teacher_technology

Technology - Mrs. Hartz

Sandy Hartz is the technology teacher. Mrs. Hartz has been teaching for 27 years, 14 of them at St. Brigid. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Wright State University and a Master of Science degree in Education Technology from the University of Dayton. Mrs. Hartz is the school representative on the Local Professional Development Committee. Mrs. Hartz is married to her husband, Bob, and has two children, Jen and Bryan, and a granddaughter, Claire. Her hobbies include quilting and scrapbooking.

In looking back over her teaching career, Mrs. Hartz said, “Having taught preschool through junior high, I am always amazed at the amount of learning that comes to me from my students.”

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St. Brigid Technology

St. Brigid School is very proud of its advancements and opportunities within the field of educational technology. From a small room of Apple II e computers years ago to computers in the classroom and SmartBoards, St. Brigid technology has rapidly advanced through the years, and is a valuable resource in promoting a solid Catholic education to students. Currently, there are at least three student desktop and/or laptop computers in each classroom, a teacher computer (desktop or laptop), and printer. The school also houses 31 wireless laptop computers in a portable cart with wireless connectivity within the school system (server) and through MVECA (Miami Valley Educational Cooperative Association) for e-mail and Internet support (connectivity, firewall, BESS security and screener). Additionally, the library system uses the automated Follett Software, making the process of checking in/out books and searching quite easy. The students and staff use a computer lab with 15 laptop and desktop computers. The school has closed circuit capability with a television and video player/recorder in each classroom and throughout the school. Students and teachers have access to digital cameras and a video camcorder. Students use a variety of software including Microsoft Office products, Accelerated Reader, Skills Bank, Type to Learn, and Kurzweil Software for learning assistance. Other software reinforces grade-level curriculum.

Recently, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati adapted new a Technology Course of Study based on the Ohio Standards, NETS, and ISTE. The technology coordinator and teachers work jointly on these skill sets for their assigned grade level/s. The skill sets include: Basic Computer Operations and Concepts, Productivity, Communication, Research, and Thinking Skills, Keyboarding, Digital Citizenship, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making, and lastly, Creativity and Innovation. In addition to learning new skills through technology lessons, students also experience technology integrated within the curriculum.

Below is a synopsis of the competencies for each grade-level group with a goal for the skills to be introduced and reinforced. These competencies are to be mastered by the completion of Grade 8 as derived from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Technology Standards.

Grades K-2

Identify basic parts of a computer, open and close programs, identify and use the toolbar, cursor, and icons, have a basic understanding of the Internet and use teacher-directed sites for curriculum enrichment and projects, locate keyboard letters, numbers, and main operating keys, practice responsible use and care of the computer and software, practice Christian values when working cooperatively, explore technology and identify problems that technology may help to solve.

Grades 3-4

Use input/output devices, solving simple operating problems, and have a basic understanding of a computer network, compose, edit, revise, print documents, use program menus, load and save documents, page setup, create simple graphics, multimedia presentation, and spreadsheet. Navigate websites, use Internet for research including encyclopedias/references, typing-correct finger positioning w/ emphasis on accuracy, fingers, and posture – not wpm, work cooperatively w/ others showing respect for others, esp. technology rules/policies, understand and observe copyright laws, virtual “stranger” danger, introduce “cyberbullying”, explore technology and identify problems technology may help solve, generate new ideas and projects.

Grades 5-6

Recognize/report basic technology problems, error messages, basic formatting of a document, integrate graphics into documents, search and sort existing databases, expand use of spreadsheet, choose the appropriate productivity tools for projects, basic file management, simple multimedia presentations with graphics and sound, use research tools to include electronic encyclopedias, on-line databases, and periodical indexes for information retrieval, learn Internet search techniques, develop research strategies for curriculum projects, keyboarding: achieve speed of 10-15 wpm w/ 90% accuracy, understand the concept of intellectual property, be respectful of others when working cooperatively and collaboratively on projects and when using/sharing resources/equipment, continue previously introduced topics i.e. “cyberbullying” and other skills to reinforce learning

Grades 7-8

Use of computer and network with understanding of peripherals, format documents to specific instructions, introduce desktop publishing in projects, integrate word processing documents w/ graphics and spreadsheets, develop management system for organizing and storing data, expand use of word processing and spreadsheet applications, download files from Internet, use presentation hardware and software, produce advanced multimedia presentations, develop understanding of advanced capabilities w/ software, develop search engine skills: directories/metasearch engines, proficiency at defining research strategy, evaluate web sites for authenticity and accuracy, analyze data gathered from electronic resources, proper citations for electronic resources, use of hyperlinks, use technology resources to identify common world problems and find solutions, keyboarding: 20-25 wpm w/ 90% accuracy, understand and observe copyright laws, understand the meaning and social/legal consequences of security threats such as hacking, viruses, and spam, understand technology protection measures such as firewalls and filtering.