SCHOOL
Santa Filomena School in Viña del Mar was established in 1925 as the “Santa Filomena Girls’ Workshop School.” In 1960, the founders entrusted the school’s administration to the Adoratrices Sisters, who continue to manage it today under the guidance of Saint Maria Micaela’s teachings. The school’s curriculum incorporates Christian values, especially those of the Micaelian spirit. Currently, it offers classes from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade, serving approximately 620 students with a staff of over 40 teachers and 30 teaching assistants.
CHALLENGE
Like many schools worldwide, Santa Filomena School encountered significant challenges in maintaining student connectivity during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Chile, all schools closed in 2020, forcing educational institutions to adopt new technological approaches to engage with students during lockdowns and school closures. Even after students returned to in-person learning, these digital tools remained essential.
This shift necessitated substantial investments in educational technology and teacher training to bridge the digital divide. The primary challenge was incorporating technology seamlessly into teaching practices while maximizing teachers’ efficiency. “We wanted to optimize teachers’ time by eliminating distractions like searching for extension cords or dealing with projectors,” explained school director Juan Morales. This challenge sparked the idea of digitizing classrooms with interactive displays.
SOLUTION
To enhance teacher productivity, the school initiated a project to address recurring technology-related challenges. These issues included frequent internet disruptions, sluggish device performance, poor screen visibility, tangled cables, and complicated setup procedures.
To address these challenges, the school partnered with Innovaxis, a long-time provider of educational materials. Innovaxis presented several interactive display options, including the KDOCE Classtouch and ViewSonic® ViewBoard® interactive display. Based on Innovaxis’ expertise, the school selected the ViewBoard display due to its superior performance and warranty.
In addition to offering a competitive price, Innovaxis also proposed protective enclosures for the screens and existing whiteboards. This comprehensive solution solidified the decision to implement ViewSonic technology. As a result, the school purchased 19 ViewBoard IFP7552 interactive displays, equipping every classroom with this advanced technology.
The ViewBoard IFP7552 is a 75-inch interactive display with stunning 4K Ultra HD resolution. Its single-cable USB-C setup offers instant connectivity—precisely what Santa Filomena School required. In partnership with Innovaxis, the school meticulously prepared for the displays’ arrival by undertaking extensive classroom and hallway renovations. New curtains and fresh paint transformed these spaces, creating a welcoming environment for students. Custom-designed protective enclosures with white acrylic panels were installed to safeguard the displays while maintaining a traditional classroom aesthetic.
Following the ViewBoard installation in April, 40 teachers received comprehensive training on the ViewBoard and its accompanying ViewSonic® Education Software. These devices are now integrated into kindergarten through eighth-grade classrooms, enriching subjects like Music, Mathematics, and Language. Teacher training has been essential, especially for those less tech-savvy. However, the touchscreens’ user-friendly interface has facilitated a smooth learning curve. Morales emphasized the importance of teacher support and ongoing training to maximize the technology’s potential. While the full capabilities of the ViewBoard displays are yet to be fully explored, there is a clear sense of optimism among the teaching staff.
RESULTS
According to Santa Filomena School’s director, while ViewBoard adoption was gradual initially, “now everyone uses the screens, which is incredibly gratifying.” Morales explained, “We’ve eliminated all laptops and projectors from classrooms, ensuring universal ViewBoard usage. Teachers no longer need to carry laptops as all tasks can be performed directly on the ViewBoard.”
Ramírez emphasized that ViewBoard technology has enhanced teaching methods, making learning more inclusive and effective for students with challenges. She noted, “We’ve significantly reduced cable clutter and dramatically improved image quality. The displays offer exceptional clarity, vibrant colors, and clear audio.” These enhancements contribute to more engaging, diverse, and accessible classrooms. To ensure inclusivity, the school installed ViewBoard displays in kindergarten classrooms at a child-friendly height, encouraging interaction and exploration.
Ramírez observed, “The children are more engaged as they can independently play songs, games, or review assignments.” Morales emphasized, “ViewSonic technology is now the centerpiece of our classrooms.”
“Because of our new ViewBoard displays, we’ve not only upgraded our equipment but also enhanced safety, expanded learning opportunities for students, and eliminated access barriers,” said Andrea Ramírez, Head of the Technical Pedagogical Unit (UTP).
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
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Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
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Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
