Technology

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, Walker)
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, Mainwaring)
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

n middle school the use of computers is fully integrated throughout the curriculum. Used in virtually every area of study including art, music and languages, middle school teachers work side by side with our technology coordinators to develop projects that integrate meaningfully with the curriculum and provide our students with the skills and knowledge they will need. 

Whether building an interactive online periodic table, using noodle tools for a research project or learning the art of animation in project time, the only constant of the tech curriculum is that it is always evolving to meet the needs of our students.

It is our goal not only to develop technological literacy, but also to cultivate in them a real understanding of the moral and ethical responsibilities that accompany the use of technology in an increasingly complex world. The emphasis throughout Middle School is to encourage students to develop problem solving skills in order that they may adapt and grow as technologies change.

Sixth Grade: In the first year of the Middle School experience, students have class in the computer lab once a week. The sixth grade teachers and the technology coordinators work as a team to develop projects and activities in the computer room that relate directly to the core of the sixth grade curriculum. Overall goals include developing technological literacy and skills, developing an understanding of the moral and ethical responsibilities that arise when using technology, and cultivating independent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills so that students may adapt and grow as technologies change. During the first part of the year, students complete smaller projects that focus on word processing, digital images, internet research, and drawing and graphic design skills. The second part of the year focuses on major projects that incorporate spreadsheet, presentation, and web design skills and software, as well as more complex topics such as evaluating online information and ethical concerns when using technology. Where possible, projects are integrated thematically with the 6th grade core curriculum to encourage students to engage more meaningfully with their work in this class, and to support the work they are doing in their other classes.

Seventh and Eighth Grades: In seventh and eighth grades, students use the computer room primarily in the context of their individual classes. The technology coordinator and the members of the faculty work together to develop and introduce a set of continually evolving projects and digital skills appropriate to the age group and the specific curricular content being taught. Underlying the use of all technology in the curriculum is an appreciation of the rapidly changing nature of the skills and capacities needed for success as a citizen of the 21st century; students develop skills to think creatively, problem solve, communicate effectively, acquire a global perspective, research independently and create useful digital content. Projects encompass a range of computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheet creation, graphing and analysis, multimedia presentations, web research, layout and publishing, graphic design, musical composition, website design and effective social networking skills. Online collaborative tools, such as, wikis and blogs are also being used by many of our faculty as part of their collaborative classroom experience. In addition to the regular curriculum, for the last several years, eighth graders have participated in daylong seminars dealing with issues relating to participating ethically and responsibly in a digital world.

Publications and Project Time: In addition to their classroom experiences, 7th and 8th grade students have the option to receive further instructions and complete hands-on projects on technology-related topics during Project Time, a double period of elective time meeting once a week for a trimester’s length. During the Project Time technology course, students are given an opportunity to extend their skills in topics such as graphic design and page layout, animation and movie making, and HTML and web design. While a focus is on developing specific skills and techniques related to the chosen technology, students are also encouraged to express their creativity and artistic skills through the applied technology.

Students may also elect to work on our student-produced middle school publications, including newspaper, literary magazine, and yearbook.

T

191 Robotics
minor elective
1 semester
enrollment: limited to 12 students per section
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

This one semester minor elective uses robots to introduce students to the interface of computer programming and mechanical/electronic devices. Students will assemble robots and then learn to program them to perform tasks, ranging from simple (moving forward, turning on a light, etc.) to complex (finding and retrieving an object, playing soccer, etc.). No previous experience in robotics or programming is necessary.

192 Topics in Digital Media
minor elective
1 semester
enrollment: limited to 12 students per section
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

This project-based class is a one semester minor elective that focuses on the variety of uses of digital media. Students will complete projects in the following areas: • page layout using Adobe InDesign (very useful for anyone seeking to become part of one of the student publications, such as Earthquake or Polyphony) • web page design using Adobe GoLive • spreadsheets and charts using Microsoft Excel • presentations using Microsoft Powerpoint • Digital videos using digital cameras and Apple iMovie. Each unit will consist of a short period of lecture and learning software followed by the completion of one or two projects in each area.

193 Introductory Programming
minor elective
enrollment: limited to 12 students per section
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

194 Advanced Programming
minor elective
enrollment: limited to 12 students per section
prerequisite: Robotics or permission of instructor
Grade: 10, 11, 12

This full year elective course builds on the skills developed in robotics or introductory programming. We will learn to program in Java, starting with basic syntax and structure and moving towards large projects that include graphics and interactive games. The course is project-based, so students spend most of their time working on their own programs, either in collaboration or alone.