Lower School Technology

Thinking, sharing, and creative problem solving takes place as Kindergarten students work together. The curriculum is enhanced by the integration of technology as students learn to gather and explore information related to class projects. Students use teacher-selected iPad apps and teacher-curated online resources as learning tools to help them acquire developmentally appropriate skills.

First-grade students use technology—including apps—to address their individualized learning needs and styles. First graders use apps to tell stories, build skills, and learn the basics of visual programming. First grade keyboard awareness is expanded to include all the letters of alphabet and their general location on the keyboard. Classroom Chromebooks are also used to access GO Math! online resources.

Second-grade students use Google Docs to learn the basic features of word processing applications, as well as graphing and charting tools. They create short texts, illustrate them with drawings and pictures, and save and print them. Throughout the year, students create different types of graphs related to math and science work, using a variety of graphing programs. The skills related to using technology while working in small groups are introduced. Students become able to turn on and login to the iPad, use basic hand gestures to locate and navigate between apps, and import Camera Roll pictures into their work.

Third-grade students become sophisticated users of cloud resources and apps—including Google Docs and Slides—to create presentations, complete homework, share content with teachers, and much more. At the beginning of the year, third graders learn how to access the SSFS computer network and log in to their individual Google Apps (e.g., Google Docs, Google Drive) accounts. They also learn how to access their Google Apps accounts using Chromebooks. During the first half of the year, a significant amount of time is spent learning and practicing QWERTY keyboarding skills.

In the library and in the classrooms, technology is used as a research tool. Students learn basic search techniques and begin to develop criteria for evaluating online information. They also examine some of the basic tools of presentation software, and begin to explore concepts in graphics, multimedia, and navigating the internet. Classroom Chromebooks are routinely used during the school day to update reading logs. Digital citizenship and the appropriate uses of technology are stressed and integrated through the Life Skills Program.

Fourth-grade students learn to mix and match multiple apps (“app smashing”) to create projects. The self-paced TypingWeb.com keyboarding tutorial is regularly used and prepares students for their text-intensive end-of-year projects. Extensive in-class Chromebook use supports a variety of assignments. During the last weeks of the year, students use self-selected presentation software to create and share their state and biography project presentations.

At the beginning of the year, students review how to access the SSFS computer network and how to login to their individual Google Apps (e.g., Google Docs, Google Drive) accounts. Students also review and practice their QWERTY keyboarding skills. Drawing on topics of classroom study, students make use of Google Docs and Sheets, databases, and multimedia presentation programs in individual and small group projects as they experiment with more effective and creative ways to display their research. As students become more independent in their use of the Internet, the ethical and responsible use of electronic reference tools while conducting research is stressed. Digital citizenship and the appropriate uses of technology are also integrated into the Life Skills Program.

Fifth-grade students continue to enhance their technology skills as teachers integrate technology deeper into the curriculum. During the school year, students use Microsoft Publisher to create brochures for their self-selected world civilizations projects. Students continue to match multiple apps to create projects and further advance skills. Extensive in-class Chromebook use supports a variety of assignments.

Fifth graders continue to become more independent in their use of the internet, further developing their ethical and responsible use of electronic reference tools to conduct research. Digital citizenship and the appropriate use of technology are also integrated through our Life Skills Program.