According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary technology is 1) the practical application of knowledge especially in a particular area, 2) a manner of accomplishing a task especially using technical processes or methods. At Cottage Hill School these are two of the goals set for students as they receive instruction both with and about technology and computers. This instruction takes place in the classroom and in the technology lab at this site.

A part-time Technology Aide, whose responsibility it is to ensure that all students learn specific technological skills and support the instructional program at each grade level, staffs the Technology Lab. The lab houses 28 on-line computers and the library has an additional six web-connected computers for student use. Students learn basic skills (see below) and how to apply those skills to activities related to the curriculum in the classroom.

Our school has adopted the Accelerated Reader Program, a technological reading incentive program, to use in all classes, grades 1-5, to encourage independent reading and hold students accountable for comprehension and understanding of literature.

Student Computer Proficiency Model

Kindergarten through Second Grade:

• Understand computer terminology
  
• Use monitor, CPU, printer, mouse, keyboard with appropriate care
  
• Use mouse to click and drag
  
• Open and close an application
  
• Use illustration tools
  
• Learn keyboard layout: return, escape, delete, backspace
  
• Move around “desktop” and use the menu bar
  
• Learn basic command keys—open, save, don’t save, print, quit
  
• Select, use and create graphics
  
• Use basic word processing skills—write and edit stories using different fonts, styles, and graphics

Third through Fifth Grade

• Participate in formal keyboarding instruction
  
• Enhance word processing skills
  
• Use basic Internet-browser and protocol instruction including ethics
  
• Use graphics, fonts, sizes, styles, spacing, copy, cut, paste, and print
  
• Enhance word processing skills including creative use of desktop publishing, spell check, margins, centering and graphics
  
• Integrate network/Internet skills into classroom instruction/curriculum-access information
  
• Participate in instruction on network access issues-copyright/sharing of resources
  
• Use of word processing skills integrating network access to create a document (4th and 5th grades)
  
• Use multimedia software (4th and 5th grades)