Aldo Disorbo of Nationwide Relocation Services is aiming to bridge the digital divide in Broward County, Fla., by launching the Educational Technology Center at Parkway Christian School. Aldo Disorbo is bringing technology initiatives he developed in the business world to the educational sector. Here he discusses some of the thinking behind the launch. Aicube: Aldo Disorbo, what is the goal of this venture?

Aldo Disorbo: The goal of the center is to offer online access, skills development and training for students while preparing them to flourish in a diverse, technological society.

Aicube: How did you become interested in technological education?

Aldo Disorbo: I have been a supporter of technological advancement at Parkway Christian School for years and this seemed like the right next move.

Aicube: Tell us about the school.

Aldo Disorbo: Parkway Christian School is a private grade school for students from preschool through eighth grade. Located in Broward County, it’s been open since 2000. Parkway Christian is devoted to excellence in the spiritual, emotional and educational development of its students.

Aicube: So, why the new emphasis on technology?

Aldo Disorbo: In our highly tech-driven society, the continued technological advancement of a school is essential to its students’ success. With technological advancement comes the additional cost of purchasing the necessary tools both for students and teachers.

Aicube: Don’t most schools keep up with technology anyway?

Aldo Disorbo: Not easily. These additional costs usually are offset by increasing the cost of tuition. Parkway Christian School makes efforts to keep tuition costs down, while still maintaining the highest level of education. However, sometimes fundraising and bake sales aren’t enough.

Aicube: How have you gotten personally involved?

Aldo Disorbo: I’ve been happy to donate my time to lend support and assist the staff, but I recognized it would take some major technology purchases to really make a difference.

Aicube: What did you arrange to purchase?

Aldo Disorbo: We made it possible for Parkway Christian School to purchase the interactive teaching program SuccessMaker®, which is a set of computer-based courses used to complement regular reading instruction in K-8 classrooms.

Aicube: How does it work?

Aldo Disorbo: The software analyzes students’ skills development and assigns certain exercises, introducing new skills as they progress. As a student moves through the program, performance is calculated by the probability of the pupil completing the next exercise satisfactorily, which determines the next step in the program.

Aicube: So it’s a diagnostic application, is that right?

Aldo Disorbo: That’s right. It specifically identifies issues in a student’s educational progress, which can then be addressed by the program and the teacher.

Aicube: Aldo Disorbo, what else have you brought to the center?

Aldo Disorbo: In addition to SuccessMaker®, we made it possible for the ETC to obtain the Edline Learning Community Management System. Edline provides a variety of technology solutions that support the school, including Web hosting, information portals, content management, classroom management tools, gradebook, notification, virtual storage, analytics and more.

Aicube: Is this for teachers only?

Aldo Disorbo: No, the system allows both students and parents to log in and view a child’s performance.

Aicube: So it really enhances parental involvement.

Aldo Disorbo: That’s right.

Aicube: Aldo Disorbo, do you plan to do more at Parkway Christian?

Aldo Disorbo: We would like help the school fulfill its next goal of expanding to a full educational program for Pre-K through 12th grade.

Aldo Disorbo is founder and president of Nationwide Relocation Services, a national moving brokerage firm located in Broward County, Fla.