Teacher: Carole Koch

 

 

Welcome back SMS students! It is my pleasure to be the technology teacher for all students from PreK-4 through 8th grade. We have some exciting things to explore this year.

We are so happy to have Mr. Jackson as our new, dynamic principal and are thankful for his successful efforts in bringing the technology lab into the 21st century. Our newly configured technology lab is spacious with 30 PC stations and a new SmartBoard. Laptops are also available for use within the lab or in the classroom where teachers can readily design and implement learning experiences that empower students. The addition of IPad 2s for use by individual students will expand the horizons of our students in ways we hadn’t imagined. We will utilize available APPs to integrate technology across the curriculum and support our learning environment.

Technology classes in early childhood offer the opportunity for students to practice basic skills learned in the classroom in conjunction with the introduction and development of basic computer skills. Computer skills are expanded in the upper grades and reinforced while focusing on more specific curriculum related projects.

We use academic and keyboarding software. Software applications taught include Microsoft Word (word processing), Microsoft Excel (spreadsheet development/graphs), and Microsoft PowerPoint (presentation materials/graphics). Students are taught in a progressive manner as they build from one level to the next to expand upon skills learned and to provide challenging opportunities to enhance their knowledge. We also utilize Kidspiration and KidPix in the lower grades and Inspiration in the upper grades. SmartBoard software will be installed on each PC to enable students to carry lessons taught as a class to individualized follow-up exercises at their own computer stations. This collection of up-to-date software and the availability of the Internet keep our students current and eager to expand their knowledge.

This year we will take advantage of Skype and travel to different places without leaving Netcong and our safe school setting. More to come on this topic.

Technology is booming at St. Michael’s. The momentum is contagious. You can’t walk into our new computer lab without feeling a desire to learn and stretch our horizons to new levels.