St. Viator's innovation honored by Apple

Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2015-2017 by the California-based tech giant for its innovative curriculum redesign that leverages technology with academics.

The program is reserved for schools that meet criteria for innovation, leadership and educational excellence, and demonstrate a clear vision for exemplary learning environments.

"The use of the iPad in education challenges students to learn by doing," said Principal Eileen Manno, who led the effort to immerse students and faculty in iPad technology. "It engages them in the learning process in multidimensional, dynamic and creative ways."

Maggie Miskowicz, coordinator of Saint Viator's instructional technology, points to a few of Apple's tools that have revolutionized its classrooms, such as iMovie, which brings to life what they have learned; Keynote, which helps them present main points of a novel; and Numbers, where students collect data and create graphs.

Students this year have the opportunity to learn mobile app programming, while also taking advantage of "flipped classroom" lessons, in which teachers create videos of individual units that students can watch at home, freeing up classroom time for questions.

"One of the most significant changes in student learning with the implementation of the iPad is that learning takes place anywhere, anytime," said Eileen Cairo, the school's science department chairwoman.

Manno thanked the school's faculty for embracing the changes that come with introducing new technology into the classroom.

St. Viator President the Rev. Corey Brost said the recognition is another example of the school's commitment to academic excellence and its goal of shaping young men and women to be successful in the classroom and to be leaders in academics, athletics, faith and service to others.

"Once again, (Manno) and her team have succeeded in demonstrating how this educational community is one of the best in the nation," Brost said. "This distinction reflects their outstanding leadership."