New Technology Standards at St. Martin’s

 
 

The use of computers in the classroom can extend and enrich students' learning in important ways. The computer is just one tool teachers can use to help their students become active and engaged learners.  Yet we know computers have the unique ability to foster creative and active learning in ways not possible before; therefore, here at St. Martin’s students are encouraged to use computers for a variety of purposes and learning tasks. For example, students can peruse the World Wide Web to learn about literature and social studies. They can use computer programs to compile, organize, store and analyze data for math and science. They can also find websites to help them learn basic math and reading skills in grades as early as kindergarten. Students write reports using word-processing and spreadsheets in which they present their findings. Most of us would agree the best learning takes place across the curriculum. This is particularly true when we speak of writing and math. This is also true when we speak of computer literacy and mastery.

Our Over All Philosophy

There are no California State Standards on how computers should be used and taught in the classroom. Schools have now begun to develop their own standards in order to formalize computer education.


Schools have typically organized their computer education programs in one of two different ways.

1. A teacher is dedicated to teaching computers to all grades usually in a computer lab. Students arrive to the computer lab and are given tasks to perform that focus on building skills using software. Many schools have begun to move away from this approach as research continues to suggest a more integrated program works best when promoting authentic learning.


  1. 2.Teachers in every subject use computers in accordance with their own subject area and grade level standards incorporating technology into all aspects of learning like all other learning tools.


At St. Martin's, we follow the second (and more challenging) approach  as we integrate technology into our curriculum. When teachers utilize  computers to enhance the academic program, students increase their  level of technological mastery and are more excited about the subject  matter. This is a win-win. Our hope is that our graduates will see  computers as one more tool that can boost  their learning and  increase their self-expression.


The Process of Standardization

One aspect of the job of the Director of Technology is to help teachers in creating lessons that utilize the technological resources we have here a St. Martin’s. This is accomplished through training and workshops as well as one-on-one consultation with teachers. As teachers become more comfortable with the software and technology, they will integrate it more and more into their classrooms. To provide direction, we established the following guidelines for each grade level.


The Role of the Director of Technology