VCS is leading the way in classroom technology. We’re committed to providing our students with tools and opportunities that will help them thrive in a digital age.

Schoology
Schoology is the VCS adopted learning management system (LMS) and ranks #4 in K-12th grade LMS.

The LMS provides alternative and redundant educational options over traditional brick-and-mortar academics with its interactive web-based functionality. Via the LMS teachers can provide students with assignments, which can be reviewed at school, home, or any Internet-connected location aiding all students, including those who are out ill for the day. This capability also aids students with course content refreshers for exam preparation. Students can use the LMS for submission of assignments, quizzes, exams, etc. Students can also use the LMS to interact on forums and posts with interactive comments as part of the education process.

PowerSchool
PowerSchool is the fastest-growing, most widely used web-based student information system, supporting 13 million students in all 50 states and over 65 countries. PowerSchool enables today’s educators to make timely decisions that impact student performance, while creating a collaborative environment for parents, teachers, and students to work together in preparing 21st century learners for the future.

PowerSchool provides the full range of features needed by administrators at the district and school level, in addition to portals for teachers, parents, and students.

For parents and students, you can quickly access your assignment grades and calculated GPAs (grade point average) through the online portal or automated email communications you opt-in for. You have many options, including attendance, grades, and daily, weekly, or monthly e-mails, etc.

PowerSchool is robust and includes an application programming interface (API) that VCS will be taking advantage of to deliver additional feature-rich functionality, such as online access to cafeteria point-of-sale transactions, extended daycare transaction fees, and much more.

SMART Boards
Interactive whiteboards such as the SMART board are all great additions to the classroom, helping to improve learning outcomes. Combining the simplicity of a whiteboard with the power of a computer, the SMART Board enhances teachers’ delivery of dynamic lessons, as they write notes in digital ink and save their work—all with the simple touch of a finger. The SMART Board has the flexibility to engage all learning styles. For example:

Auditory learners can be immersed in a complete multimedia experience using the integrated USB speakers installed with each board

Visual learners can easily see colorful, movable images and diagrams that the interactive whiteboard displays, even from the back of the classroom. Kinesthetic learners can interact and explore by moving letters, numbers, words and pictures with the touch of a finger

Additionally, students can interact with the boards using their tablets as a smart response device for real-time quizzing and/or surveys.

Thin-Client Desktops/Virtualization
In 2013 VCS began its first attempt at implementation of thin-client architecture coupled with desktop virtualization. This process included installing energy saving hardware at the desktop while at the same time providing support staff with tools to quickly push software updates and virus eradication solutions. These desktops, with their solid-state hard drives, are pulling 15 watts of power while providing full service functionality. This initial implementation began almost in sync with the solar power project. Needless to say, VCS is moving towards being environmentally friendly and going green.