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Innovative Use of Technology
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Talbot Hill Elementary School
Bishop Dunne Catholic School
Bishop Dunne Catholic School
Dallas, TX |
| School Statistics |
| Total Enrollment: |
584 |
| Type of School: |
Parochial, Grades 7-12 |
| Location of School: |
Urban |
| Demographics: |
Latino: 37%
African American: 28%
White: 26%, Asian: 3%
Other: 6% |
| Free and Reduced Lunch: |
42% |
| ESL: |
9% |
| Percent Special Ed: |
6% |
| Computers: |
Desktops: 200
Laptops: 10
Handhelds: 6 |
| Student: Teacher Ratio: |
12:1 |
Bishop Dunne School exemplifies how innovation requires vision, an ambitious plan, and a dedicated staff.
All of the technology at Bishop Dunne is paid for through grants. What's done with this technology is inspiring and worthy of replication. The high school is home to the GeoTech Research Lab, a unique facility that is run by the students to help the Dallas community. The lab is equipped with 20 high-powered computers running geographic information system (GIS) software, a mapping system, and a plotter (a large format printer) that prints poster-sized maps. The hardware isn't nearly as impressive as how the students use all of this technology.
The students' use of the GIS software has helped the Dallas community provide real-world solutions to some of its challenges. For example, Bishop Dunne students have helped the Dallas Police Department analyze crime data and target high-crime areas. They have also created neighborhood maps to locate potential spots for the Dallas-area Habitat for Humanity to build new homes.
Bishop Dunne students are also working with the GeoTech Search Map and Rescue Team (GeoSMART) to create an emergency evacuation and rescue plan for the nearby Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, Texas.
Through its ingenuity with technology, Bishop Dunne Catholic School has exhibited incredibly powerful ways to engage students in the community while steeping them with superb technological expertise.
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