Technology Department

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In order for our students to live, learn and work successfully in an increasingly complex and information–rich society, students must be able to use technology effectively and safely.  We believe that this goal is best attained when information technology is integrated in a meaningful way across the curriculum; within each subject area information technology skills and relevant curricular content is interwoven.  At CIC we believe that today’s learning environment must incorporate strategies and tools that prepare students for their futures.   We know that the wise use of technology can enrich the learning environment and enable students to master essential skills is an exciting and stimulating manner. 

 

Standards and Benchmarks

 

The elementary Technology curriculum is based on the International Society for Technology in Education’s (ISTE) National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS).  These standards are divided into six broad categories.  Standards within each category are to be introduced, reinforced, and mastered by students.  Teachers use these standards as guidelines for planning technology-based activities in which students achieve success in learning, communication, and life skills.

I.S.T.E. Technology Standards for all students

 

1. Basic Operations and Concepts:

• Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.
• Students are proficient in the use of technology.

 

2. Social, Ethical and Human Issues:

• Students understand the ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology.
• Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.
• Students develop positive attitudes towards technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.

 

3. Technology Productivity Tools:

• Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity.
• Students use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, preparing publications, and producing other creative works.

 

4. Technology Communication Tools:

• Students use telecommunications to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts, and other audiences.
• Students use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences.

 

5. Technology Research Tools:

• Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.
• Students use technology tools to process data and report results.
• Students evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on appropriateness to specific tasks.

 

6. Technology Problem Solving and Decision Making Tools:

• Students use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.
• Students employ technology in the development of strategies for solving problems in the real world.

 

Overview

Elementary students receive one formal technology lesson each week. This lesson takes place in the elementary technology lab and is taught by the grade level class teacher. A full-time technology support teacher, who is permanently assigned to the elementary lab, is available to provide technical support and help to facilitate differentiation and integration. Due to the highly integrated nature of our technology curriculum teachers are free to sign up for additional time in the elementary lab on a needs basis.

The Elementary Technology Lab

The elementary technology lab is a bright and stimulating air-conditioned room that houses twenty personal computers. It has a black and white printer, a colored printer, a scanner and a range of digital cameras. Students are assigned a computer at the beginning of the year and a home directory is created for them.

 

Assessment

Students are assessed in technology according to the performance indicators stated in the ISTE’s Profile for Technology Literate Students. These profiles describe the technology competence students should exhibit upon the completion of the following grade ranges:

• Pre-Kinder – Grade 2
• Grade 2 – Grade 5