Our Technology Program
Technology is integrated into the daily curriculum in all grades and is strongly supported as a curricular program. A computer lab with sixteen computers is the hub of many classroom projects. Although the computer teacher is at school two days a week, it is rare to see the lab not being used. Students are instructed in computer skills beginning in kindergarten through eighth grade. Programs such as Publisher and PowerPoint are taught and are widely used beginning in the early grades for research projects, newsletters, writing assignments, and book reports. Web making is taught in the upper grades.
Grades 1-8 have a bank of computers in each class for use by all students. They are used for writing, extra skills practice and advanced work. Students have access to the computer lab at other times of the day and after school.
Computer skills which are taught:
- Kindergarten: Proper use of equipment, working with software (opening, closing, and navigation within programs), software emphasizing phonics, counting, and logic.
- First: Build on Kindergarten skills, introduce keyboarding, research skills using Internet sources, Encarta, beginning word processing.
- Second: Research skills on internet, introduce creative writing, work with graphics, Word, PowerPoint, continue keyboarding skills with emphasis on correct placement of hands.
- Third and Fourth: Research skills using internet, library books, electronic encyclopedia, library books, electronic encyclopedia, internet and computer ethic, Word processing, PowerPoint presentations, creative writing and keyboarding.
- Fifth and Sixth: Building databases, technology vocabulary, work with scanner, digital photography, PowerPoint project throughout the year showcasing word processing and graphic design projects.
- Seventh and Eighth: Advanced internet research skills, PowerPoint presentation, build web site, draw together skills in word processing, digital photography and recording, research, graphic design, etc.
