Technology at SJM
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- Category: Technology k-8
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- Written by JWick
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Welcome!
Technology at St. Justin Martyr Parish School is a very interactive course that all students in grades Kindergarten through 8th Grade enjoy. We pride ourselves on adhering not only to diocesan standards and our Schoolwide Learning Expectations, but we also adhere to the standards set forth by the International Society for Technology in Education.
Technology in our world is growing at a rapid pace and, in many cases, the jobs and technology for which we are preparing our students have not yet been invented. Therefore, it is critical that we utilize technology throughout our curriculum and teach our students the most effective methods of using current technologies to help them succeed in their education and, indeed, in their lives.
The following is subject to change, however it serves as a helpful guide to understanding the focus of technology courses within each grade level at St. Justin Martyr Parish School:
Grades K-2 have a heavy focus upon using technology to improve their reading skills. We utilize the Lexia reading program which has been proven by research to help students improve their reading ability and comprehension.
In 3rd grade students begin working on developing formal keyboarding skills. Beginning in 3rd grade and throughout their time at SJM, students will continue to use the Type to Learn 4 program to improve their typing skills. This grade level also begins to work with Openoffice writer (the free equivalent of Microsoft Word) to generate timelines for their history class.
In 4th grade students continue to master their keyboarding skills, however a heavier emphasis upon using openoffice writer and determining reliable websites for research begins. 2011 also marked the first year that both 4th and 5th grade have begun learning introductory computer programming using the free program "Little Wizard"
In 5th grade students have transitioned from 1st floor of SJM to the 2nd floor. They begin their time as middle school students. It is in 5th grade that our students delve heavily into microcomputer applications. Word processing and hotkey commands are heavily reinforced in 5th grade.
6th Grade students focus upon presentation software and further development of their word processing skills. Also, it is in this grade level that all students begin to work with photo editing software to help them master skills that will be beneficial in their schoolwork and beyond.
7th grade students develop knowledge of spreadsheets and continue to master skills taught in 5th and 6th grade. Furthermore, the 7th grade begins working with vector drawing programs to gain an introductory knowledge of graphic design.
8th grade serves as the culmination of all the work students have put forth from kindergarten through 7th grade. The 8th grade students work on developing knowledge of Hypertext Markup Language using only text editors and not relying on WYSIWYG web editors to create their own dynamic websites. Furthermore, 8th grade students gain an introductory knowledge to binary numbers as well as working heavily with all microcomputer application programs to solve real-world graphic design problems utilizing technology.
The majority of all programs used in Technology at SJM are Open Source (which means they are free to download) and I highly encourage all students to download and use these programs at home.
I hope that you enjoy Technology at St. Justin Martyr Parish School. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me.
-Mr. Wick