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St. Louis School (K-8) » Curriculum » Technology

Technology

Diocese of Arlington Philosophy of Learning

Advancements in our rapidly changing world necessitate the acquisition of technological skills to enable students to function in the 21st Century. As lifelong learners and followers of Jesus, students should strive to become citizens who are capable of making significant contributions to our global society. They must also become aware of the social and ethical impact of technology. To this end, the Diocese of Arlington endeavors to make our students not only knowledgeable, but also effective technology users. Our goal is to present and strengthen the skills students need to access, interpret, and synthesize information which is constantly changing. Thus, technology will be used as a tool for learning and developing critical thinking skills across the content area. Having students acquire these skills will result in the development of self-directed learners who can independently and cooperatively apply technology to solve problems and make informed decisions. Following the established end goals/target areas, given the varying resources at the elementary level, the students will be well equipped with a strong foundation to enhance their learning with advanced technology resources at the high school level. Technology should enhance and enrich as well as extend the existing curriculum. It should be used in a variety of ways within the classroom and computer lab setting. The classroom teacher, the media specialist, the technology coordinator, and the librarian should collaborate to maximize the effective use of technology in support of the Diocesan curriculum.

 

Technology & Curriculum Integration

Technology for technology’s sake does little to enhance the academic lives of our students or our role as Catholic educators. Accordingly, technology curriculum coordinators will, to the greatest extent possible, work toward achievement of the following skills-based target areas by close collaboration with teachers. Sharing of written curriculum objectives, one-on-one meetings and teacher hands-on participation in technology instruction are examples of proven collaborative methods. In this way, student technology skill achievement is successfully integrated with content/subject-based, curriculum objectives achievement. Successful integration, whether in a lab or classroom environment:

  • Leads to maximum use of technology resources
  • Provides more substantive learning experiences
  • Encourages teachers to creatively incorporate instructional technology tools into their curriculum over time

 

Technology @ St. Louis

St. Louis Catholic School understands that technology is an integral part of school life and the educational process. Improvements to the school's information technology infrastructure are ongoing in order to support the expanding role of technology in the educational curriculum and the day-to-day operations of the school. We have a continued commitment to the integration of technology into all aspects of the school and to maintaining a quality 21st century learning environment. Our school's technology support company, CTSS, Inc., is available on-sight and through mobile networking assistance, making sure that our server and workstations are secure and functioning at quality speed. 

Here are a few highlights of technological advancements at the school:

  • All classrooms are outfitted with interactive white board systems or wall panels, printers and document cameras. 
  • WiFi is available throughout the school campus.
  • Technology in the library and classrooms has been enhanced through implementation of Google Apps for Education accounts (for students in grades 4-8 and all teachers), Discovery Education Streaming, IXL Math and Language, Kurzweil Literacy software, BrainPop Educational Software, and Discovery Education Science Tech Books (for grades 6-8).
  • The library provides a networked card catalog system, an e-reader center, the most current touchscreen workstations, and mobile work areas integral to project based learning.
  • Computer classes are attended weekly by all students, where they are introduced to coding, software applications, online search tools, and instruction in virtual safety and security. Our computer teacher teams regularly with classroom teachers to integrate students' computer skills with interesting core curriculum projects.
  • Mobile Chromebook carts and tablet carts are available for classroom instruction in both the middle school and the elementary school.
  • Powerschool serves as a primary tool for communication for classroom teachers as well as the administration.