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Academics ~ Technology

| Technology/Computer Curriculum Overview | Technology Philosophy |

Primary & Lower School

Technology is an integral part of the Primary & Lower School Curriculum. Technology is integrated throughout the curriculum to enhance the teaching of content areas covered in the classroom. Integration occurs through the use of a variety of software programs, educational CD-Roms, and the Internet.

In first grade, students experience a variety of software programs that help create and reinforce problem-solving skills. They write stories and draw pictures. All projects tie-in with classroom curriculum.

Students in second grade begin to develop basic word processing skills. This is also the time when they are introduced to the keyboard through Kid Keys. They continue to write short stories and poems and illustrate pictures in conjunction with classroom activities and assignments.

In third grade, students continue to develop their word processing skills and begin to formally learn keyboarding skills. They learn how to appropriately use the Internet and search for information. They also receive instruction in properly citing resources, both from the Internet and from printed material. In addition students learn some basic aspects of desktop publishing.

Students in fourth grade continue to develop keyboarding skills. They type short reports in conjunction with classroom assignments. They explore the drawing tools and learn to create graphs using AppleWorks. They begin to use e-mail for school purposes. Students receive e-pals for other Sacred Heart Schools to develop their e-mail etiquette.

Beginning in the 5th grade, students are introduced to the Personal Computer (PC) in a Microsoft Windows environment.  The goal is to build upon what they've already learned in the Lower School, which utilizes Macintosh PC's.  Initial focus is keyboarding skills.  Students will learn the basics and intricacies of touch-typing.  We utilize Sunburst's Type II Learn keyboarding software. 

The next concentration is the Microsoft Office Professional 2000 productivity suite, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint , and Outlook.  There will also be an introductory lesson concerning the Internet and technology ethics.  Students obtain a hands-on opportunity to work individually and in groups on projects applying basic skills learned in class.

Some of the projects include:

• Practicing proper search techniques, students use the Internet to conduct research for such projects as Notable Female figures.  The 5th graders will also work on a Timeline project.  Using specifically assigned web sites, students will research historical events within a specified period.

• Using Microsoft Word, students write letters to politicians and CEO's detailing ideas on how to improve local infrastructures and sports teams.  They also create poems celebrating Black History Month for Language Arts class.  All of these projects incorporate the use of clip art and media clips.

• With Microsoft PowerPoint, students are taught how to incorporate images, sounds and videos to create presentations covering content in core classes.  One example of such use is the presentation on the Civil War covered in Social Studies class.

• Using Microsoft Excel, students create pie, chart and bar graphs using data they have accumulated for specific Math projects. Multiplication Tables are also created in spreadsheets using embedded formulas.

• Microsoft Outlook allows students to exchange emails with pen pals from other Sacred Heart Schools around the country

• Students use Macromedia Fireworks, students use graphic tools to create and edit layered images.

The general philosophy of technology within the classrooms of Sacred Heart is technology does not drive classroom content, but is a tool used to enhance the learning experience.  As a result, an effort is made by each faculty to integrate technology into their curriculum where appropriate.  We believe each Sacred Heart student should be exposed to all technology resources available. 

Computers at Sacred Heart is truly integrated into the core curriculum. Rarely does a project exist without a direct connection to classroom topics. At Sacred Heart, we believe that computers are a tool to aid learning. In the Primary and Lower School, students begin to learn the skills to make them able to use the computer to the best of their ability.

Middle School

The general philosophy of technology within the classrooms of Sacred Heart is technology does not drive classroom content, but is a tool used to enhance the learning experience.  As a result, an effort is made by each faculty to integrate technology into their curriculum where appropriate.  We believe each Sacred Heart student should be exposed to all technology resources available. 

The Middle School Computer Lab curriculum not only strives to further develop the fundamentals taught in the Lower School computer lab; but to also teach new applications and concepts.  The curriculum challenges students to apply these specific applications and concepts to their academic and personal lives.

SIXTH GRADE

Building on knowledge obtained from the 5th grade, this curriculum is designed to develop moderate to advanced computer skills. This class will cover hands-on personal computer design and repair, along with networking and operating system software configuration.   Students will receive the chance to take apart a computer and investigate the internal parts of the PC.  Business software will be covered at an accelerated pace, including the use of topics, such as database, design, macros, and spreadsheet functions.  

Keyboarding remains a critical part of computer lab classes throughout the year for the 6th grade.

The general philosophy of technology within the classrooms of Sacred Heart is technology does not drive classroom content, but is a tool used to enhance the learning experience.  As a result, an effort is made by each faculty to integrate technology into their curriculum where appropriate.  We believe each Sacred Heart student should be exposed to all technology resources available. 

The Middle School Computer Lab curriculum not only strives to further develop the fundamentals taught in the Lower School computer lab; but to also teach new applications and concepts.  The curriculum challenges students to apply these specific applications and concepts to their academic and personal lives.

It is our goa l and hope that this curriculum will prepare our graduates for the rigors of the high school.

SEVENTH GRADE

This curriculum gives comprehensive coverage of designing pages for use on the Internet. The structure of HTML (HyperText Markup Language), and the language of Web pages will be discussed.  Students will design pages in Web programs such as Microsoft FrontPage and Macromedia Dreamweaver .  Students will also learn to create and modify graphics using Macromedia Fireworks . Graphic animations will also be discussed using Macromedia Flash . Projects involving the Sacred Heart website will also be involved.

Keyboarding remains a critical part of computer lab classes throughout the year for the 7th grade.  The first 10-15 minutes of each class is devoted to refreshing keyboarding skills.

The general philosophy of technology within the classrooms of Sacred Heart is technology does not drive classroom content, but is a tool used to enhance the learning experience.  As a result, an effort is made by each faculty to integrate technology into their curriculum where appropriate.  We believe each Sacred Heart student should be exposed to all technology resources available. 

The Middle School Computer Lab curriculum not only strives to further develop the fundamentals taught in the Lower School computer lab; but to also teach new applications and concepts.  The curriculum challenges students to apply these specific applications and concepts to their academic and personal lives.

It is our goal and hope that this curriculum will prepare our graduates for the rigors of the high school.

EIGHTH GRADE

The 8th grade covers the concepts needed for turning text and graphics into professional-looking documents, such as magazines, catalogs, or brochures. Students will learn the elements of good design, while collaborating with other students on various projects.  This lesson plan will provide basics journalism and graphic design, especially for those who are involved in the production of the yearbook.

Additionally, the basics of programming in two of the most widely used languages today - Java and Visual Basic will be covered. Each language will be studied over the course of half a semester. Students will learn the concepts of programming and program design.  Students will use a problem-solving approach for the completion of various projects.

A new goal this year for the 8th grade, will be to create a movie encompassing their final year experience at Sacred Heart.  Students will learn to use tools such as Microsoft Movie Maker and Adobe Premier to create a video collage/yearbook of their 8th grade year.  It is our hope to feature this completed work at graduation.

Keyboarding remains a critical part of computer lab classes throughout the year for the 8th grade.  The first 10-15 minutes of each class is devoted to refreshing keyboarding skills.

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