Technology

The computer Education Program of St. Ursula Villa School is designed to foster interest, develop skills, provoke imagination and provide basic understanding of the computer as an educational tool in all subject areas. Students should develop a thorough understanding of the impact that computers will have on their person, education, and professional growth.

I. Integrating Technology in the Curriculum

• Technology is a tool used to accomplish curricular and productivity goals.
• The teaching of computer and othe technology skills are integrated into curriculum-related activities and not a curriculum of its own.
• For optimal integration of technology into the curriculum, the technology Coordinator works very closely with the classroom teacher.
• Teachers accompany their students to the lab and assist with the instruction delivered there.
• Classrooms teachers are responsible for technology instruction that takes place in their classrooms.
• Two wireless laptop carts are provided for Jr. High classrooms.
• Wireless laptop cart is provided for Intermediate classrooms (4th-5th)
• Primary has a Neo Cart with thirty lap top word processors
• Classrooms are provided with at least 2 computers for teacher/student use.
• Teachers 4th-8th and specialty areas are provided with lap top computers.
• Library has six computer stations for research.
• Music Room has eight computers for students to compose.
• Four rooms in the school are set up with overhead projectors and large screens for use by any class.
• All classrooms have connection to color laser printers.
• All classrooms have access to digital cameras.
• All classrooms have access to video cameras.
• All classrooms are connected to large TV monitor screens connected to the computer in the class with DVD/VCR capabilities.

II. Technology Assessment

• Students' technology skills are developed to accomplish curricular tasks. Competency is assessed in relation to those tasks.
• Technology assessment is based solely on technical knowledge or skills and on behavior in the computer class.
• The assessment process is also integrated into the particular subject areas in which the technology is being applied.

III. Technology Policies.

• School administration supports and maintains policies to ensure the proper use of technology equipment and resources in the classrooms and computer labs
• Consequences for inappropriate behavior, theft, or damage are clearly understood, including responsibility for replacement, or for repair of damages
• Each student and parent must sign the Archdiocesan Internet Acceptable Use Policy each year and are kept on file for a year.

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Early Childhood (Kindergarten)

The competencies are to be mastered by the completion of Kindergarten. Students are to be taught within the context of curriculum-related activities.

Computer Operations
The student will:

• Locate the power button.
• Identify basic parts of the computer (CPU, monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, CD/DVD drives, microphone, headset, etc.).
• Use input devices (mouse, keyboard, etc.) and output devices (monitor, printer, etc.) .
• Use basic vocabulary related to computer operation (cursor, menu bar, desktop, etc.).
• Demonstrate the proper use, care, and cleaning of hardware and software resources.

Productivity

• Be aware of/understand that technology is a tool for learning.
• Use grade level programs for learning in a variety of subjects.
• Identify and use a toolbar.
• Create a graphic using a paint or draw program

Communication, Research and Thinking Skills

• Have an understanding of the internet.

Keyboarding

• Begin to locate letters and numbers on the keyboard with teacher assistance.
• Learn main operating keys (space bar, enter, backspace, escape, etc.).

Social Ethical Legal

• Practice responsible use and care of computer equipment and software.
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with others on technology projects.
• Be respectful of others when using and sharing equipment and resources.
• Understand and observe the Internet Acceptable Use Policy. (Teachers assistance is necessary at this level.)
• Practice Christian values in working collaboratively with technology in the classroom.

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Primary (Grades 1-3)

These competencies are to be mastered by the completion of Grade 3. Students are to be taught within the context of curriculum-related activities.

Computer Operations
The student will:

• Locate the power button.
• Identify basic parts of the computer (CPU, monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, CD/DVD drives, microphone, headset, etc.).
• Use input devices (mouse, keyboard, etc.) and output devices (monitor, printer, etc.) .
• Use basic vocabulary related to computer operation (cursor, menu bar, desktop, etc.).
• Demonstrate the proper use, care, and cleaning of hardware and software resources.
• Be able to enter required passwords or user identification, if necessary.

Productivity

• Be aware of/understand that technology is a tool for learning.
• Launch programs from the desktop
• Create a graphic using a paint or draw program
• Produce short documents with teacher assistance using a word processing program;
• Use menus to open, close, and save files
• Change font and size, color; apply Spell-check.
• Compose, edit, revise, and print documents using a word processing program
• Integrate graphics into a word processing document.(3)
• Close an application, save to server and return to the desktop.
• Have a basic understanding of a computer network
• Use a simple spreadsheet.(3)
• Use of Neo (laptop word processor)

Communication, Research and Thinking Skills

• Have an understanding of E-mail.
• Have an understanding of the Internet.
• Use Bookmarks or Favorites to access a teacher-selected Web addres.(2,3)
• Use the Internet for basic teacher directed curriculum-related research.
• Begin using technology resources for simple tasks.
• Adhere to the Internet Acceptable Use Policy in the use of E-mail.
• Use electronic encyclopedias and other reference resources.(3)
• Access supplied Web addresses.
• Navigate Web sites.
• Use the Internet for curriculum-related research.
• Use technology resources in problem-solving and decision-making activities.

Keyboarding

• Begin to locate letters and numbers on the keyboard with teacher assistance.
• Begin demonstrating home row finger positioning
• Learn main operating keys (space bar, enter, backspace, escape, etc.).

Social Ethical Legal

• Practice responsible use and care of computer equipment and software
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with others on technology projects
• Be respectful of others when using and sharing equipment and resources.
• Understand and observe the Internet Acceptable Use Policy. (Teacher assistance is necessary at this level.)
• Practice Christian values in working collaboratively with technology in the classroom.

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Intermediate (Grades 4 - 6)

These competencies are to be mastered by the completion of Grade 6. Students are to be taught within the context of curriculum-related activities.

Computer Operations
The student will:

• Recognize and report basic technology and network problems, error messages.
• Define, understand, and be able to discuss computer and technology-related terms.

Productivity

• Format a document including fonts, tabs, headers, etc.
• Continue integrating graphics into word processing documents.
• Expand use of spreadsheet applications
• Choose the appropriate productivity tool to accomplish a project.
• Learn basic file management and file sharing techniques
• Create a multimedia presentation using audio, and graphics.

Communication, Research and Thinking Skills

• Adhere to the Internet Acceptable Use Policy in the use of E- mail.
• Use electronic encyclopedias and other reference resources.
• Access supplied Web addresses.
• Navigate Web sites.
• Use research tools including electronic encyclopedias, on- line databases, periodical indexes, etc. to retrieve information.
• Conduct an Internet search on a supplied topic. Learn search techniques.
• Develop research strategies for a curriculum- related project.
• Use technology resources to accomplish a variety of tasks and solve problems.

Keyboarding

• Use correct finger positioning on the keyboard. Use correct posture.
• Emphasize accuracy, correct fingering and posture rather than number of words per minute(4)
• Achieve speed of 10-15 words per minute with reasonable accuracy (90%)

Social Ethical Legal

• Observe lab/classroom technology rules and policies.
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with others on technology projects
• Be respectful of others when using and sharing equipment and resources.
• Respect privacy and security of others' work.
• Understand the concept of intellectual propert; define and discuss consequences of plagiarism; observe copyright laws.
• Understand and observe the Internet Acceptable Use Policy.
• Practice Christian values in working collaboratively with technology in the classroom.

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Junior High (Grades 7 - 8)

These competencies are to be mastered by the completion of Grade 8. Students are to be taught within the context of curriculum-related activities.

Computer Operations
The student will:

• Know the difference between a stand-alone and a network computer.
• Use computer and network effectively
• Be aware how peripherals are connected.

Productivity

• Format a document to a particular set of instructions.
• Integrate word processing documents with graphics and spreadsheets.
• Develop an appropriate management system for organizing and storing data
• Expand use of word processing and spreadsheet applications
• Use presentation hardware and software effectively (LCD projector, laptop, interactive board).
• Produce an advanced multimedia presentation demonstrating successful integration of technology skills
• Develop an understanding of advanced productivity capabilities with use of computer programs such as Microsoft Outlook, WORD, Access, or AppleWorks templates.

Communication, Research and Thinking Skills

• Adhere to the Internet Acceptable Use Policy in the use of E- mail.
• Be able to choose the appropriate research tools for specific projects.
• Develop search skills using the Internet search engines, subject guides, directories.
• Become proficient at defining a research strategy and conducting a research project.
• Be able to evaluate Web sites for authenticity and accuracy
• Demonstrate proper citation for electronic resources.
• Create simple Web documents. Insert hyperlinks.
• Use technology resources to identify common world problems and find solutions

Keyboarding

• Use correct finger positioning on the keyboard. Use correct posture.
• Achieve speed of 20-25 words per minute with reasonable accuracy (90%)

Social Ethical Legal

• Honor lab/classroom technology rules and policies.
• Demonstrate appropriate care and stewardship for technology resources.
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with others on technology projects
• Be respectful of others when using and sharing equipment and resources.
• Understand and observe the Internet Acceptable Use Policy.
• Respect privacy and security of others' work; define "fair use" of digital resources.
• Understand and observe copyright laws
• Understand the meaning and social/legal consequences of security threats such as hacking, viruses and spam
• Practice Christian values in working collaboratively with technology in the classroom.

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