Lexington School District One believes that students in grades 3-5 benefit from structured, intentional technology use that deepens learning, builds digital skills, and supports creativity and critical thinking. As students build on the foundational technology experiences developed in K-2, they engage with digital tools more frequently, but still within clear limits and under teacher guidance. When technology is used, it should:

Foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving through purposeful use of digital tools that enhance—but never replace—teacher-led instruction, hands-on exploration, and meaningful classroom dialogue.

• Prioritize digital literacy and citizenship through weekly integrated lessons that build skills in keyboarding, research, collaboration, and safe, respectful technology use.

• Leverage adaptive tools for targeted practice in math and literacy, using short, focused sessions (10–30 minutes) several times per week.

• Support scaffolded project-based learning, supervised research, and simulations that enhance—not replace—direct instruction.

• Support growing independence, with 5th graders gradually learning to manage devices and digital tasks responsibly at school and, when appropriate, at home.

• Integrate technology to support creativity, collaboration, and higher-level thinking. (Implement the Plan - 14)

• Teach and model device navigation, online research skills, and keyboarding to build digital literacy (Cultivate the Environment - 4)

• Model and support responsible digital citizenship to foster safe, respectful, age-appropriate online behavior (Cultivate the Environment - 1, 2)

• Use adaptive and data-informed tools to personalize instruction, monitor progress, and respond to student needs (Plan the Learning - 6, 7)

• Use digital tools to collect student input and check for understanding of learning targets (Plan the Learning - 6, 7)

• Establish consistent routines that promote structure, safety, and responsibility (Cultivate the Environment - 3)

• Balance technology use with movement, play, and hands-on learning experiences. (Plan the Learning - 9)

• I use digital tools to create, explore, work with others, and show what I know in new and creative ways. (Creative Thinker, Problem Solver, and Collaborator)

• I use technology safely, respectfully, and only for learning. (Future-Ready Literate and Personally Responsible)

• I build digital skills by learning to type, search for information, and use learning tools responsibly. (Future-Ready Literate)

• I use technology to practice what I’ve learned and improve my skills. (Problem Solver and Future-Ready Literate)

• I follow all classroom tech routines, take care of devices, and ask for help when I need it. (Personally and Socially Responsible)

• Unstructured screen time or digital media use without a clear academic purpose or teacher guidance

• Repetitive games or skill-and-drill apps without a clear alignment to student learning needs.

• Instructional videos that replace live teaching instead of supporting guided practice or discussion

• Technology used for entertainment, rewards, or behavior management

• Digital tasks that add no instructional value beyond traditional methods, such as:

  • • • • Digital worksheets with no feedback or interactive functionality

        • Scanned digital textbooks with no embedded tools or media

        • Slide decks posted without student interaction or teacher-led instruction