The goal of the technology department at The King David School is a simple one: prepare the young students for all of the circumstances, skills and knowledge that is related to “technology today.” Starting at the kindergarten grade level, we reinforce computer science skills, social obligations and responsibilities, electronic devices, space age materials and machinery, and all the hardware and software that will be viable and utilized throughout their life at KDS and into high school.

In addition to the curriculum that will be provided through the technology classes, the kindergarten and 1st grade children will also participate in the “Waterford” software program. It is a great addition to their schooling that allows the students to work at their own speed on the computers with software specifically designed to enhance their skills and knowledge with Mathematics, Science and Language Arts.

The 2nd through 5th grades also utilize specific software to build and strengthen their knowledge in Math, Science and Language Arts by meeting twice a week in the technology lab to work with the “SuccessMaker” program. “SuccessMaker” has many new and exciting features, one of which is to provide each of the teachers with detailed reports that display and diagnose each student’s progress with the software. These reports will detail a student’s progress, focusing on the subjects that a child may have difficulty with, thus allowing their secular teachers to work with the student one on one, targeting any areas of difficultly.

By the time the students reach middle school, they should be experienced and accustomed to the terminology and basics of computer science. They will be ready to work and explore the multiple applications, operating systems and interfaces that build today’s multimedia software and basic web programming languages. Students will be required to pass exams that test their keyboard skills, application usage and Windows knowledge.

TECHNOLOGY SUBJECTS BY GRADE LEVEL

Kindergarten

At this time, we introduce the children to the different hardware components that they will be using in their classes and peripherals such as the keyboard, mouse and monitor. Establishing their skill with these components, builds confidence so they can proceed with software usage and instruction. We greatly emphasize the use of “Home Keys” in kindergarten, setting the ground work for proper typing instruction throughout their education.

In their  homeroom class, they will work with “Waterford” under the direction of their primary teacher.

1st Grade

Still reinforcing the basic terminology associated with computer science, the young students progress with their keyboard practice, utilizing software designed specifically to strengthen their speed and memory on the keyboard. Graphical applications are introduced and word editing programs such as Microsoft Word are used to create sentences and paragraphs.

In their homeroom, they continue with secular studies on the computers with “Waterford.”

2nd Grade

Terminology is again utilized as the students start to work towards a more serious depth with applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and graphical programs. Presentation software, “PowerPoint,” is explored, and the students learn to use the internet to research and define their report topics. The “SuccessMaker” software is introduced, and the students work with the math and reading portions of the program throughout the year, twice a week.

3rd Grade

Basic terminology should be second nature for the students now, so much richer explicative technical terms are used to describe computer science and technology in general. Students now create letters and reports in text editing software for their secular classes, printing those that may be needed for assignments. Basic Excel manipulation is stressed, along with the current presentation software. As with every class, typing and keyboard skills is a key focus.. “SuccessMaker” software is used to target math, reading and comprehension skill building.

4th Grade

At this level, the students are expected to be able to type “15” words per minute with few errors. The use of graphic software is stressed so that the students learn how to research information on the web. The “rights and wrongs” of internet surfing are discussed which will help build a solid digital citizenship. Internet verbiage is utilized to describe and teach the proper internet behavior. The Microsoft applications are explored and worked with in more detail, and now the students start to work with basic slide show material to build shows that feature sound and transformations. Twice a week the students meet in the technology lab for “SuccessMaker” and continue to build on their Math, Science and Language Arts knowledge.

5th Grade

Now students are tested on terminology and expected to use the terms in class whenever discussing the appropriate material. They are required to be able to type “20” words per minute and can utilize the technology room to create or edit materials for their other classes.  The basic applications are stressed to a higher level of functionality. The goal is to have the students ready for the use of laptops in the middle school grades. Tests are required to be passed that target application and windows usage. Multimedia software is stressed as a medium for secular class projects.

6th Grade

The 6th grade starts the laptop program at KDS and students are expected to have a laptop for their school work and communication. They are provided an email address from the school and an account with Edline. They use the Edline portal to view their homework and testing dates as well as school activities and functions. Their work in secular classes should now be completed on the laptops, which includes Word, Excel, Movie Maker, PowerPoint, Publisher and internet search tools. They will be tested on keyboard skills and should be able to type 25 words per minute. Malicious code found on the internet is introduced so the students are provided the tools and information concerning internet threats and damages. Digital citizenship is reinforced for both schooland home computer use. All of their classes will stress the use of the laptop computer, and instruction is provided in technology class and scheduled times.

7th Grade

The 7th grade technology curriculum is an extension of the 6th grade, and the students are now required to utilize the functionality of multiple applications at a  higher level. The use of Microsoft applications should be at the advanced level prior to the 8th grade. Students are required to work together and separately to perform problem solving with database and spreadsheet software. Thirtywords per minute is the passing grade for keyboard skills. Web page design is introduced and internet technologies are explored.

8th Grade

Advanced terminology, application usage and internet threats are studied and tested throughout the year. Students are required to pass the high school typing test equivalency which is 35 words per minute. Advanced Windows usage is taught and tested during the year. Application knowledge is expected to be at an advanced level, thus preparing the students for high school and college.