The Lower School Computer Lab serves as a resource for teachers and students and a clearinghouse for best practices in integrating the use of technology into everyday classroom instruction. The lab is equipped with twenty-four networked Macintosh and a color laser printer. One of the Lower School’s fourteen SMART Board interactive whiteboards is located in this lab. The installation of SMART Boards in the classrooms of every grade from 2nd through 5th allows large group instruction and collaboration without the need to come to the lab. Other lab equipment available to teachers and students includes scanners and digital still and video cameras.
Teachers are assisted in engaging students in instruction using various technological aides such as digital photos, interactive web sites, SMART Board displays and collaborative lessons, productivity software and educational software. Students are expected to become increasingly independent in their ability to explore, collaborate, create or present information using technology. As independent users, students are taught to exercise responsible digital citizenship when accessing materials via the network.
A cross-grade course entitled “Ethics in Media and Technology” will debut this year in grades 2 through 5, including discussions and explorations on video game use, parental restrictions, cell phone and email etiquette, social networking concerns and how to judge the quality of web resources.
First Grade: (Gomez, Pinkus, Yoo) beginning in the latter half of the year
Examples of Computer Lab activities include:
- An overview of basic Macintosh skills such as using the mouse, opening and closing files, using the keyboard, handling program CDs
- Beginning writing assignments on topics suggested by the classroom teacher
- Practice in computer skills using educational software
- Supplemental math activities that coordinate with the math curriculum where available
- An introduction to digital painting to accompany writing or holiday themes
Software used: Microsoft Word, Investigations math resources, and educational software on the appropriate grade level and Scribbles software.
Second Grade: (Hess, Rouse, Shechtman)
Examples of Computer Lab activities include:
- A review of basic Macintosh skills, particularly file management
- Practice in academic skills (math, phonics, grammar, and logic) using educational software and online activities on grade level
- Photographic activities using the computer’s built-in camera
- Mystery Photo project with the lab’s digital cameras
- The use of teacher-selected internet resources about the cultures being studied in social studies
- Writing assignments on topics suggested by the classroom teacher
- Exploration of the neighborhood, city, and world using satellite mapping software
- Ethics in Media and Technology: Acceptable Use Policy, Following Your Parents’ Rules
Software used: Microsoft Word, Internet browsers, Photo Booth, Google Earth (satellite mapping), various word and number games (some online) at the appropriate grade level.
Third Grade: (Fahrig-Pendse, Hess, Hutchison)
Examples of Computer Lab activities include:
- The use of teacher-selected internet resources about content areas being studied in social studies
- Supplemental math activities that coordinate with the math curriculum where available
- Extensive word processing experiences based on classroom themes
- Electronic journal in a password protected environment
- Digital Exchange Project with a school in Scotland (Hutchison Class)
- Painting and drawing exploration
- Introduction to 3-D drawing and modeling
- Ethics in Media and Technology: Acceptable Use Policy, Mobile Manners, Creativity and Copyrights
Software: Microsoft Word, Internet browsers, online practice and information sites, Google SketchUp (3-D modeling software), Investigations/LogoPaths math software, Skype.
Fourth Grade: (Fleisher, Haon, Maebori)
Examples of Computer Lab activities include:
- The use of teacher-suggested internet resources about content areas being studied in social studies
- Introduction of Typing/Keyboarding skills
- Supplemental math activities that coordinate with the math curriculum where available
- Introduction to report writing and editing skills are introduced and reinforced (spell checking, double spacing, margins, fonts)
- Introduction to creation of a multimedia presentation using PowerPoint
- Art collaboration: Claymation movies
- Ethics in Media and Technology: Following Your Parents’ Rules, Email Etiquette, Passwords Peeking and Privacy, Wild Wonderful Web, Evaluating Internet Resources
Software used: Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Internet browsers, Typing Pal Online.
Fifth Grade: (Stetzer Goldberg, Steacy, Younkin)
Examples of Computer Lab activities include:
- Review of typing skills
- Review of report writing skills
- Electronic journaling in a password protected environment
- Independent internet research using sites suggested by the teachers
- Training in the transfer of files from home to school and between PC and Macintosh versions of Microsoft Word or PowerPoint
- Art collaboration: Photo collage self portrait
- Ethics in Media and Technology: Acceptable Use Policy, Following Your Parents’ Rules, Mobile Manners, Problems of Plagiarism, Social Networking Safety
Software: Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Internet browsers,Typing Pal Online, Photoshop Elements