Technology

Technology is a powerful tool in the service of learning. For researching, for organizing data, for communication, for presentations-- devices of various kinds are indispensable.

Technology in the form of laptop computers, tablets, and projectors is available to teachers across grades and curricula. However, there is no gratuitous use of technology. Students are no sooner engaged in electronic activities without a meaningful purpose than they would be assigned busy work.

At Friends School Haverford every tool and activity is calibrated to support the construction of intellectual frameworks for understanding the world in which we live. 

Nursery School through Pre-Kindergarten

The role of technology in the classrooms of the youngest students at our school is limited and only used in intentional ways. Priority is given to actual (as opposed to virtual) engagement in outdoor exploration, imaginary play in the dress up corner, investigations at the science station and the like.

Kindergarten through Fifth Grade

In the elementary grades there is an increased use of technology. In Kindergarten, students occasionally use laptops with close teacher support. These introductory experiences allow them to see computers as tools that are meant to supplement and enhance their learning, not replace it.  By fourth and fifth grade, students are beginning to use the laptops more independently at various times of the school day to do research, develop written pieces and presentations to share their learning, compose music, or to develop an art portfolio.