Technology

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The technology curriculum in the Middle School combines technology usage skills, instruction and reflection on appropriate digital citizenship skills, as well as discussions about current events in the area of technology. Our goal is to assist students in becoming technologically literate citizens of our community.
 
Students are enrolled in formal technology classes in grades 5 and 6. In grade 5, students focus on learning skills needed for them to participate in the laptop program. Students also participate in technology rich learning activities that are assigned by their subject area teachers.
 
In grade 6, students focus on the area of digital citizenship and participate in class discussions, reflections, and projects surrounding the topic.
 
Formal classes do not take place in grades 7 and 8 however advisory topics related to the areas of technology and digital citizenship are covered during the school year.
 
Students in grades 6-8 are issued laptops for use at both home and school at the beginning of the school year.  Fifth grade students have access to a computer lab with 18 Dell desktop machines. Beginning in January 2013, each fifth grader will be issued a laptop for in-school use.
 
All teachers incorporate technology into their classroom activities on a regular basis. Past assignments incorporating technology include Skype conversations in Spanish class with another class in Spain, creating pivot tables in Excel highlighting research done in our on-campus wetlands, creating public service announcement audio recordings highlighting online safety, and creating e-books in Chinese.

Useful Information

Our Vision

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.