At James L. Collins Catholic School, technology supports a strong academic program. Technology is integrated into lessons as a means to enhance academics and keep up with current technology trends. JLCCS students use computers, SMART boards, and laptops in their studies. Our technology teachers work with students who are learning how to use technology for the first time, as well as guiding those students who have more advanced understanding and interest in the computer sciences to additional challenges.
Starting in the Pre-K and through the 8th Grade, each classroom is equipped with 3-5 student computers for Accelerated Reader (AR), writing reports, research, and other computer-assisted instruction. Smart Boards have also been added to each classroom. Classrooms are also equipped with large flat-screen television/monitors for internet streaming and viewing educational videos.
The Gioia Keeney Resource Center, found in the Library, is equipped with 12 internet computers for research assignments during library classes and other classes. The Library circulation is computerized.
JLCCS has had added 30 laptops and kindle fires for a mobile lab to be utilized by all classrooms. Lab time is also available for students before and after school to work on projects or further their computer and programming skills.
Here is a sample of some of the topics that are students in their technology classes:
Grade Level |
Technology Topics |
Pre-K through 1st Grade |
Students begin basic computer skills using a keyboard and mouse while navigating starfall.com and abcya.com |
2nd Grade | Students begin to code using https://code.org/. Students create their own games, art, and digital stories and will develop problem-solving, collaboration, persistence, and computational thinking skills. Students participate in Mathletics.com which targets math fluency. Mathletics empowers learners to feel confident and motivated to think critically, make learning choices, seek help when they need it and reflect on their learning. |
3rd Grade | We add typing with www.edutyping.com in which students are motivated and earn stars and badges as their typing progress and skills increase. Typing progress is always visible from the dashboard, typing screen, and the My Progress page. Students can also log in from a computer at home and continue practicing. |
4th through 8th Grade | Students are introuduced to google doc, slides, google and classroom. We use www.typing.com, WebQuest.org and continue Mathletics. Students participate in research online and for Spanish they use www.duolingo.com. These language lessons teach how to read, write, listen and speak a new language. An independent study showed that 34 hours spent on Duo Lingo was equivalent to an entire college semester. |