Student working with BlackMagic Video Switcher for Graduation. | | Livestreaming the Homecoming Pep Rally for students and families. | | |
The technology and tools available to our students both in and out of the classroom today are vastly different from the big box computers, typewriters, microfiche, and overhead projectors their parents likely used back in their high school days. Yet, with enhancements, advancements, and change ever constant in the world of technology, staying ahead with the latest and greatest offers our students educational advantages and useful skills.
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Investing in Technology
The Lake Forest High School Foundation granted nearly $60,000 in 2024 to support the funding of three tech-focused grants for students and classrooms, including new VR headsets, ChatGPT services, and enhanced video production equipment. These upgraded technology tools have been made available to students and teachers in Mathematics, Social Studies, English, Spanish, Education Technology, New Media, Career Pathways, and more. Furthermore, both students and teachers have been putting them to good use in various ways since receiving the various tools.
| | Virtual Reality Headsets Upgrade | | |
“In 2019, the Ed Tech department received a Foundation grant for a set of 24 Lenovo Mirage Solo VR Headsets, which quickly became an integral part of the learning landscape and enthusiastically embraced by both students and teachers,” said Jimmy Juliano, education technologist in the Ed Tech department.
“However, in late 2020, Google dropped its support for the primary operating system for the headsets, making them incompatible with many applications. By the end of the 2023–24 school year, our VR use was pretty limited—mostly just YouTube 360 videos and a few simple team-building apps. While these still have some educational value and keep students engaged, they don’t offer the same immersive, interactive experiences we have with the new Meta Quest 3 headsets. The new headsets provide our students a wealth of immersive learning opportunities across diverse subjects,” Juliano continued.
| | VR Headsets in the Classroom | | | |
Some examples of different ways that classes have utilized the virtual programming from the new headsets include:
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Sophomore English students virtually exploring New York City as Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye;
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AP Spanish students virtually participating in and throwing tomatoes at the La Tomatina festival in Buñol, Spain;
- African American Studies students taking a teacher-created virtual tour of African American landmarks throughout Lake Forest and Lake Bluff;
- A professional learning course taking place in April for ten teachers to learn expanded classroom usage
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Having an Impact at LFHS
Similarly, the upgraded video production equipment granted to the New Media department has been welcomed by students and faculty members alike. The hands-on experience with industry-standard professional lenses has been utilized by students on the sidelines at LFHS football games, the LFHS Talent Show, Graduation, Prom Red Carpet and so much more.
“We see the impact of this grant everywhere,” said Corey Holmer, also an education technologist in the Ed Tech department.
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| "Students are creating promotional videos for significant events like Pitch Night and the Prom Red Carpet. They have live-streamed concerts, theater productions and sporting events to make them available to those unable to attend. And we have also had the opportunity to collaborate with other schools and organizations, which is giving our students valuable experience in professional networking and large-scale production," explains Steve Douglass, Career Pathways Department Chair. | | ChatGTP for Social Studies & Math | | |
More than $9,000 of the total grants went toward programming that integrates ChatGPT into social studies and mathematics classes, enabling more than 30 teachers within the two departments to learn how to incorporate ChatGPT into their instructional content.
Within their grant application, Jeff Summy and Stephen Dunn, instructional directors in the Mathematics and Social Studies departments, noted that integrating ChatGPT into high school social studies and math education would enhance the educators’ ability to provide more personalized and engaging learning experiences while preparing students for a technologically advanced world. Similarly, ChatGPT would hopefully allow teachers to tailor educational content to help cater to different learning styles and paces.
When asked about the impact of this grant a year later, Jeff Summy said, "The ChatGPT Grant has had a meaningful impact on both student and teacher experiences at LFHS. Through our ongoing ChatGPT Innovation Forum, we've brought together educators from across departments to explore how AI can enhance learning and streamline instruction. We’ve used the premium features of ChatGPT to model effective classroom integration, empower student voices, and support teachers with planning, assessment, and professional growth.
Students have shared thoughtful perspectives on AI’s potential, while teachers have experimented with everything from crafting custom rubrics to generating problem-based learning scenarios. This grant has helped us take a proactive and collaborative approach to navigating the evolving role of AI in education."
Below is some sample feedback from faculty who participated in the ChatGPT forums.
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What did you use Chat GPT for?
To write a Google Sheet script
Thoughts on the outcome/benefit . . .
I love that I could use natural language to ask my question about a spreadsheet full of formulas. It not only wrote the script for me, but told me all the steps that go along with creating and running a script in Google Sheets. It also responded well to my follow-up questions!
I'll find out on Friday if it actually works...
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What did you use ChatGPT for?
To distill survey responses, look for patterns and create a plan of action
What prompts did you give it?
Help me pull areas of strength and opportunities for improvement from this survey
Thoughts on the outcome/benefit . . .
- Use AI as employee to do the grunt work
- Use AI as a starting point
- AI is efficient at pattern recognition
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Upgrading the Educational Experience for Students
All told, both students and teachers alike are gaining incredible educational experiences with access to these upgraded technology devices, applications, and programs. Equally important - they are having fun doing so!
When asked what the support from the LFHS Foundation means to him and his students, Holmer said, “The support from the LFHS Foundation has genuinely transformed our video production program.”
“It’s not just about getting better equipment; it’s about opening up new opportunities. The Foundation’s investment ensures these students aren’t just media consumers; they’re becoming active creators and are beyond prepared for college and beyond.”
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GRATITUDE FOR OUR GENEROUS COMMUNITY
None of this is possible without your support!
| | On Grant Day 2025, we awarded $118,000 in grants across the curriculum. That is your donations at work! Our current donor list is as of March 11. We will update it again at the end of the year. Click on it to access the list. | | | Join Us for our Annual Spring Luncheon | | We hope you'll join us at Knollwood Club on Friday, May 2nd for this year's Annual Spring Luncheon. This year we are featuring author and advice guru, Harlan Cohen. He will also be engaging with students at LFHS as part of a 2024 Grant. Funds raised will go toward future grants at LFHS. Auction is now OPEN for bidding! | | |
Get Your Ticket TODAY!
We hope you will join us for this annual celebration of educational excellence at LFHS. The support of our generous community makes the positive and lasting impact of our grants possible.
https://LFHSLunch25.givesmart.com
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