Instructional Technology
at
Pattonville School District

Philosophy

Pattonville School District believes that technology is an integral part of a quality educational program. Learning to utilize technology as a tool to analyze, communicate, and research, will ensure our students' success now and in future real life situations.

Benchmarks

Analyst

Students will:

• create a spreadsheet to enter, organize, and analyze data.
• create a graph, table or chart to organize and analyze data.
• use the calculator to enter, organize, and analyze data.
• create a database to enter, organize, classify and analyze data.

Communicator

Students will:

• use word processing software to enter and revise text.
• use desktop publishing software to layout text and graphics.
• use paint and draw software to create art and design drawings.
• use authoring software to create multi-media presentations.
• use authoring software to create and revise musical compositions.
• use authoring software to design and publish web pages.
• use e-mail and video conferencing to communicate electronically.

Researcher

Students will:

• conduct research on the Internet.
• conduct research using CD-ROM and video discs.

Technology Specialist

Students will:

• demonstrate basic operations of computers and peripherals.
• resolve technology related problems.
• demonstrate ethical choices when using technology.
• demonstrate correct keyboarding skills.

Goals

The student will:

• demonstrate knowledge and utilization of computer equipment e.g. how to operate, correct terminology, troubleshooting problems, etc.
• demonstrate knowledge and utilization of other computer related technology, e.g. CD-ROM, video discs, digital cameras, optical scanners, voice recording, etc.
• demonstrate how to utilize various types of computer software e.g. content based, word processing, desk-top publishing, spreadsheet, data base, drawing, etc.
• demonstrate how to incorporate computer technology into language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, music, art, and physical education.
• demonstrate knowledge and utilization of internet resources.
• demonstrate knowledge and utilization of electronic mail.
• demonstrate correct touch-typing keyboarding technique.
• demonstrate an understanding and compliance with ethical issues as they relate to technology .
• develop an understanding of how computer technology is used in our society.

Rationale

The foundation of our curriculum is based on the following premises:

• Technology is a tool.
• Technology curriculum should be integrated into content curriculum i.e. not taught in isolation.
• Technology curriculum should be project based and process oriented.
• Projects should be thematic or multi-disciplinary.
• Technology curriculum should correlate with district, state, and national initiatives.
• Technology curriculum is a "work in progress".
  

Our curriculum is organized into four strands focusing on how technology is used by students to learn. Students use technology to analyze, communicate, research and develop technology based skills. Each strand has specific goals and objectives, vocabulary, and resources.

 Instructional Strategies

Instructional Technology Specialists at each school co-teach with classroom teachers to assure that technology is integrated into the student instructional experience. The objectives of each strand are utilized in teacher created rubrics to evaluate student progress.

Several grant projects have focused on creating lessons which incorporate technology. These lessons are available in a searchable format on our web site.

Evaluations

Students are evaluated yearly on their progress toward achieving district defined benchmarks. Samples of these evaluations are available on our web site.