“An accessible and engaging pathway”
A gift from Michael and Amelia Warner, parents of EMME ’23 and ELLE ’25, also aims to sustain Ravenscroft’s commitment to innovation through technology.
“We are excited that Ravenscroft continues to lead the state of North Carolina with both the number and quality of our technology offerings, and we want to do more,” Amelia Warner said. “Technology is continuing to evolve rapidly, and the more advanced our students’ understanding of how to apply advanced technology is will improve their competitive advantage for college, graduate school and the business world.”
The Warners’ gift provides ongoing funding for computers, computer-assisted design software and other high-tech items. The Warner Room, the larger of the two computer science classrooms in the Keim Center for Innovation and Research, will serve as a dedicated space for students to explore cutting-edge computer technology.
These funds were recently used to purchase a Sphero Bolt Power Pack featuring 15 programmable robots, which, as Upper School computer science teacher Anna Lawrence said, “create an accessible and engaging pathway to explore computer science that spans all grade levels.
“The technology has an app that is supported across multiple platforms, is project driven, and can be adjusted to meet students at their current level of mastery,” she added. “In Computer Science Principles this past spring, we explored algorithms and infrared sensors by creating a synchronized dance with a team of two to three Spheros.”
Such exploration helps students hone their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success today.
“The world is becoming better at an increasing rate, and it’s becoming more complex at the same time,” concluded Kumbar, a self-proclaimed futurist who has made presentations on the topic to Ravenscroft’s Innovation Task Force. “Innovating in education may be the best investment anyone can make today.”