ST. LUCY SCHOOL - Technology & TD Mac Lab

TECHNOLOGY

We support the expanding role of technology in our students’ world; exposing them to various technological tools and strategies alongside digital citizenship and online safety. Teachers continually seek ways to integrate digital learning in their students' educational experience. Students have technology resources at their fingertips with 1:1 devices, a strong infrastructure, and technological resources across campus. They are learning not only how to effectively utilize technology but how to apply the knowledge responsibly.

Teachers utilize various apps and sites that expand student engagement. Effective utilization of technological resources and navigation in the digital environment is essential for today's 21st century students. Our teachers inspire students to think creatively and to respectfully embrace technology.

TD MAC LAB

The "T.D. Mac" Lab began in 2008 as a dedicated computer lab. As technology become integrated within every classroom and learning space, the use of the lab transitioned to a classroom space that is utilized for computer classes, project collaboration, resource teaching and supervised Jr. High study hall after school. It is also often used for School Advisory Board, Parent Teacher Group, Advancement Committee and Booster Club meetings. The TD Mac Lab is named in honor of a generous memorial donation in honor of T.D. Mac, one of our St. Lucy grandmothers. This donation enabled us to accelerate our technology strategic plan in 2014, which strengthened our infrastructure, renovated and created the lab space and began bringing 1:1 devices to St. Lucy students in both the lab, classrooms and learning spaces across campus.

FAST FACTS

Devices

1:1 ratio of iPads in Kindergarten & 1st grade

1:1 ratio of iPads in 2nd & 3rd

1:1 ratio of Chromebooks laptops in 4th & 5th

1:1 ratio of Chromebook laptops in 6-8th grade

TD Mac Computer Lab:

1 iPad cart with 40 iPads

Large teacher screen

1 Green Screen & Video Camera Editing Station.

Google Classroom:

SLS is a Google apps for education school (GAFE) using the suite of tools as a way to communicate and collaborate. This includes learning documents, spreadsheets, presentation slides, drawing, and forms. Best of all, this powerful suite of tools is done in one place and with only one login. Our students use the Google Classroom to communicate with their teachers was well as their classmates, to ask questions, and to get answers real time in a safe, controlled environment.

Classroom Projectors:

Each classroom has a wall mounted wireless Epson Brightlink interactive projection system.These projectors include electronic whiteboard marking pens which allow for touch-based interactivity and can enable as many as six students to touch, draw, select, and interact using intuitive and familiar gestures to the content projected on the whiteboard.

To enhance the projection system and allow for easier 21st century learning, Apple TV’s and Chromecast devices are also installed in the classrooms.

Classroom Document Cameras

In addition to the projectors, we have added a portable document camera. Teachers display worksheets on the white board and can have students annotate the information with special pens.

Tech Extra Curriculars

The Tech Club is an extra-curricular club that allows students in the 4th-8th grade to learn some new skills. This group of students work on the school yearbook. They take the pictures and edit the content digitally in an online program.

Science Lab Tech

The science Lab and the Library also include 60” flat screen TV’s which are used to zoom in on intricate details during science lab experiments, explore key websites, view film clips or show student work from the document cameras.

DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP

Digital citizenship is an important topic that is discussed and is incorporated into regular classes. Once a trimester, students participate in a Common Sense Media Digital Literacy Activity. These activities focus on Staying Safe Online, Cyberbullying/Digital Citizenship, and Research and Information Literacy. Through the use of videos, small group discussion students learn to navigate the use of technology in their lives and how to stay safe in the digital world. They review various topics including password protection, staying safe online, email etiquette, phishing, and these topics are scaffolded on previous learning.

DIGITAL PORTFOLIOS

St. Lucy School students in grades 3-8 create and add to their personal digital portfolio. A digital portfolio is a computer-based collection of student performance over time which provides a window into student learning. Students learn to upload samples of their work along with self reflections on their growth. They are required to write an “All About Me” in each grade telling a little about themselves and their goals for that grade. Each trimester they showcase a project/assignment in each subject along with a written reflection in which they relate to the school Student Learning Expectations (Our LUCYs). This allows them to look back over time and monitor their growth. Through the use of this e-portfolio they are required to use a variety of technology skills.

CODING

St. Lucy School students participate in the annual Computer Science Education Week. The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science designed to show that anybody can learn the basics of coding. The earlier students start the more likely they will have success with their future 21st century careers. Former President Obama stated, “The ability to code enables young people to become creators rather than consumers.”

Students from Kindergarten through 8th grade spend time in computer class learning the basics of beginning coding. Working together with a partner, students learn to code. This helps with problem-solving skills, logic and creativity as well as how to cooperate to get a job done.

TYPING

St. Lucy School students benefit from a self-paced formal typing program beginning in third grade, when their fingers are long enough to reach the keyboard effectively. Our graduates are effective typists and are well prepared for the rigors of high school.

CURRICULUM

Kindergarten: Kindergarteners are introduced to basic computer functions, keyboard recognition, and basic word processing. Students also use iPads to practice and reinforce their reading and math skills. The classroom Epson smart board projector is used during lessons and story time.

1st grade: First graders focus on Computer Integration, using academic programs to learn academic games, basic word processing with emphasis on language arts reinforcement, basic Internet use, and graphics integration. Students become more independent and are also introduced to digital literacy skills and utilize iPad stations in the classroom.

2nd Grade: Second graders have 1:1 iPad ratio and develop skills for responsibly and effectively using technology.

3rd Grade: We have 1:1 Chromebook ratio in the 3rd grade. Third grade is an exciting year for technology because it is the first year of using Chromebooks instead of iPads. Throughout the year, the students work on improving their typing speed and accuracy, create assignments on google slides, use google classroom to complete assignments, and navigating through our third grade website to access extra resources as well.

4th Grade: Students use Chromebooks on a daily basis for online curriculum in all subject areas. We started using NearPod this year to understand Digital Citizenship. Students begin a self-paced formal typing program, and will learn more advanced word processing skills and beginning multimedia skills.

5th Grade: Students have access to 1:1 Chromebooks. Fifth graders focus on computer presentation, research and analysis with computers. They learn about responsible Internet use, email use, research, programming, and slideshows. Students continue a self-paced formal typing program. Students also learn more advanced word processing skills, and intermediate multimedia skills. Technology is infused throughout all subject areas.

6th - 8th Grade: Jr. High students use technology in all of their core subjects. Our Jr. High program is 1:1 Chromebook laptops to facilitate learning throughout their day. Students use Google Apps for Education (GAFE) as a way to communicate and collaborate. All of their subjects have an online component. Computer technology and Digital Citizenship is spread throughout the curriculum and students create a Digital Portfolio of their favorite work throughout each trimester in each subject. Students also focus on research, presentations, web design, video editing, digital portfolios, and educational app development.

TECH IN ACTION

Technology.mp4

TECHNOLOGY

TD MAC LAB

DIGITAL PORTFOLIOS

TYPING

APPLY TODAY to become a Lightning Family!