Philosophy
The Lower School homerooms, science lab, and reading classroom all contain computers. In the classrooms, the faculty use computers as a means to enrich, reinforce, and extend the grade-level curriculum. The majority of classrooms also have SmartBoards that allow students and teachers to interact with the curriculum. In the computer lab, students are taught techniques for touch typing and word processing. In addition, students learn to conduct research using the Internet. Guided lessons on instant messaging and Internet research stress safety and appropriate use of technology. The students are given strategies to examine Internet sources and recognize hazardous online behavior. Computer classes meet once biweekly in Grade Two and twice weekly in Grades Three and Four: once with the homeroom teacher and once with a computer specialist. Technology skills are developed and applied in all areas of the curriculum.
Grade Two
The main focus for Second Grade students is to increase exposure and computer with the technology at Browning. The students meet biweekly to develop skills in basic computer operations, touch typing, problem solving, and Internet navigation. Students begin using Typing Tournament software that allows the teachers word per minutes and problem keys. Educational games are used throughout the year to build skills needed in the core curriculum.
Grades Three and Four
Continuing lessons learned in the Second Grade, the computer curriculum expands on the skills essential for using the computer as a tool. The students meet weekly to strengthen their skills in computer operations: touch typing, word processing, presentations, and basic Internet research. Students will continue to work with Typing Tournament to improve speed and accuracy. Student will become familiar with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint that will be used in various interdisciplinary projects throughout the year.
