Our technology curriculum represents the best thinking of
technology educators and curriculum experts. They were developed
from sources all over the world as well as from The National
Standards for Technology Education.
The study of technology provides students the opportunity to master computer skills, understand the effect technology has on society, and develop the art of effective communication. Technology is taught as a tool for research and application of communication software. Lessons are designed to enhance students’ learning experiences in other core subjects through instruction, discussion, and hands-on assignments. Self-discipline, concentration, commitment, teamwork, listening skills, honesty, self-expression, and creativity are fostered at all grade levels. Students become proficient in a number of software programs enabling them to determine the best possible software programs and research material for their presentations. As such, the technology curriculum is interwoven with and used throughout the rest of the curriculum.
This curriculum represents what we expect children to be able to achieve at various levels of their education, from Kindergarten through Grade Eight. Students will develop their technological knowledge and skills as the material presented becomes more complex. Computer projects throughout different classes will enhance skill development and encourage individual creativity. Our goals for students as they move through our program are:
The study of technology provides students the opportunity to master computer skills, understand the effect technology has on society, and develop the art of effective communication. Technology is taught as a tool for research and application of communication software. Lessons are designed to enhance students’ learning experiences in other core subjects through instruction, discussion, and hands-on assignments. Self-discipline, concentration, commitment, teamwork, listening skills, honesty, self-expression, and creativity are fostered at all grade levels. Students become proficient in a number of software programs enabling them to determine the best possible software programs and research material for their presentations. As such, the technology curriculum is interwoven with and used throughout the rest of the curriculum.
This curriculum represents what we expect children to be able to achieve at various levels of their education, from Kindergarten through Grade Eight. Students will develop their technological knowledge and skills as the material presented becomes more complex. Computer projects throughout different classes will enhance skill development and encourage individual creativity. Our goals for students as they move through our program are:
- That they understand the vocabulary and processes of technology.
- That they are able to use the computer effectively as a tool for developing documents and presentations.
- That they use technology as a tool for communication and collaborative work.
- That they appreciate the ethical and legal issues related to the use of technology.
- That they are able to conduct research and produce a product using technological tools.
- That they appreciate the role of technology in problem solving and decision-making and how to incorporate technology into everyday life.
Computer technology is taught within core subjects rather than as a separate subject. The skills taught in this curriculum include the following:
- Kindergarten and Grade 1: Students are introduced to the basic parts of the computer and learn how to use them. Students also learn basic functions of word processing.
- Grade 2: Students learn keyboarding, intermediate applications of word processing, and are introduced to the ethical use of computers.
- Grade 3: Students continue learning how best to use a word processor, applying different formatting styles. They are introduced to spreadsheet software, such as Microsoft Excel. A typical application may be a spreadsheet correlated with a math lesson or a graph developed for a science or history lesson. The grade level teacher will help with the content while the computer lab facilitator/media specialist will give direction in computer skills and manipulation of a particular program. Students are also introduced to directed searches on the Internet.
- Grade 4: Students become proficient in keyboarding skills, develop creativity in presentation software, such as PowerPoint, and understand how to use different presentation programs effectively—communicating locally and globally through telecommunications. Students learn to access information from the Internet (that is approved beforehand) in order to conduct research for projects and reports.
- Grade 5: Students show advanced skills in using software programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. In class assignments, projects, and reports, students demonstrate an understanding of which technology programs would best communicate their ideas. They gain an understanding of the best possible ways to research information and creatively communicate through technology. Just as important, the ethical elements to keep in mind when using technology are covered through such topics as plagiarism, piracy, privacy, and propaganda.
- Once the students advance to Grades 6-8, while continuing to use the skills they have learned previously, they begin to use the computer as a media creation tool; the mobile learning lab is used extensively through all subjects. The goal is that by the end of Grade 8, all students will be proficient in using technology for research and application so that when they begin High School they will be able to effectively and efficiently use the computer as a valuable tool in all of their classes.