Drexel Avenue School
Computer Technology
The Computer Lab at Drexel Avenue School is a very active, happy place.
Students practice Keyboarding techniques and the correct computer posture throughout grades 3 through 5. Next in the computer curriculum is Word Processing and Desktop Publishing, which also begin in the fall of grade 3, Power Point is introduced in grade 4. Fifth graders take a great deal of pride in their creative presentations of book reports and research projects.
"Surfing the Net" is a favorite activity of students and teachers. We search the web for information, images, research, and webquests. In the Library Media Center and the Computer Lab, we integrate technology into the school's academic curriculum. Distance Learning is an exciting experience for all classes, as we have been piloting teleconferences for the Ward Melville Heritage Organization and the Bronx Zoo.
We intersperse these technology skills with our excellent Curriculum-based software from Compass Learning. Children are assessed and assisted by the computer to improve their Language Arts and Math skills.
Kidspiration was used as a graphic organizer by Mrs. Boston's 3rd grade dual language classes and was a success. We plan to expand the use of graphic organizers next year.
For our ESL population, we have incorporated the ELLIS learning system. It is now being used in the computer lab and the ESL classrooms. Children love this colorful, entertaining way of learning the English language.
New technology is always approaching. Next year we hope to do more with digital photography and video. We now have wireless Internet access and hope to get laptop carts next year. Let us know if you have any suggestions.