Technology

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 iPad Adventures at Lower School

 

The Lower School Technology Lab is a place to learn about technology and to use technology to further our learning. Technology is integrated into the classroom experience using iPads in Kindergarten, First Grade, and Fourth Grade, and Tablet laptops in Second and Third Grade. We teach safe and responsible online behavior to all our students.

Our goal when using any form of technology with students is that it enhance the learning experience and that it offers news ways to communicate, collaborate, and create. We use SmartBoards in the Lab and in all classrooms both for teaching and as an interactive experience for the students. Learning to use digital still and video cameras and work with images is an important component of the program.

The primary focus of the Lower School Technology curriculum is:

Kindergarten and 1st Grade

  • iPads integrated into all aspects of the curriculum,  with a thoughtful approach to the amount of time spent on iPads, and a focus on projects that allow students to create their own material.
  • Rules of Internet Safety and Digital Citizenship.

2nd Grade

  • Basics of keyboarding and writing on the computer.
  • Art programs using the tablet laptops.
  • Projects related to classroom themes.
  • Math applications related to classwork, and for skills practice.
  • Idea mapping in Kidspiration as a tool for planning projects.
  • Rules of Internet Safety and Digital Citizenship.

3rd Grade

  • Working in a network, including logging on, saving to folders, finding files.
  • Regular keyboarding practice.
  • Projects related to classroom work, including the research process and information literacy.
  • Experience with word processing, including editing and reviewing.
  • Art programs using the tablet laptops.
  • Basics of digital video composition and media literacy.
  • Math applications related to classwork, and for skills practice.
  • Advanced programming in GEO-LOGO and Scratch.
  • Idea mapping in Inspiration as a tool for planning projects.
  • Rules of Internet Safety and Digital Citizenship.

4th Grade

  • iPads integrated into all aspects of the curriculum,  with a thoughtful approach to the amount of time spent on iPads, and a focus on projects that allow students to create their own material.
  • Rules of Internet Safety and Digital Citizenship.

 

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The Sidwell Friends School Vision for Technology was developed with the belief that the proper use of technology can add immeasurably to the learning experience of each student, improve student achievement, facilitate teaching and learning, and reinforce the school's commitment to the environment.  We encourage our students to use technology in ways, consistent with the ethical and moral standards of the School and the larger community, that underscore the words contained in the Sidwell Friends School Philosophy. In particular, we believe that the appropriate use of technology can enhance the "rich and rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum," provide ways for our students "to stimulate creative inquiry, intellectual achievement and independent thinking in a world increasingly without borders.