Instructional Technology

I. Philosophy

The Instructional Technology curriculum is designed to promote productive citizenship in a technological society and equip students with the ability to adapt to changing technology. Students need to be able to use computers flexibly, creatively and purposefully. They should be able to recognize what they need to accomplish, determine whether a computer will help them to do so, and then be able to use the computer as part of the process of completing the task. Individual computer skills take on a new meaning when they are integrated within this type of information problem-solving process, and students develop true computer literacy because they have genuinely applied various computer skills as part of the learning. Instructional technology develops understanding, attitudes, and skills and provides direct experience through an activity-oriented program. Library media specialists, computer teachers and classroom teachers need to work together to develop units and lessons that will include computer skills, general information skills and content-area curriculum outcomes. This approach to subject integration enhances the vital, experiential-active, quality that Instructional Technology education values.

II. Performance Goals and Objectives

The goals and performance objectives for the Instructional Technology department are as follows.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of technology and its implementation in their lifelong learning and for real-world problem situations
2. Able to use a wide variety of technological tools to enhance their future success as students and lifelong learners
3. Locate, evaluate and collect information, manipulate data, synthesize concepts and creatively express ideas to others through skillful use of technology
4. View themselves as capable of using their technology skills and knowledge necessary to make future career and social decisions in response to a changing world and workplace

III. Instructional Strategies

The instructional strategies employed by all grades are as follows.

1. Direct instruction
2. Subject integration
3. Hands-on experiences

IV. Assessment Techniques

The assessment techniques employed by all grades are as follows.

1. Observation
2. Anecdotal recording
3. Formal evaluation
4. Competency checklists
5. Rubrics

Upper School Instructional Technology Courses

These courses have been offered over the past few years:

Required
Computer Applications

Electives
Advanced Computer Applications
Introduced Programming