Lower School
-
Technology in the Lower School is used in support of our curriculum, encouraging students to think critically and communicate clearly. They are taught to understand methods of inquiry, to recognize interconnections of learning, to work independently and in partnerships, and to develop a global perspective. Technology also plays a major role in the exploration of ethics, encouraging students' values of honesty and integrity.
"We believe that when effectively integrated into the curriculum, technology tools can extend learning in powerful ways." Suzanne Hayles, Lower School Computer Coordinator
To meet the wants of the age, Oak Knoll introduces its students to instructional technology in the computer lab beginning in kindergarten. The computer lab has 19 PC student stations and is equipped with scanners, laser and photo printers, visual presenter/document camera, digital cameras and video cameras, SMARTboards, recordable DVD player, and cable TV connection. All Lower School classrooms have SMARTboards and video/DVD players. Many of our subject areas in grades 4 through 6 have laptop carts, and teachers seamlessly integrate technology into their lessons.
In kindergarten through grade 6, learning happens in so many ways. A variety of technology is implemented to support these projects.
- Smartboards, which are standard in all classrooms, are used regularly.
- Videoconferencing provides students with experiences beyond campus. For example, this year our students participated in a virtual field trip to the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center at the Chesapeake Bay
- Students create an Egyptian museum using Hyperstudio, document camera, and pixi turntable. They combine research and technology skills for this virtual museum project.
- Blogging a book discussion or course topic with classmates or with students across the globe is popular.
- Keyboarding is introduced and reinforced through the use of AlphaSmart devices.
- Robotics, Lego Mindstorms, and Scratch are used to learn logical processes.
- ArcGis/ArcView will be used to analyze geographic data and make maps; integrated projects use handheld GPS devices.
Upper School
Students in grades 7 and 8 incorporate technology into their learning in a variety of ways. This provides them with a solid skill set in laptop use, information literacy, research and resources, and multimedia incorporation. Each student in grades 7 and 8 is assigned a laptop, which they may check out from the technology lab during the day. This may be used in classroom work, project development, and in-class research and writing. The computer curriculum for grade 7 introduces the various tools and software for student use and also supporting collaborative projects.
Students entering ninth grade participate in the school laptop program (hyperlink to Laptop Program page). This device, which is used by the students 24/7 throughout the school year, provides access to research materials and tools to support learning. These tools include Microsoft Office, Photoshop elements, Audacity, Flash and Dreamweaver. The ninth grade computer curriculum supports the learning of the device and the software.
Upper School classroom technology includes:
- All classrooms equipped with wireless, mounted projectors. Teachers routinely use this for projecting lesson material, Web site information, and videos to support instruction.
- Digital cameras, video cameras and scanners. Students in grades 8 and 9 use these in their digital media course. The equipment is available both in the Upper School Library and from the technology lab. Because the cameras and scanners are so easily accessible, students use these frequently for project work in other classes.
- Podcasting. The world language department uses podcasting as a vehicle to practice language development. The history department has also uses podcasting to record lectures.
- Document cameras to provide projection of 3D objects, printed materials and even microscope contents.