The St. Alfred School faculty uses various forms of technology in the classroom and computer lab to augment, strengthen and support the core curriculum content whenever appropriate. The technology used supports the Michigan Department of Education Grade Level Content Expectations for Educational Technology Standards and Expectations. Classroom / Lab use of technology allows for the following:
TECHNOLOGY CURRICULUM GOALS BY GRADE LEVELS
PRIMARY: Kindergarten – Second Grade
These goals correlate with the Michigan Educational Technology Standards (METS) for early elementary level students.
By the end of second grade students will:
- Students know how to use basic computer operating systems
§ Students will know the hardware of a computer operating system. They are able to recognize and
label parts and the function of each.
§ Students recognize the rules governing the use of the computer.
§ Students are able to identify the uses of technology in modern life.
- Students are proficient in the use of age-appropriate technology
§ Students utilize software and online resources to explore and gather information.
§ Students publish work using software programs, including Microsoft Office Word, Publisher, Paint,
Kid Pix, and Kidspiration.
§ Students recognize both Menu and Tool bars and can complete basic commands, such as open,
save, exit, print, etc.
3.
Students understand various uses of technology
§ Students realize the importance of following the computer user guidelines.
§ Students are aware of the safety issues surrounding the use of the Internet.
§ Students understand how technology is used in school.
§ Students recognize uses for technology in the outside world, including occupations where technology is utilized.
§ Students use technology as tool for productivity
§ Students use drawing software, such as KidPix and Paint, to illustrate ideas.
§ Students use processing programs such as Word and Publisher to create finished documents.
§ Students understand the differences between programs and are able to select the appropriate program for the task at hand.
§ Students are able to work cooperatively when using technology tools.
4. Students will aptly use the Internet for research and activities
§ Students are able to recognize the web browser and use it to access the Internet.
§ Students are able to locate resources on the web using effective search engines.
§ Students use both the address bar and the search tool bar to reach locations
5. Students will have experience using a variety of technology.
§ Students use the Internet for research and exploration.
§ Students use CD ROMS and software programs.
§ Students use a variety of hardware to aide in the learning experience. These include televisions equipped with scan converters, digital projectors, digital cameras, laser jet printers, and personal computers.
TECHNOLOGY CURRICULUM GOALS BY GRADE LEVELS
UPPER ELEMENTARY: Grade 3 – Grade 5
These goals correlate with the Michigan Educational Technology Standards (METS) for upper elementary level students.
By the end of fifth grade students will:
- Students have experience using basic computer operating systems.
§ Students are proficient in identifying the hardware components of a computer operating system.
§ Students have experience utilizing a variety of software resources.
- Students are able to utilize age-appropriate technology.
§ Students recognize and distinguish between basic input/output devices.
§ Students know proper keyboarding techniques.
§ Students recognize the importance of maintaining and caring for operating systems.
§ Students are able to save, open, and access files from a variety of storage media, such as floppy
disks, CD RWs, shared folders, and flash drives.
§ Students are well versed in different software programs and are able to infer which software is
needed to complete any given task.
§ Students are able to successfully research on the Internet and have acquired skills necessary to
distinguish credible sources and participate in refined searches.
§ Students use the computer as a key component in the writing process. Students publish, edit,
and research using technological tools.
- Students understand the various uses of technology.
§ Students recognize the impact technology has made on everyday life.
§ Students examine occupations related to the field of technology.
§ Students recognize the importance of adhering to an acceptable user policy.
§ Students discuss social issues associated with technology.
§ Students recognize the importance of following safety guideline when accessing the Internet.
§ Students recognize the need for security applications
§ Students are able to distinguish between credible and non-credible websites when exploring on
the web.
§ Students are always required to site sources for research completed on the Internet.
- Students will use technology as a productivity tool.
§ Students will know how to use the menu applications, focusing specifically on the Microsoft Office
Suite.
§ Students create presentations using the PowerPoint program in Microsoft Office to communicate
information and ideas to peers.
§ Students use illustration software, such as KidPix and Paint.
§ Students use word processing and publishing programs to create finished documents.
§ Students will use a variety of formats to communicate ideas (e.g. newspapers, brochures, menus,
posters, etc.)
§ Students are able to work cooperatively while using technology.
§ Students are able to import objects, such as images, into word processing documents and
presentations.
§ Students are able to utilize digital cameras as a means capturing and incorporating photographs.
- Students use the Internet for a means of research and communication.
§ Students use Web search engines, focusing specifically on advanced searches, to locate
resources available on the Internet.
§ Students are able to check, compose, and send email messages.
§ Students are able to attach documents and files to email messages.
§ Students are able to evaluate websites to search for the validity of the information contained.
6.
Students have experience using a variety of technology.
§ Students use a variety of hardware to aide in the learning experience. These include televisions
equipped with scan converters, digital projectors, digital cameras, laser jet printers, and personal
computers.
§ Students utilize digital cameras to capture images.
§ Students alter digital photographs using photo editing software.
§ Students create finished documents in a variety of layouts using publishing programs.
§ Students use word processing software to create, edit, and publish documents.
§ Students use math-based programs (e.g. Excel) to complete computations, make spreadsheets,
and complete graphs.
§ Students experience setting up and using a digital projector to display computer images.
TECHNOLOGY CURRICULUM GOALS BY GRADE LEVELS
INTERMEDIATE: Grade 6 – Grade 8
These goals correlate with the Michigan Educational Technology Standards (METS) for intermediate level students.
By the end of eighth grade students will:
1. Students have experience using basic computer operating systems.
§ Students are proficient in identifying the hardware components of a computer operating system,
and can explain how the parts work together.
§ Students use appropriate technology terminology.
§ Students recognize common hardware and software issues and can identify strategies for
trouble-shooting.
§ Students evaluate new technology tools and resources and determine the most appropriate tool
for a specific task.
§ Students recognize the meaning of technical specifications they might use to compare different
computer systems, and make decision about what is required for certain computer operations.
§ Students recognize the importance of back up storage.
§ Students explore the anatomy of the school computer network, and the relationship between
workstations and the server.
- Students are able to utilize age-appropriate technology.
§ Students demonstrate proper keyboarding techniques consistently.
§ Students understand how to maintain and upgrade computer operating systems.
§ Students demonstrate understanding of simple hardware upgrades, such as adding RAM.
§ Students use a variety of storage media, such as floppy disks, CD RWs, shared folders, and flash
drives.
§ Students select which means of file storage are appropriate for specific tasks.
§ Students practice Internet research and demonstrate ability to distinguish credible sources and
participate in refined searches.
§ Students apply technology skills to assignments for other subject areas, including problem-
solving, research and writing projects.
§ Students understand the importance of, and demonstrate proper file naming protocol, and file
management.
Students understand the various uses of technology.
§ Students recognize the impact technology has made on everyday life.
§ Students demonstrate basic understanding of the history of technological development.
§ Students discuss the possible societal impact of technology in the future.
§ Students examine applications of technology in future careers, and personal pursuits.
§ Students participate in the development of an acceptable user policy.
§ Students discuss issues related to acceptable and responsible use of technology (e.g., privacy, security, copyright, plagiarism, spam, viruses, file-sharing) and possible consequences of unethical use.
§ Students recognize the need for security applications and how to customize these applications.
§ Students provide accurate and properly formatted citations when referencing information from outside sources in electronic reports.
§ Students discuss legal matters and the changing laws regarding the internet.
- Students will use technology as a productivity tool.
§ Students know how to use the menu applications in Microsoft Office Suite, many graphics programs, video editing programs, as well as other applications.
§ Students recognize the importance of following safety guideline when accessing the Internet.
§ Students create presentations using the PowerPoint program in Microsoft Office to communicate information and ideas to peers.
§ Students use illustration software, such as KidPix, Paint, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
§ Students apply knowledge of word processing and publishing programs to create finished documents using content from the core curriculum.
§ Students utilize technology as a means of simplifying collaborative projects.
§ Students apply technology knowledge to the creation of large scale collaborative projects, such as the school yearbook.
§ Students examine the limitations of technology in assisting them with specific tasks.
§ Students explore methods of designing, creating and publishing web pages.
- Students use the Internet for a means of research and communication.
§ Students use Web search engines, focusing specifically on advanced searches, to locate appropriate and credible resources available on the Internet.
§ Students understand how to use a variety of telecommunication tools such as e-mail, chat rooms, IM, blogs.
§ Students recognize the potential risks and dangers associated with on-line communication.
§ Students identify types of internet sites base on their domain names (e.g., edu, com, org, gov, au) and evaluate sites the validity of the information contained.
§ Students create projects using a variety of media and formats to present content information to an audience using digital projectors.
- Students have experience using a variety of technology.
§ Students use a variety of hardware to aide in the learning experience. These include televisions equipped with scan converters, digital projectors, digital cameras, laser jet printers, personal computers, headphones, and scanners.
§ Students demonstrate use of advanced digital camera functions.
§ Students alter digital photographs using photo editing software, and export fields to enhance projects created in a variety of programs.
§ Students create movies using video clips shot with digital camera and placed into Moviemaker software.
§ Students use digital photography to experiment with stop motion animation techniques.
§ Students create finished documents in a variety of layouts using publishing programs, word processing, and graphics programs.
§ Students utilize scanning technology to convert hardcopy materials into digital materials for editing or insertion into digital projects.
§ Students discuss use of emerging technology available for personal use, such as mp3 players, cell phones, gaming systems, and pocket PCs.
§ Students examine the differences between PCs, MACS, and other computing platforms.
Strategies/Action Plan
Strategies:
- Make available to students the opportunity to generate oral and written presentations using supporting software
- Develop higher-order thinking skills in mathematics
- Develop a school-wide newspaper
- Give students the opportunities to use digital video equipment and computer media technology across the curriculum
- Using the tools of technology, students will be given the opportunity to analyze data.
- Use technology to provide classroom support in the various curriculum areas to enhance and advance student learning
Action Plan:
- Teachers will develop lesson plans that incorporate student presentations that demonstrated higher order thinking skills.
- Acquire additional educational software for student use in the classroom and computer lab to enhance all curriculum areas.
- augment our existing network to create a wireless network that would provide each classroom access to the world wide web
- use Title money to continue purchasing software products in the areas of math and writing
- Instruct students in the use of digital cameras and video cameras for the purpose of documenting and presenting presentation in the various curriculum areas
- Use software programs and spreadsheets to support student achievement and higher order thinking skills
Student Achievement: Section 5
St. Alfred School uses the IOWA Test of Basic Skills to follow student achievement performance and growth over a period of time for students in grades 1, 3, 5, and 7. We also use the MEAP test for students in grades 7 and 8. With the information we receive, we are able to look at groups of students as well as individual students. This data, provided online for our school, is then used to implement critical changes and improvements in our school curriculum and classroom instruction.
We have the Curriculum Designer software program available for our use to establish objectives for all major curriculum areas. This allows us to match curriculum objectives with the tested objectives on the ITBS and the MEAP. We are just starting to enter data from this program. Over the next 3 years, our goal is to complete all data entry for all major curriculum fields: Math, Science, Language Arts, Religion, and Social Studies. This will allow us to align our curriculum and testing programs.
Timeline
The implementation of this Technology Plan becomes effective immediately. Over the next 3 years we plan to incorporate into each major curriculum area, the content standards for each grade level as measured by student achievement of the related performance benchmarks.
Technology Delivery: Section 6
St. Alfred Catholic School will:
- Expand our awareness of resources that provide technology information in order to develop, understand, and utilize technology across all curriculum areas.
- Align the technology curriculum with national and METS standards
- Align our technology goals and strategies with the METS
- Students will master the curriculum objectives outlined for specific grade levels
- Continue to make use of resources that give direction and information for staff development, methods for both learning and teaching technology as well as applying curriculum objectives through technology
The faculty at St. Alfred School will continue to participate in professional development and technology training in order to continue developing educational techniques and strategies that incorporate technology in the classroom.
Parental Communications and Community Relations: Section 7
Several teachers on staff use websites and electronic mail to communicate classroom happenings with parents and guardians. A proposal has been written to utilize available funds to attain teacher computers in each classroom with an active Internet connection. Wireless routers have been installed in St. Alfred School allowing teachers to bring in laptops from home or use the notebook assigned to the computer lab to attain Internet connections. Once attained, the goal of St. Alfred School is to establish an inner-school electronic mail communication system.
The St. Alfred school website will be updated and properly maintained. The information will be up-to-date and the interface redesigned. Parents guardians, and those interested in St. Alfred School will be able to easily access current information on this site.
Other strategies used to promote parent involvement in the school include:
- “Meet the Teacher Night” (Open House) for new and returning students and families
- Monthly calendars and newsletters are sent home
- Parent/Teacher Conferences
- Volunteer opportunities for field trips, lunch supervision, library, yearbook, school auction
- Open Houses for registration and marketing purposes
- Parish activities open to parents
- Sacramental preparation and celebration within the parish and school community
Collaboration: Section 8
St. Alfred Catholic School is a parish school so presently we have very minimal contact with adult literacy service providers. However, we presently utilize parent helpers in the computer classroom as needed.
We would be open to collaborating with local colleges, drawing on the use of their education students who need practice hours or pre-student teaching experiences in technology or computer literacy programs, and matching them to the computer classroom or our ESL students who can benefit from computer resources as part of their language development.
II: Professional Development
Professional Development: Section 9
St. Alfred School is committed to providing effective professional development to all staff concerning technological training and skills. Classes and seminars will be provided both on site and elsewhere. Instructional staff is allotted funds to attend conferences, seminars and workshops for professional growth. Training may include, but is not limited to, the following technological areas:
v Word Processing
v Media Presentations
v Internet resources
v Digital Photography/Videography
v Website creation
v Instructional software
v Curriculum Designer
v Hardware and related equipment
v Electronic mail
v Storage devices
v Networking
St. Alfred School will stay up to date with state and national standards and utilize these standards when addressing the technological expertise of faculty/staff members. These standards are currently available on-line at
http://techplan.org.
Timeline
The Technology Plan becomes effective immediately. As new technologies emerge and are implemented by St. Alfred School, the faculty and staff will be trained in the use of these new technologies. It is the goal of St. Alfred School to continue collaborating with the Office for Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Detroit, the Wayne County Intermediate School District, Wayne RESA, colleges and universities, businesses, and other global resources to access, develop and utilize specific training opportunities for the faculty/staff, focusing on the integration of new technologies in the classroom.
Supporting Resources: Section 10
Resources will include local funding, title monies, and grant money to purchase software that will support the school’s technology curriculum. A consulting company is employed to assist the faculty/staff with technical support for hardware and software. The school will also utilize educational services to provide quality instruction and integration of technology into the daily curriculum. The principal, along with the computer teachers, maintains a list of all available resources, software, hardware, manuals and printed materials available at the school and through other agencies such as Wayne RESA, REMC discount pricing, AOD shared resources and the local ISD.
