Technology

Students in grades kindergarten through six meet weekly for computer projects/skills. Younger students are taught keyboarding skills using the Keyboarding Without Tears program. Upper level students use a basic online keyboarding program.

The WCSU Digital Learning Plan 2016-2019 (see below) is our latest tech document. The Grade Expectations for Vermont’s Framework of Standards and Learning Opportunities for Information Technology (see below) are also used as a guide for our curriculum. The WCSU Scope and Sequence checklist (see below) helps to guide us as well. The K-6 grade curriculum can easily integrate computer skills into daily lessons. Our Mac mobile lab stays busy every day. Third through sixth graders have 1:1 computing with chromebooks. We also have iPads to share for all levels.

Tech Integration / STEAM Schedule18-19 BA Tues Tech Schedule Updated 2_19

All WCSU students will need to sign an AUP.

These students used the Cricut machine to create an original “flag”.

We use a variety of applications and devices during technology time. Generally, the project will be built from a collaboration between the classroom teacher and the tech teacher.

Computer coding is a part of our studies. In addition to Scratch, we use Spheros (robots) and Lego WeDo building and programming.To find out more about coding with Scratch, go to the Scratch link below, and watch the following video where my students and I are being interviewed about this application.

ScratchVideo(final) from Barnard Academy on Vimeo.

Other applications we often use with computers – The Google Suite of Apps, Pixie paint program, Frames animation program. There are other websites and apps that teachers use in their classrooms.

Here are examples of student-created projects using Scratch.

Below is a small animated movie created on the iPad using the app, ChatterPIX. It is a singing bee. The Honeybee is Barnard’s mascot. These 2 first graders came up with their songs “on the fly”.

Computer Club – under construction

Online Typing Tutors

Scratch

Web Links
Here are some interesting places to go online.

We make graphic stories on StoryBoardThat. Below is an example.

Made with Storyboard That

Presentation applications we can use:

Google Slides, Padlet, HaikuDeck, BookCreator

Photos taken during technology classes – coming soon.

Silver oxide button batteries and lithium coin cells can pose a significant threat to young children, primarily those age 6 and under. If one of these small batteries is ingested, it can begin to do serious damage within two hours. They can burn the esophagus and expose it to bacteria in the GI Tract, which could result in massive infection spreading rapidly throughout the body.

With the increasing number of devices using these batteries, poison centers have seen a rise in ingestion cases over the past few years. In 2012, The National Capital Poison Center reported receiving 3,435 ingestion cases and 2 fatalities, with 66% of them occurring in children under the age of 6.

In our latest Digital Plan we have defined effective technology integration as:

either transforms or redefines an educational activity. If an educational activity can be highly effective without technology, we should not add technology for the sake of adding technology.
fosters higher order thinking where students are applying, analyzing, evaluating, or creating content using technology.
engages students in educational activities in school and allows students to remain engaged outside of school.
provides real world relevance and an opportunity for students to apply their learning to authentic situations.
allows students to extend learning beyond the classroom to connect and collaborate with community members and experts from around the world.
uses appropriate technologies to achieve pedagogical goals (e.g, different teaching approaches, methods of assessment, different learning theories) allowing teachers to act as facilitators in the classroom.
promotes the active use of technology (coding, immersive simulation, media production, interactions with experts, global connections, design, and peer collaboration), rather than passive use (consuming media or completing digitized worksheets).