ST1.4

Students use technology resources to conduct research, demonstrate creative and critical thinking, and communicate and work collaboratively.

Self-Assessment Rating: 3

Most students use a range of technological resources in their STEM learning experiences during, after and away from school. All students use technology to conduct research, demonstrate critical and creative thinking, and communicate and work collaboratively.

ST1.4 Narrative:

What were the areas of strength noted in the Self Assessment?

Christian Academy has taken a strong position on teacher and student use of technology equipment, resources, and infrastructure. The school has developed its offerings over many years, actively working to provide excellent opportunities for students to engage with 21st century learning. This stance on technology is supported through a dedicated technology staff member, school provided faculty laptops, student access to technology, and a variety of technology components designed for student interaction. Christian Academy created a nearly full time technology and STEM coordinator position to support, grow, sustain, and evaluate the school’s technology plans and purposes. In a proactive, thorough, well-planned and unified approach, the school and its constituents have driven toward technology-forward educational practices. Several important events have helped to develop the school’s implementation of technology over time. Currently, and for nearly all years of the school’s history, 100% of full time faculty and staff have a school-issued laptop used to directly impact student instruction, learning, and assessment. Teaching faculty have and continue to plan and instruct regularly using technology as an integrated part of the curricular design and implementation in all grade levels. The technology initiative has also effectively allowed for teachers to plan and it has provided a cohesive way for students to conduct research, demonstrate creative and critical thinking, and communicate and work collaboratively using a range of technological resources.

Student access to technology equipment includes laptops, iPads, a computer lab, and various other interactive technology equipment. The high school program at Christian Academy implemented a one to one student laptop initiative at the program’s conception in 2004-2005 and continues to receive full support from the school board, administration, and faculty. The high school’s one to one initiative has proved effective in supporting student learning during, after, and away from school. This resource is so vital to the high school curricular program that if a student has a technological issue with his or her computer, a loner is issued immediately. Additionally, eighth grade students who enroll in high school credit courses also have access to laptops during the school day. Since the earliest days of the school’s history, computers have been available for student use in a computer laboratory. In 2011, the computer lab was converted to an iMac lab with more than 20 iMac computers. The computer lab is primarily utilized by students in kindergarten through 7th grade for weekly specials and 8th grade for earning one half of their high school technology credit in Computer Applications. Teachers may also schedule to use the computer lab for special lessons and projects. In addition to the computer lab, students in middle and elementary grades have classroom sets of iPads which are regularly utilized to enhance instruction through research, supplemental learning resources, and demonstrating learning. To ensure all technology equipment has internet and WiFi access, the school is equipped with high speed, broadband fiber optic internet connection and wireless internet routers providing access to the entire school building. Networks are organized into three separate WiFi access points for guests, faculty, and student access. The separated networks also allow the school to implement school-wide, network specific, internet access filters.

Computer technology and resources continue to be a top priority for school faculty and administrators as students are asked to conduct research, demonstrate creative and critical thinking, and communicate and work collaboratively. Examples of how the school’s technology program works continually toward academic excellence is evidenced through cross-curricular lessons, connections with real-world applications, and performance-based assessments. Students demonstrate learning through a variety of technology based applications including Google Suite which contains multiple collaboration tools, infographics, blogs, video creation tools, multimedia presentations, virtual games, digital timelines, interactive maps, and other digital representations of ideas or work. An important component of technology based curriculum and project-based learning includes lessons about Digital Citizenship. Students of all age groups participate in interactive lessons regarding technology application, internet safety, copyright and fair usage, and cyber bullying. In addition to the technology instruction in their grade-level or subject specific curriculum, kindergarten through 6th grade students are exposed to age appropriate technology application and Digital Citizenship lessons during their weekly computer classes. Upper school students receive in depth, standards based technology instruction in courses such as Applied Technology, Computer Applications, Digital Design and Publication, and Google Applications. Course content and curriculum for these courses are aligned with ISTE standards.

Along with the use of technology at school, students in all grade levels use technology resources after and away from school. Commonly used technology resources which supplement and support classroom teaching include IXL for math and english language arts, online textbooks, and Duolingo for foreign language. Opportunities to learn more about technology after and away from school also includes clubs such as FIRST LEGO League Robotics where students learn about coding and programing through robotics missions.

Student and family technology usage expectations are communicated through a school wide Technology Acceptable Use Policy signed by all families upon enrollment each year. High school students and families sign an additional Technology Acceptable Use Policy containing specific usage guidelines related to use of school laptops.

Christian Academy’s commitment to technology is also evident in the equipment available to teachers including, but not limited to, Smart TVs, Apple TVs, Promethium boards, multiple printers, scanners, document cameras, and projectors used in daily instruction to enhance students’ learning experiences.

Classroom teachers at Christian Academy use technology in a variety of ways for researching innovative lessons, writing content, collaboration with peers within and outside of the school, connecting curriculum to real-world applications and publication and/or presentation of individual and group work. In summary, a myriad of technology ways and means are employed by staff and students within Christian Academy’s STEM program.

What actions are being implemented to sustain the areas of strength?

Christian Academy has always been very committed to having technology in the classroom. The 1:1 student laptop initiative has remained in place since 2004-05. Technology and resources has remained a high priority, as evidenced by the budget. Teachers are provided with laptops for instructional use, high school students have laptops provided for home use, iPads are used in every middle and elementary classroom, and there is a fully standardized lab available for all students.

What were areas in need of improvement? What plans are being made to improve the area of need?

Areas of improvement include upgrades to the equipment in the computer lab, and upgrading and possibly increasing some class sets of iPads. Several classrooms also need mounted projectors, and the school will possibly look toward virtual reality equipment and other state of the art technology resources.

Artifacts:

ST1.4 a) Using Technology Resources

ST1.4 b) Immersive Learning Environments - FIRST LEGO League & Robotics