Some changes, such as new dorms or the institution of Uncle Jon’s in the Beebe, are easily noticeable and appreciated. These changes should of course be lauded, but they are not the only additions to Tabor Academy. There are many unseen changes that affect Tabor life and the school as a whole that may go unnoticed by the general community. Seemingly small actions by the administration can make a big difference in student life.
One recent action taken to advance the ongoing attempt to make Tabor more environmentally friendly and sustainable is the purchase and implementation of the eZamboni, an electronic-powered Zamboni. In the past, Tabor’s Zamboni has been powered by combustible fuel, which necessitates frequent and expensive air quality testing in the ice rink. Tabor is also looking into powering the eZamboni through solar power to further cut emissions as well as costs.
Perhaps more directly affecting student’s lives are the updates made to the Internet speeds. A year ago, Tabor increased the Internet speed from 150 Mbps to 300 Mbps. The administration has just promised to double the speed again, to 600 Mbps. Additionally, Tabor updates its network servers often to make sure that everyone – students and faculty – can stay connected throughout campus. With more and more teachers utilizing the Internet and wireless devices in their classes, investment in new technology infrastructure is vital to maintaining this growth and development. The administration says, “Improving technology is focused on improving the student experience.” During times like study hall especially, when much of Tabor’s student population is using the Internet at the same time, these updates can ensure that everyone can stay connected.
To the library, Tabor also added a new Apple cart with 20 new MacBook Airs for students to borrow and use. Other updates have been made to improve the sound system in the Hoyt auditorium, to replace the audio-visual infrastructure in the lecture hall Lyndon South (new projectors, speakers, etc.), and installation of a new telephone system to improve communications. Some of these updates are changing antiquated systems and all are allowing for greater productivity and communication.
With the growing use of technology in the classroom, and with more and more projects requiring Internet or technology, the greater the accessibility of devices, as well as Wi-Fi, on campus will undoubtedly help both students and teachers make classes and outside work more productive.
“The Tabor community wants to be connected throughout the campus,” said Chris Winslow, Tabor’s CFO. “The commitment and investment to improve Internet infrastructure was inevitable.”
All of these new updates to Tabor’s technology are part of an ongoing initiative to make Tabor a more efficient and productive learning environment.
By Madeleine Gregory