Archive #60/65: Technology through the ages

Over the years, the use of technology at Lindisfarne has evolved from the most basic use of simple machines in the office and technology block to widespread engagement, in the classrooms and beyond, with the most sophisticated and advanced technology available.

For many years the use of technology in the school was rudimentary, with teaching confined to trade skills and the use of hand-tools. Technical drawing was taught in the early days of the college and there was a strong emphasis on careful and precise hand drawing and the use of the T-square. All of the technology teaching at Lindisfarne was based on woodwork and there was no metalwork or welding taught until the new technology block was completed in 2002 and proper welding bays were created.

Lathes and power tools were eventually introduced and over the last three years there has been a dramatic change with the introduction of CNC controlled machines including 3D printers, laser cutters and a router table. NCEA has also instigated some dramatic changes in the approach to technology as at least half of the requirements for the subject are now based on project management and client engagement rather than purely physical skills. In the office, manual typewriters were the order of the day until eventually, electric typewriters were introduced.

In 1980 the height of technological achievement was the new PABX telephone system which allowed the College to operate the grand total of four telephone lines to cope with all the College’s inward and outward calls. Communication was supplemented by the telex machine and telephone lines were always in short supply. All duplication of examination papers and other materials was done manually, page by page on the Gestetner machine and then had to be spread out to dry to prevent smudging. Ink stains from filling the various machines were also an occupational hazard. Mrs Crowfoot who worked at Lindisfarne for 30 years recalls ruining numerous items of clothing with black and red ink.

Even after the Gestetner was replaced with an early photocopier, roughly handled cartridges could discharge clouds of black powder over everything. A 48-inch Video screen, complete with video player and recorder, was eventually purchased by the Parents’ Association to replace the old film projector and the 80mm films, shown in the hall on a Saturday evening. The new video gave the boys a greater variety of films at their Saturday evening show, which was still held in the hall, but it brought to a conclusion the very active Projectionists’ Club, as well as causing the gradual demise of some of the quainter traditions surrounding the Saturday evening film, such as the transporting of the bulky lounge chairs from the Staff room to the hall, for the comfort of the attending staff, the tolling of the Southwell bell at 6.30pm on a Saturday night, and the half time break, as the big reels were changed. In early 1981, the College Council acknowledged the growing significance of Information Technology, and purchased one Pegasus Computer, as well as six ZX81 Mini Computers, to support Mr McRae in his computer awareness programme.

By 1993 Computer Studies, although not an official subject, was well catered for. Over the Christmas holidays, the small room by the dining hall entrance was converted into the computer room, with the installation of 16 Apple McIntosh computers. When the library was built in 1998 it was outfitted with 25 very modern iMac computers. More iMacs were installed in the art room and music suite and over the years these have all been updated and upgraded. The advent of BYOD (Bring your own device) has meant that computers, phones and the associated technology are ubiquitous and staff have had to become more proficient with all aspects of this.

A Director eLearning was appointed for the first time in 2016 and further developments have been seen in the areas of robotics and coding. There is no aspect of the Lindisfarne experience which has not been affected by the continually evolving use of technology.

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