Formal instruction in technology begins in the first grade at Lovett. In Kindergarten, computers are used in the classroom and small lab setting as a learning center, enhancing a number of pre-academic skills. First through fifth grade students meet weekly in the lab, as well as additional times when their studies warrant. In addition, teachers can sign out laptops from the library that can be used in classrooms.
The technologists and the classroom teachers collaborate to design lessons and projects that integrate the classroom curriculum and technology so students begin to see technology as a tool to assist them.
Through the course of the Lower School Computer program, students are presented the following essential questions:
* Why is it important that we know how to use computers and new technology?
* How does the use of computers make our lives more or less complex?
* What skills do I need so I can live and work in an ever-changing “technological” society?
* In what ways can technology enhance expression and communication?
* In what ways might technology hinder it?
* What do I do when I have a computer problem?
* Which technology is best to use for varied tasks?
* How can I express ideas using multimedia tools?
* How can I create a document that communicates effectively?
* How do we use technology to organize our lives effectively?
* Should technology be controlled? by whom?
There is a progression of skills throughout the grade levels. Students begin with basic computer literacy including terminology, application access, saving and retrieving, and keyboard instruction is introduced and tracked by the classroom teachers in fourth and fifth grades. Students progress to proper keyboarding techniques, word processing, and basic multimedia production including animation and programming. Students also begin to discuss safety issues when using the internet and e-mail. As they move up in grades, students continue to review proper keyboarding techniques, learn word processing, multimedia (Power Point/mPower) production, and internet research techniques. Students use these tools to present projection in a technology medium to the full class.
The curriculum is based on the following understandings about technology:
* Technological progress presents new possibilities and problems.
* Technology will help you present information in a more organized format.
* Technology is a part of everyday life. It is more than just the computer.
* Technology provides access to current information at anytime.
* Technology allows us to communicate with others around the world in a timely manner.
* Technology is not error proof. Many times a problem can be resolved by restarting the machine.
* Different programs have different functions so determine your goal and choose the appropriate program.
students learn computer lab etiquette including rules for movement, using the equipment and procedures for asking questions; basic computer literacy including using a mouse, clicking, dragging, using pull-down menus, closing windows, etc., word processing basics including typing names and simple sentences, typing capital letters and punctuation marks using ClarisWorks for Kids; illustrating using Kid Pix for curriculum-integrated projects; including opening and closing a program, opening a previously saved document, using headphones and age-appropriate software including FirstClass e-mail.
students learn computer literacy including saving work on the hard drive; word processing skills including creating stories working with ClarisWorks for Kids to change text size, style, color and font and to center/justify text; illustrating using Kid Pix for curriculum-integrated projects; including opening and closing a program, navigating to a previously saved document, using headphones; and age-appropriate software including internet skills and games, Kidspiration and FirstClass e-mail. Students begin basic programming, learning commands to move Rommy Robot through a maze. Each student is assigned a classroom Quickpad that students use to type up writing assignments.
students learn computer literacy saving work on the hard drive, word processing skills using Appleworks clip art; spell check, text size, style, color, font and to center/justify text; research skills including introduction to the Internet using bookmarked sites, search engines (Yahooligans) curriculum-related web scavenger hunts and webquests, toggling between several open programs, moving graphics and text from other sources to word processing documents, web mapping using Kidspiration/Inspiration, FirstClass e-mail and age appropriate software. Students expand on their programming skills using MicroWorlds to create animations.
students learn computer literacy including toggling between open programs and using the computer to store notes and graphics; internet skills using a variety of search engines, evaluating web sites, “Netiquette,” Internet safety, avoidance of plagiarism, curriculum-related web scavenger hunts and webquests. Advanced word processing skills using AppleWorks and Word, saving and turning finished work in over the network, keyboard instruction using WriterPads in the classrooms, an introduction to using scanners; FirstClass e-mail, Inspiration and age-appropriate software. Students build on their programming skills by creating more advanced animations as well as creating geometric shapes.
heavy emphasis is placed on saving work on the network server and using e-mail to send assignments home, students learn word processing skills, toggling between programs, organizing research; keyboarding skills using Writerpads in the classroom; multimedia presentations using PowerPoint and/or mPower; research skills including using the computer to store notes and graphics, age-appropriate software including the web mapping and outlining program Inspiration, Appleworks and or Word; FirstClass e-mail skills and internet skills which build on fourth-grade skills. Students build on their programming skills by creating more advanced geometric shapes by running multiple programs within a program.
Parenting Online - handout
Keeping yourself and your kids safe on social networks
These are sites that we use in the lower school to teach students how to be cybersafe. In addition, there are sites listed on the right side of the page to help parents as well.
