Technology in Lower School

The Shipley Lower School technology program is fully integrated into the classroom with technology learning embedded in language arts, math, science, social studies, Spanish, and music content. Children learn through doing as new programs, technologies, and apps are introduced through specific curriculum units. Once introduced, these become part of an ever-expanding technology toolbox that teachers and children draw upon to enhance learning and demonstrate understanding. This approach offers opportunities for children to explore and develop competency with a variety of programs, technologies and apps. Our technology teacher acts as a facilitator, working in the classroom alongside and in collaboration with teachers. Situated in classrooms, the technology teacher is able to more effectively support students, combining whole group lessons with individualized instruction. At Shipley, MacBook laptops and iPads are used along with compatible technologies such as projectors and whiteboards, digital and document cameras, while we continually review software, upgrade hardware, and adapt new technologies. Digital Citizenship and Internet Safety are an integral component of the technology program in the Lower School beginning in Pre-K and continuing through fifth grade. Topics discussed include keeping personal information private, cyber-bullying, being kind online and net etiquette, and being a responsible digital citizen. For more detailed information and to see what’s currently happening in the Lower School check out the http://lower-school-learning.wikispaces.com/

In Pre-K through first grade, children use iPads, learning their terminology, care, and navigation, as they are introduced to a variety of apps for practicing skills in language arts and math. Children use apps to record themselves reading books as a way of practicing their fluency, expression, and pace. Digital storytelling apps such as Pixie are also used for children to create stories and to narrate presentations. As they develop competency, children are given free access to the iPads to use to record and share ideas, and to document their learning,

In second through fifth grade, children use MacBook laptops to develop and practice keyboarding skills, explore multimedia sites to demonstrate and share their learning, integrate graphic organizing applications to enhance their writing and presentations, and access various educational websites for practicing, enriching and extending learning in Math, Social Studies, Science and Language Arts. In third grade, children begin to use the Google Apps for Education’s word processing suite for writing, storing their work and files on the Shipley Drive, allowing them access to their work from anywhere as well as the ability to share and collaborate with peers and teachers. In fourth and fifth grade, children are assigned individual MacBook’s for use in the classroom as well as in special subject areas including Art, Science, and Spanish. ShipleyNet is introduced as a password-protected social learning network for children to access from anywhere classroom information including assignments. Children communicate with teachers through teachers using their Shipley email account. Children also begin coding in fourth grade using various software programs that develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills. The fourth and fifth-grade technology program, in particular, is designed to lead into the one-to-one laptop program in the Middle and Upper Schools.