Ms. Donna Durden, School Technologist
Mrs. Diana Alvarez, Computer Teacher
We are both Educational Technologists
Computer Class is an “Extra Special”
6th Grade sees me every “A” Day, integrated into one of their subject areas
Ms. Durden will also be assisting in the classroom with the new technology
2012 – 2013 Netbook Program
We believe that technology in schools needs to become embedded into daily classroom instruction, rather than taught as a separate subject.
21st Century Skills need to be woven into the daily lessons that are taught in the classroom and not just in the Computer Lab.
Netbooks will be used by students for both information “consumption” and content “creation”.
We are continuously told that students need to develop and acquire 21st Century Skills.
These include being creative, working well with others and being able to use technology as an effective communication tool.
Why Netbooks?
The biggest factor of whether or not students have gained 21st Century Skills is their time actually spent using technology.
Not time learning about technology or looking at technology, but actual hands-on time using technology.
Netbooks will help engage our students.
• Netbooks will enable both teachers and students to participate in - and benefit from - innovative, technology supported educational programs.
• Netbooks will integrate technology into all aspects of the curriculum.
• Netbooks will provide this much needed “hands-on” technology time.
How Will Netbooks Help?
We know that we have just begun the journey and that it’s going to be an exciting one for all of us…
Mechanical Breakdown
Manufacturer’s Defects
Wear and Tear
Electrical Failure
Accidental Damage includes:
Drops
Cracked Screens
Liquid Spills/Liquid Submersion
Extended Warranty and Accidental Damage
$50 Deductible
for the Accidental
Damage Portion of
the Coverage
We expect that you have read the Student and Parent Handbook by now.
Please review the handbook again with your child. You will receive a printed copy of the handbook tonight.
Have You Read the Handbook?
I reviewed the Netbook Rules and the Parent Student Handbook with your children.
I tried to keep the focus on all the things we will be able to do with the netbooks, instead of focusing on all the things they “cannot” do with them.
Netbook Rules
We want the students to understand that these are educational tools for school.
They are taking them home primarily to charge them for school the next day, and to have them available at home for homework and educational activities that are assigned by their teachers.
What Are the Netbooks For?
They are not toys that we are giving them to “play with” at home.
My guess is that they each have at least one electronic “toy” (or computer, or laptop, or gaming system, or iPhone, or iPad, or iTouch) that they can use at home.
What Are the Netbooks Not For?
I told the students that their parents set the rules regarding how much time they can spend with their other electronic devices, or what apps or games they can install and play.
The netbooks are the school’s property (until they graduate in 8th grade).
They are to be used for Educational Purposes Only.
Who Makes the Rules?
Netbooks are provided to enhance the educational experience at St. Gregory’s Catholic School.
We feel that we have to start out strict, and enforce the consequences in order to make the program successful.
Please Support Us
There is also an online Jeopardy Activity that your child should complete …on their netbook, if they want!
It can be accessed through the link that I emailed to you, and also on the 6th Grade Technology Page found on Edline.
Online Rules Review
We do not have enough time to go over the handbook in detail tonight, but if you have any questions after reading it, please email [email protected]
We would like for the students to keep a set of headphones and a jump drive in their netbook case at all times.
Please do not send fancy, expensive headphones.
They should be ear buds or similar small headphones (light weight) that can fit in the case.
Headphones/Jump Drives
Also called Flash Drives, USB Drives, etc.
The drives do not have to be expensive or a very large capacity.
4GB are around $10 at most office stores.
If you already have one, you don’t have to go out and buy another.
What Kind of Jump Drive?
