Technology

The use of computers is an important curricular component throughout the elementary school. Instruction is both formal and informal. Each of the self-contained classrooms has from one to four computers with Internet access and many use Active Boards. Paideia uses a filter to restrict access to certain Internet sites. Many classes make frequent use of the school’s three computer labs located in the high school building, which have 18 computers each, all with Internet access and a library of educational software. Kathy Bailey is the director of technology and she supervises technology and its issues throughout the school.

The primary goal of the elementary school technology curriculum is to ensure that students become comfortable with a wide range of applications and with basic keyboarding skills that they will continue to refine as they progress through the school. Younger elementary students use software to reinforce language arts and math skills and to work on special projects. In addition, upper elementary classes require that some work be produced on a word processor. By junior high this requirement is standard. Four elementary classes are piloting a 1:1 program using netbooks. The scope and sequence for Technology can be viewed within our main Technology section.

The computer labs are open after school until 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Elementary students who want to use the computers after school must check in at Aftercare and get a computer lab pass. When classes are using the lab, individuals may use any stations not occupied. The technology section on the Paideia home page offers a variety of parent resources including suggestions for software, purchasing a home computer, and keyboarding, as well as the guidelines outlined in our Acceptable Use Agreement.