Technology

Vision | Computer Classes | Technology Integration | Innovation Center

Vision

Our vision for technology is to instill in students, faculty and staff, the skills and motivation to thrive in the technology-rich environment in which we live.  As part of this vision, we commit to seamlessly integrate the best learning and productivity tools into our programs and our school culture.  Our vision is to utilize technology resources for analyzing, synthesizing, creating and communicating information.   Technology integration allows for differentiation in ways that add to the overall school experience for all stakeholders.

Computer Classes

At The Center, second and third grade students attend the computer lab once every six school days, and fourth through sixth graders meet twice per six-day rotation.  Students go to class in groups of fifteen or less which assures each child their own computer.  Students are exposed to applications that allow them to think sequentially and creatively to accomplish their goals.  Each year, students build upon their keyboard skills in computer class and some take an early morning elective class for additional practice.

In the lab, students are introduced to a variety of programs that will provide a solid foundation from which to continue expanding their expertise in a specific program or to adapt to similar programs. This enables students to increase their ability to adapt to the changing landscape of computers. Students learn by doing with the goal of becoming independent problem solvers.

Technology Integration

Beyond the lab, technology is integrated into the school’s curriculum in a variety of ways at every grade level and in every subject area.  In our Early Childhood Program, computers are set up as Learning Centers.  The students can visit these Centers to practice basic skills and play educational games.  There are student desktop computers and/or laptops at every grade level, and educational software is used to teach and reinforce basic skills from our Early Childhood Program all the way through the sixth grade. Third through sixth grade students also use the classroom computers for research, desktop publishing and creating multimedia projects. In the library, children in grades 2-6 participate in an information studies program which combines the automated catalog and the Internet to teach search strategy, digital citizenship, Internet safety and other information management skills. Children in grades 4-6 use wireless laptops in math, language arts, social studies and science.

Innovation Center

The Innovation Center provides a home base for the Instructional Technology Facilitator, who promotes the room’s use for project-based learning. On any given day, a teacher might bring a group to create advertisements for a persuasive writing unit, another group might do research with the Instructional Technology facilitator, and some teachers might spend lunch in a professional development workshop on web 2.0 tools.  Throughout the day, faculty might stop by to borrow or return document cameras or response pads, or to ask technology integration questions. With three mounted cameras and two mobile ones, the room also serves as an ideal place to capture a lesson digitally for portfolio, feedback, or other purposes. After school, a drama class might meet to make a short film. At night, parents might convene for a seminar on cyber-bullying. Summer programs make use of the Innovation Center for classes related to video production.

The Mission of the Innovation Center is to promote, support, inspire, and celebrate innovation. Innovation by its very nature exists in a fluid state, so the Innovation Center must remain adaptable for ever-changing needs, demands, tools, and interests. The room is for all stakeholders, and should foster connectedness with others in remote locations. The Innovation Center exemplifies the philosophy that digital tools belong in educators’ tool kits for supporting a strong curriculum.

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