are capable of sending video and audio signals over telephone lines called ISDN lines. This system gives SSSD the ability to contact people or places in our state, the country or anywhere in the world who have this type of equipment by simply dialing a telephone number.
The uses for this emerging technology are wide ranging, and
in fact, still being discovered. SSSD presently is participating
in a consortium of Pennsylvania school districts who also have
equipment in place. These schools exchange courses, on a semester
basis, with other schools.
Other ways distance learning can be used include remote interpreting,
electronic field trips to various locations in and out of state
sites as well as sharing classes and culture with schools for
the deaf in other states. We also use our distance conference
center for conducting I.E.P. meetings with school districts and
parents.
...Satellite Communication
With its own satellite dish, SSSD has the ability to access
information via any of the satellites in orbit on the western
horizon. Downlinks of various professional inservice presentations
occur regularly during the school year. SSSD students have been
able to participate in forums hosted by Gallaudet University as
well as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Since these events take
place in real time, students are able to fully participate and
ask questions of the participants via TTY. With these resources
in place and creatively utilized, SSSD graduates can feel confident
in their ability to meet the technological challenges and opportunities
that they will face as they move forward into the 21st century.
Visitors are always welcome at the Scranton State School for the Deaf. Take Exit 188 ( Blakely Street) off Route 81. Travel southwest on Blakely Street to Drinker Street (three lights if you came from the south, two if you came from the north). Turn right onto Drinker Street, which will merge with Electric Street, and go to the traffic light at the corner of North Washington Avenue. Turn right onto North Washington and the campus entrance will be on your right. Follow campus building signs to your location.
For more information:
Further information regarding enrollment or services offered by SSSD can be obtained by contacting: