St. Maximilian Kolbe School’s technology department continues to
update itself to become a school of the 21st century. Every classroom in
grades 1-8 has a Smart board, a mounted LCD projector, and at least 2
computers. The computer lab is equipped with new Dell computers and the
junior high students share 60 wireless laptops. We currently use Comcast
Cable for our Internet connection, Symantec for our antivirus protection,
and Surf Control for our web filter. This year we added a student response
system, in which the students can click in their answer and receive
immediate feedback. Our new and updated equipment lets the students be an
engaged learner throughout the day.
The technology curriculum follows the Archdiocesan of Philadelphia
technology guidelines. All students learn the Microsoft Office products. The
younger students learn Microsoft Word; the intermediate students add Power
Point and Excel; and the older students learn Publisher. All students in
grades 3-5 learn proper typing skills using Ultra Key typing. All students
attend Internet safety lessons and sign an Acceptable Use Policy contract.
Technology is integrated throughout the curriculum at St. Max. Classroom
teachers assign appropriate projects to be completed in class and in the
computer lab. In the computer lab, the children in grades 1, 2, and 3 use
their learned Microsoft Word skills to type stories and letters to their
teachers. They use the program Inspiration to make organization webs about
themselves to share with their class. They also learn basic Internet
research skills. The students in grades 4 and 5 use Microsoft Word to type
reports and make a brochure. They use Inspiration to make character webs and
their autobiography outline. They learn basic graphing skills using
Microsoft Excel. The 5th grade students design a planet power point
presentation and present it to their class. Both grades continue to advance
their skills using the Internet. The students in the junior high use laptops
throughout the day. They research, compose, design and present the
information from their curriculum. The students work individually and in
groups to complete their assignments. They design book jackets and
brochures using Microsoft Publisher. The students use Inspiration to
complete graphic organizers to explain their work. In groups, the students
complete web quests that pertain to their area of study. Graphing is used
to show how two or more items are related to a variable. Students complete
charts and graphs for the annual science fair.
Technology is used throughout the day at St. Max. All teachers have
web pages linked to www.stmax.org/school. Student grades are online for
parent review and report cards are generated using RVS grade book. Our
students are eager to learn using the tools for the 21st century learner.