Technology

The tech lab is for all students Pre-K through 8^th grade to learn the technology curriculum standards of the Archdiocese. Some parents ask, “What could Pre-K possibly do with a computer?” These very young children pick up on how to use a PC very quickly! At first, they tap the monitor like it’s an iPad, but soon, they’re able to navigate via different browsers to their favorite games. They even try out MS Word, learn about computer parts through song, and they learn mouse control through videos and play. Kindergarten to 1^st grade use Word and Paint to master many Microsoft tools. They (along with all grades) hear about internet safety. 2^nd grade loves playing ABCYA.com and learning the keyboard on TypingClub.com, but they do many other high-level things like researching on the web and creating their own webpage (yes, I said they create their own webpage in 2^nd grade). For this, they use DiscoveryEducation.com. 3^rd to 5^th grade delve deeper into Microsoft programs because by this point they’re writing skills allow them to be able to make cards, type letters, and even create their own columned newspaper articles.

Coding games online are also good options for this age group. 5^th-8^th grade does block coding games and learn binary coding. They have a pretty big assignment every year; an MLA paper. Part of the curriculum standards mandates that this grade learns how to do many formatting functions as well as be able to cite sources, so this MLA paper assignment is far from just an ELA assignment as it’s heavy in formatting, layout, keyboarding, and citations. Typing papers is a skill that every student needs and am so happy that it fits into the technology curriculum. These older grades grow to be proficient in MS programs, the Google Suite, and they also make their own websites (in a more advanced way then the 2^nd grade does). From podcasts, video screen shots and sound editing, to spreadsheets and keyboarding, I’m positive that what these kids are learning will be what they can use in any high school, any college, and any career. The last thing I’d like to mention is that I’m constantly changing and adding lessons because technology is constantly changing. There’s not one year where I recycle all of the same lessons. In technology, I believe new lessons should be made frequently to keep up. Thanks so much for reading about just some of the things we have to offer in OLG’s technology program.
 
Sincerely,
Mrs. McGoldrick, Teacher of Tech and STREAM.