School is more than just reading, writing and arithmetic. Technology has become a large part of the picture, too.
Students are introduced to computers in kindergarten and use computers and other pieces of technology throughout their school careers.
Most schools have computer labs, including some of the mobile variety with laptops. Because technology is so prevalent in today’s world, educators say it is important that kids are introduced to and become comfortable using computers.
St. Bonaventure Elementary School Principal Cheryl Zoucha said students in grades K-6 have sessions in the computer lab at least once a week. The early grades typically learn the basics such as using the keyboard and mouse. At the third grade level and up, students use computers for research and also get introduced to other pieces of technology such as PowerPoint and podcasting, which are used for class projects.
Zoucha said they want students to have “a general overview of what computers can do. What we want them to do is to utilize a computer for research and use technology to solve problems.”
Jane Stavem, executive director of curriculum for Columbus Public Schools, said computer skills to be taught depend on the grade level. In kindergarten the children are taught the fundamentals, but many children that age already have some experience with technology.
“The little ones are enthusiastic going into the computer labs. We used to have to teach them how to use a mouse and the keys, but they come in knowing that already,” Stavem said.
Technology is used as “natural integration in the classroom,” Stavem said, whether students are using it for projects and research, or teachers are using it for interactive work while teaching lessons.
Zoucha said her school will be putting more focus on technology starting this school year with Anne Novicki becoming the school’s first certified computer teacher. They also hope to raise money to put a laptop in each classroom.
Because most students are exposed to computers in elementary school, when they get into high school they take what they have learned and apply it to more specific areas.
Lakeview High School Principal Bob Arp said keyboarding skills are fine-tuned, and students are required to take the computer applications class where they learn how to use different programs such as desktop publishing, Excel and e-mail.
But technology is going beyond just the computer. Arp said one teacher has started using Smart Boards, and also MP3 players and iPods are used by teachers, specifically those in special education. The teachers use the equipment to download notes or tests for students to listen to.
Overall, Arp said, technology is not going away and needs to be used in the classroom as a way to assist in the learning process.
“We want (the students) to be comfortable using technology as a tool. We want them to experience some of the benefits or power of it for whatever task is in front of them,” Arp said.
But, he said, computers and other pieces of equipment should be looked at as tools for learning, much like a pencil or a calculator.
“We want them to come out knowing that technology isn’t the answer all the time. Sometimes you have to do it the hard way,” he said.
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