STEAM & Technology
21st Century Tools for 21st Century Learners
Every year, it amazes us as students become increasingly become more independent, more creative and more productive in how they work and apply technology to their assignments. Students at Saint Clement have access to a variety of technological tools and applications, as we look at our goal of integrating technology and applications seamlessly into our curriculum, standards, and teaching practices. Saint Clement developed a comprehensive technology plan and introduced over $250,000 of equipment and resources into our facility and curriculum.
Lower School Technology
In keeping with our vision, teachers in the Lower School strive to inspire students with an enduring love of learning, including an appreciation for technology and its many uses. Technological literacy is part of students’ learning starting in Kindergarten, when students receive their student Chromebook for the first time. They participate in activities and projects that introduce technology-related skills. Technology is embedded in their core curriculum, and all pursuits reinforce the content of classroom learning. All students grades K-5 are 1-to-1 with school provided Chromebooks. Every year students and parents sign our Acceptable Use Policy which discusses personal privacy in terms of technology and the internet. These discussions are deepened as we explore concepts of technology wellness, ergonomics, internet safety, and responsible behavior.
Technology skills addressed at each grade level are framed by the ISTE National Education Technology Standards (NETS). Technology instruction is connected to classroom learning as much as possible. Teachers shape their students’ computer experiences in varied ways, but all Saint Clement technology instruction includes:
Activities that promote language development through reports, writing activities, and desktop-publishing activities.
Math-related activities that involve quantifying, labeling, and measuring.
Activities involving collecting and recording data and then interpreting and representing it.
Research activities involving online information—and encouraging students to compare online material with other sources of information.
Computer experiences oriented around multimedia creativity (involving pictures, sound, clip art, text, visual transitions).
Kindergarten - Grade 3
Every classroom has a SmartBoard.
Elmo document camera in every room.
Every classroom has a cart to house and charge student Chromebooks.
Art and STEAM classes have access to 3D printers and 3D printing software.
Grades 4 - 5
Every classroom has a SmartBoard.
Elmo document camera in every room.
Every student received a school issued Chromebook and charger. As part of their homework, students take their Chromebooks home to charge and complete homework.
Art and STEAM classes have access to 3D printers and 3D printing software.
Upper School Technology
The majority of computer use by upper school students is done on mobile devices used in classrooms. In the fall of 2014, we initiated a One-to-One Program for all middle school students 6-8. As of winter 2020, students in 6-8 received their one-to-one school provided Chromebook. Because upper school is a period where students safely experience the transition from childhood to young adulthood, we spend a significant amount of time working with our students to assist them in developing healthy habits, especially with technology. Every year students and parents sign our Acceptable Use Policy which discusses personal privacy in terms of technology and the internet. These discussions are deepened as we explore concepts of technology wellness, ergonomics, internet safety, and responsible behavior.
Most technology skills are taught and developed in the context of the classroom learning environment. We have embedded skills defined in the ISTE National Education Technology Standards and 21st Century Skills into the academic curriculum so that isolated skills instruction is not necessary. Instead, students learn the skills they need as they are used in the learning process. In addition, students have access to digital still and video cameras as well as content-specific technologies and applications such as document cameras, digital audio recording, and online tools and assessments appropriate to support learning. In the middle school, all academic departments work closely to incorporate technology into their curricula. Students also have access to a 3D printer and 3D printing software. Students work with a wide range of applications to write, collect, analyze, create, and synthesize information in all media forms.
Some examples of skills taught in context include:
Audio recording – taught in world language classes as a tool for demonstrating mastery of language
Word processing – taught in language arts classes as the primary tool for the writing process
Online research and use of online databases – taught in social studies and science classes as a significant tool in the research process
Spreadsheet manipulation – taught in science and math classes as a tool for illustrating and communicating data
Remaining skills, such as use of technology for collaboration, communication, and creative expression, are integrated throughout the content areas.