Technology

Technology is an important part of the Saint Philip’s curriculum is incorporated into daily study across all grade levels to enhance computer literacy.  Students, teachers, and faculty easily utilize technology because each classroom is equipped with wireless access, computers, printers, and interactive whiteboards. A wireless Internet connection is provided for upper grades participating in our 1-1 iPad program.

Technology integration and the software utilized are geared to each age group and incorporated into several discipline area including language arts, math, science, foreign studies, art, and music.

Beginning in PK-3 and PK-4 students are exposed to technology as teachers lead group instruction on SmartBoards© that connect the class to curriculum-based animations, interactive activities, games, and digital literature hosted online.  This develops further in Kindergarten when students begin working independently on iPads and typing skills are introduced.

Throughout Grades 1-3, the focus shifts to the development of typing and computer processing skills using Microsoft applications.  Students also begin using technology creatively by developing audio and visual projects that enhance the classroom curriculum and learning.  Also, Web participation increases as students access assigned Web pages, conduct online research, and Skype with classrooms around the world.

In grades, Kindergarten through 4th students use iPads for instruction. An iPad cart containing 13 iPads was introduced to the students with the Goal of implementing iPads in each class.

Beginning in Grade 3, engineering and design are introduced to students. Students learn different concepts of electrical, industrial, and computer science. Coding is done regularly and incorporated into the engineering curriculum. Students in grades 3 and up also have the use of two 3D printers to turn their concepts into reality.

Students in Grades 4 and 5 participate in an innovative 1-1 iPad program. Families purchase student iPads for their students through Saint Philip’s, providing students with a tool to becoming independent learners.  This transition to tablets marks a transition in the technology curriculum.  Focus now shifts to e-mail, cloud computing, document storage retrieval, and Web-based research skills.  As participants of the Web, students also create digital stories, podcasts, wikis, and blogs based on classroom curriculum.  All Web participation takes place in a closed environment, with access to student work kept within the Saint Philip’s Google run domain.

While technology integration is important at Saint Philip’s, Internet safety is our top priority.  An acceptable use policy which outlines our Web rules and guidelines to using technology on campus is read and signed by all Saint Philip’s students, parents, teachers, administrators, and faculty.  Email and Web activity run through our campus server, which protects students by blocking inappropriate Web access.

Finally, rules are regularly reviewed with students and discussions about cyberbullying and appropriate netiquette are covered annually.  Disciplinary action is stated in the acceptable use policy and enforced with students who do not follow these guidelines.