Academics

Technology

Technology and 21st Century Skills are a vital part of our daily lives. At Deerfield-Windsor School, we are committed to preparing our students to utilize technology in meaningful, effective and ethical ways.

Our goal is to integrate technology instruction into our curriculum to enhance learning and improve skills. Students are empowered to seek out new challenges and be an active participant in their own education.

In addition to numerous classroom computers found throughout the Lower, Middle and Upper campuses, students have access to three computer labs, a computer work center, six laptop carts, interactive Promethean Boards, iPads, wireless access on both campuses, and many other technology tools.

Technology Proficiency Goals

Lower School

In Pre-Kindergarten through 2ndgrade, the primary focus is introducing students to the basic skills necessary to use technology in daily learning activities. By the end of 2nd grade, students will be able to:
  • Operate computers with adult supervision
  • Demonstrate proper use and care of computers
  • Log on/off the network
  • Use a mouse
  • Start and close programs
  • Demonstrate basic word processing (create, save, open, edit)
  • Identify basics of the keyboard
  • Use simple software for math and reading instruction
  • Visit and use educational Internet sites with adult supervision
  • Identify use of technology in home and community
  • Recognize an individual’s right of ownership to computer generated work

 
In grades 3 – 5, the primary focus is to reinforce and expand technology skills, with the following additional skills:

  • Demonstrate proficiency by 5th grade on the full keyboard. This is achieved through formal keyboarding instruction using keyboarding software.
  • Demonstrate basic Internet search techniques and navigational skills
  • Create simple multimedia presentations and desktop publications
  • Evaluate and utilize web sources for research
  • Demonstrate knowledge of saving work to network folder and flash drive
  • Familiarity with blogging and other 21st Century skills

Middle School

In grades 6 – 8, student will continue to expand their proficiencies through the following activities:
  • Create more complex desktop publishing and multimedia presentations
  • Use spreadsheets to manage and analyze data
  • Demonstrate knowledge of basic computer-related vocabulary
  • Use teacher directed website research and become familiar with Galileo
  • Continue to expand knowledge of 21st Century skills (blogging, wikis, social networks)

Upper School

In grades 9 – 12, students will acquire additional experience with technology tools and further develop competency in these skills. Upon graduation, students will have proficiency in:
  • Using advanced word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation tools
  • Evaluating websites and Internet based research
  • Proper use of copyright laws
  • Understanding and using Web 2.0 tools to achieve personal and classroom goals
  • Producing complex individual and group projects incorporating research, problem solving and decision making techniques
  • Understanding when and how to use technology in their daily life in an effective manner