used in each subject area, instructing students how to use that
specialized software needs to become the responsibility of subject area
teachers. Most schools with one-to-one programs (we are in our 10th year)
have moved in this direction.
Our computer department teaches word processing, spreadsheets, appropriate
web use, and a few other program skills through 5th grade. Above 5th grade
we only teach programming courses and few digital video courses. We only
still do the digital video courses because we can't convince the Drama
Dept. to take digital video under its wing.
In 6th grade and above math and science teachers cover spreadsheets and
graphs, English teachers word processing skills, language teachers do
databases, humanities teachers do wikis, the librarians do appropriate
search techniques, etc.. There are also very specialized programs (eg
Geometer's SketchPad) which are totally handled by the department that
uses the software. We have a 3/4 time person whose job is to help faculty
learn the computer skills/programs they need to use in their teaching.
The Tech Department focuses on network infrastructure, hardware repair,
and a lot of "just in time" teaching about operating system and computer
hardware tips and tricks.
Fred
-------------------------
Fred Bartels
Head - Computer Department
Rye Country Day School
914-925-4610
A forum for independent school educators <ISED-L@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU> writes:
>We are having an interesting discussion about the difference between
>"academic technology" and "technology education" and "educational
>technology." My thoughts are that "academic technology" and
>"educational technology" are similar and involve the integration of
>technology by teachers and students into the regular curriculum of math,
>science, history, etc. However, "technology education" in my mind means
>specifically teaching students how to use specific software applications
>and computer equipment for the sake of knowing how to use the software
>and equipment. To muddy the waters further, one article I found in Phi
>Delta Kappan says technology education is the modern successor to
>industrial arts.
>
>
>
>What are your thoughts?
>
>
>
>Patt Moser
>
>Sidwell Friends School
>
>Washington DC
>
>
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