Technology

Kindergarten through Grade 2 Technology is woven throughout the classroom curriculum. Numerous technologies expose students to the iPad as a learning tool. Classroom teachers and the Academic Technology Facilitator introduce various applications through group lessons before the students explore and work independently as well as in partnerships. Students use various writing apps on the iPad for final drafts of written pieces and word study work. Students also use developmentally appropriate apps, search engines, and subscription databases for research projects. Picture-taking techniques are an integral part of the curriculum as well. The iPad is used as a presentation device for drawings created in various grade-appropriate drawing apps which are then incorporated into books and slideshows for differentiated instruction in all areas of the curriculum. Simple programming is introduced in these grades.

Kindergarten

• Illustrate and communicate original ideas and stories using digital tools and media-rich resources
• Demonstrate the safe and cooperative use of technology (Acceptable Use Policy, taking care of iPads, proper use of technology in and out of school, Interactive Boards)
• Independently apply digital tools and resources to a variety of tasks (using illustrations and text to communicate ideas)
• Communicate about technology using developmentally appropriate and accurate technologies
• Demonstrate the ability to navigate in virtual environments such as electronic books, simulation software, and Websites

Grade 1

• Illustrate and communicate original ideas and stories using digital tools and media-rich resources (various iPad apps, camera)
• Independently apply digital tools and resources to a variety of tasks (using illustrations and text to communicate ideas)
• Identify, research, and collect data using digital resources (online databases, iPad apps selected for research)
• Use simulations and graphical organizers to explore and depict patterns of growth (Kidspiration graphic organizer app)
• Demonstrate the safe and cooperative use of technology (Acceptable Use Policy discussion, password information)
• Independently apply digital tools and resources to a variety of tasks
• Communicate about technology using developmentally appropriate and accurate technologies
• Demonstrate the ability to navigate in virtual environments such as electronic books, simulation software, and websites (teacher/ educational websites, iPad apps, databases)
• In a collaborative work group, use a variety of technologies to produce a digital presentation or product in a curriculum area (Seesaw)

Grade 2

• Illustrate and communicate original ideas and stories using digital tools and media-rich resources ( iPad apps, camera)
• Find and evaluate information related to a current or historical person or event using digital resources (teacher selected iPad research apps, websites, Pages for word processing)
• Demonstrate the safe and cooperative use of technology ( Acceptable Use Policy discussion, password information class discussions)
• Independently apply digital tools and resources to a variety of tasks (iPad apps/tools, illustrations and text to communicate ideas)
• Communicate about technology using developmentally appropriate and accurate technologies
• Demonstrate the ability to navigate in virtual environments such as electronic books, simulation software, and websites (teacher/ educational websites, iPad apps, databases)
• Engage in learning activities with learners from multiple cultures through e-mail and other electronic means

Formal keyboarding is introduced, using a website on the Chromebooks. Children work with their classroom teacher and the Academic Technology Facilitator to research topics related to classroom learning. Students use developmentally appropriate apps, search engines, and subscription databases for research projects. They also work with numerous apps that incorporate and reinforce critical thinking skills and are directly related to their work in the classroom. During the second semester, emphasis is placed on researching topics related to the study of the United States using online databases such as the World Book and other internet sites. Using this information, the children use a multimedia application, such as Explain Everything, Book Creator, or iMovie to create presentations that showcase their research and hand-drawn pictures. Students use various writing apps on the iPad for final drafts of writing pieces such as poems, simple essays, fiction writing, and memoir.

Grade 3 students:

• Produce a media-rich presentation ( Google Presentations, Explain Everything, various iPad apps)
• Locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media
• Evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks
• Sign into Gmail account on Chromebook and home computer
• Describe and illustrate a content-related concept or process using a model ( state project)
• Conduct a science experiment using digital instruments and measurement

Formal keyboarding is reinforced throughout the school year. Students work with their teacher and the Academic Technology Facilitator to utilize research skills taught within their academic classrooms. They use Google Drive to create presentations that connect with their study of New Jersey, immigration, and explorers. Children conceptualize, plan, and manage individual and group learning projects using digital planning tool apps on the Chromebook and iPads. They continue to use these skills through a variety of word-processing activities such as the creation of an immigration experience. Students create multimedia presentations, using Stop-Motion Animation, GoAnimate, and Google Presentation as culminating projects throughout the year.

Grade 4 students:

• Utilize Google Apps for Edu
• Sign into Gmail account on Chromebook and home computer
• Describe and illustrate a content-related concept or process using a model ( Explorer Project, Immigration Project)
• Locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media
• Evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks
• Integrate a variety of file types to create and illustrate a presentation or document ( Explorer project)
• Conceptualize, guide, and manage individual and group learning projects using digital planning tools with teacher support ( bio Kidspiration, Explorer project, Typing Club)
• Use digital imaging technology to modify or create works of art for use in a digital presentation
• Conduct a science experiment using digital instruments and measurement devices

Technology, through the use of Google Apps for Education, a suite of productivity tools for classroom collaboration, is used to explore the content material and develop critical thinking and collaborative skills in Social Studies, English, and Science units. Students also learn file management and acceptable use guidelines for online and shared work. A unit on digital citizenship is woven into the Decisions curriculum. Students work to refine their internet search skills through the use of approved data bases. Students also work with numerous software applications, such as Pearson’s Math Excel, Study Stack, and Typing Club to reinforce academic skills. Some examples of technology use in Grade 5 include the creation of Google Presentations, a digital postcard, and a digital presentation of scientific advancements. Students also create poems, essays, original myths, and other documents in Google Drive that can be shared with teachers and classmates as an online revision conversation.

Grade 5 students:

• Utilize Google Apps for Education
• Sign into Gmail account on Chromebook and home computer
• In a collaborative work group, use a variety of technologies to produce a digital presentation or product in a curriculum area (China inventions)
• Apply strategies for identifying and solving routine hardware and software problems ( Chromebooks)
• Locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media
• Evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks
• Describe and illustrate a content-related concept or process using a model ( Chinese inventions, Science)
• Conceptualize, guide, and manage individual and group learning projects using digital planning tools with teacher support (Typing Club, China inventions)