K-6 Technology Curriculum
OVERVIEW
The Lower School technology curriculum provides students with the skills they need to function effectively in the 21st century. At Dawson, we are interested in developing "digitally nimble" students who are comfortable working in a variety of technology environments and applications. Our approach is to use technology in the context of a larger lesson or project. We believe that technology is best practiced in "Real World" applications, which makes technology lessons more meaningful to students. We teach foundational lessons in keyboarding and business applications, but we also teach leading-edge concepts in 3D printing, coding, and electronics.
KINDERGARTEN
In grades K-1, the Lower School technology program provides basic computer skills and computer navigation instruction. Throughout kindergarten, students learn the basics of maneuvering the computer’s many applications while developing basic motor skills such as mouse control and keyboard usage. The technology program is closely integrated with the curriculum taught in kindergarten. The Lower School Technology and Media Specialists conduct two, 45-minute library/technology classes per week with kindergarten students.
FIRST GRADE
In grades K-1, the Lower School technology program provides basic computer skills and computer navigation instruction. Throughout first grade, students learn the basics of maneuvering the computer’s many applications while developing basic motor skills such as mouse control and keyboard usage. Students’ understanding of and attention to internet navigation increases significantly throughout the school year. The technology program is closely integrated with the curriculum taught in first grade. The Lower School Technology and Media Specialists conduct two, 45-minute library/technology classes per week with first grade students.
SECOND GRADE
In second grade, students build upon the fundamental skills acquired in kindergarten and first grade. Greater emphasis is placed on using technology to enhance academic skills such as research, word processing, and keyboarding. The technology program is closely integrated with the curriculum taught in second grade. By the end of second grade, students will be able to keyboard research reports and have a basic understanding of word processing software such as Microsoft Word. Students will also increase their knowledge of internet safety while relying more heavily on access to online educational programs. The Lower School Technology and Media Specialists conduct one, 90-minute library/technology classes per week with second grade students.
THIRD GRADE
By third grade, students should be able to easily navigate their computer desktops, open applications and websites, and navigate the internet and student-appropriate search engines. Students continue to use technology to enhance academic skills such as research, word processing, and keyboarding. The technology program is closely integrated with the curriculum taught in third grade. During the year, third grade students will rely on technology resources to word process, research, and bolster classroom instruction. Students will build on their knowledge of Microsoft Office software by completing a presentation in PowerPoint. The Lower School Technology and Media Specialists conduct one, 90-minute library/technology classes per week with third grade students.
FOURTH GRADE
By fourth grade, students should be able to easily navigate their computer desktops, open applications and websites, and navigate the internet and various search engines. Students continue to use technology to enhance academic skills such as research, word processing, and keyboarding. The technology program is closely integrated with the curriculum taught in fourth grade. During the year, fourth grade students will rely on technology resources to word process, research, and interact with Web 2.0 technologies. Students will continue to build on their knowledge of Microsoft Office and PowerPoint software by using both to create presentations. The Lower School Technology and Media Specialists conduct one, 90-minute library/technology classes per week with fourth grade students.
The Lower School technology curriculum provides students with the skills they need to function effectively in the 21st century. At Dawson, we are interested in developing "digitally nimble" students who are comfortable working in a variety of technology environments and applications. Our approach is to use technology in the context of a larger lesson or project. We believe that technology is best practiced in "Real World" applications, which makes technology lessons more meaningful to students. We teach foundational lessons in keyboarding and business applications, but we also teach leading-edge concepts in 3D printing, coding, and electronics.
KINDERGARTEN
In grades K-1, the Lower School technology program provides basic computer skills and computer navigation instruction. Throughout kindergarten, students learn the basics of maneuvering the computer’s many applications while developing basic motor skills such as mouse control and keyboard usage. The technology program is closely integrated with the curriculum taught in kindergarten. The Lower School Technology and Media Specialists conduct two, 45-minute library/technology classes per week with kindergarten students.
FIRST GRADE
In grades K-1, the Lower School technology program provides basic computer skills and computer navigation instruction. Throughout first grade, students learn the basics of maneuvering the computer’s many applications while developing basic motor skills such as mouse control and keyboard usage. Students’ understanding of and attention to internet navigation increases significantly throughout the school year. The technology program is closely integrated with the curriculum taught in first grade. The Lower School Technology and Media Specialists conduct two, 45-minute library/technology classes per week with first grade students.
SECOND GRADE
In second grade, students build upon the fundamental skills acquired in kindergarten and first grade. Greater emphasis is placed on using technology to enhance academic skills such as research, word processing, and keyboarding. The technology program is closely integrated with the curriculum taught in second grade. By the end of second grade, students will be able to keyboard research reports and have a basic understanding of word processing software such as Microsoft Word. Students will also increase their knowledge of internet safety while relying more heavily on access to online educational programs. The Lower School Technology and Media Specialists conduct one, 90-minute library/technology classes per week with second grade students.
THIRD GRADE
By third grade, students should be able to easily navigate their computer desktops, open applications and websites, and navigate the internet and student-appropriate search engines. Students continue to use technology to enhance academic skills such as research, word processing, and keyboarding. The technology program is closely integrated with the curriculum taught in third grade. During the year, third grade students will rely on technology resources to word process, research, and bolster classroom instruction. Students will build on their knowledge of Microsoft Office software by completing a presentation in PowerPoint. The Lower School Technology and Media Specialists conduct one, 90-minute library/technology classes per week with third grade students.
FOURTH GRADE
By fourth grade, students should be able to easily navigate their computer desktops, open applications and websites, and navigate the internet and various search engines. Students continue to use technology to enhance academic skills such as research, word processing, and keyboarding. The technology program is closely integrated with the curriculum taught in fourth grade. During the year, fourth grade students will rely on technology resources to word process, research, and interact with Web 2.0 technologies. Students will continue to build on their knowledge of Microsoft Office and PowerPoint software by using both to create presentations. The Lower School Technology and Media Specialists conduct one, 90-minute library/technology classes per week with fourth grade students.