Technology
Friends School Haverford aims to develop a technology curriculum that builds a comprehensive set of computing skills cumulatively over all grade levels. The curriculum prepares students to use technology effectively as a tool for gathering and presenting information. Friends School Haverford endeavors to use technology to empower all students.
The school is committed to using software that encourages student creativity and problem-solving. These titles include Kidspiration, Scratch, Inspiration, iMovie, Zoombinis, and Microsoft Office, which includes Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Students learn proficiency within a particular program, and then learn to apply those skills to theme-based classroom projects. Type to Learn is used regularly to develop students’ touch-typing skills. The curriculum not only stresses how to use technology, but also how the technology itself works. The curriculum introduces the workings of computer hardware as well as peripherals such as printers, drives and imaging devices.
In support of using technology as a learning tool, the curriculum develops skills in the following areas:
- Word Processing and Touch Typing
- Spreadsheets and Graphing
- Presentation, Audio (podcasting) and Video Production
- Use of Peripherals such as Digital Cameras and Printers
- Using Google Docs to create and share student work
- Internet Research and Information Management
Because of the scope of its application, presentation software requires a tiered approach, beginning with Kidspiration/Inspiration and moving to Microsoft PowerPoint. Inspiration, a tool for organizing ideas and information, supports projects in all of these areas. Students learn how to conduct research using the Inernet. This is an essential skill that is applicable across many areas of the curriculum. The School also recognizes the value of play in the learning process and offers several educational software titles for the classrooms such as Spelling Blaster.
Key to the success of the curriculum is classroom integration. This goal is attained through availability of laptop program and Team Room technology resources. Both desktop and laptop computers are available for use in Science, Writing Workshops, Language Arts, Math, and Social Studies. Students have access to technology, such as computers, projectors, SmartBoards, cameras, and video equipment throughout the day in the classroom environment.
Technology Curriculum (WORD Document)