Technology is a large part of everyone’s day-to-day life, especially in today’s world. While technology suited for children is best in moderation, it can also be an important asset when it comes to learning. As you consider your children’s future, you may wonder if an Orlando Catholic school would familiarize them with the fundamental skills and programs that they will be using throughout the remainder of their academic career. Our faculty at St. Charles Borromeo aims to give our students the building blocks they need to succeed in life—and that includes teaching them useful technology skills. We’d like to highlight a few ways our students interact with technology at St. Charles Borromeo.
Our students have many opportunities to use technology in our computer lab. Our teachers are present to guide them and help them gain essential knowledge regarding frequently used programs in school and beyond. Desktop and Chromebook computers are utilized regularly in the lab. There are also open lab times for student use available before school on select days.
Once a week, our students attend the computer lab for a technology class focused on computer literacy and computer science. Students are instructed following the Florida computer science standards and ISTE standards. These standards drive a curriculum that focuses on the following topics: communication and collaboration; communication systems and computing; computer practices and programming; and personal, community, global, and ethical impact. You can view the comprehensive K-8 state computer science standards here. During technology classes, students also learn to use the Google for Education Suite, which includes their school access to Gmail, Google Classroom, and other Google Apps.
Our technology classes are led by our Library Media Specialist and Digital Coach, Jeffrey Hernandez. All of our teachers are trained to use a variety of devices and programs utilized throughout your child’s education.
iPads and Other Tablet Technologies
Previously, we were a one-to-one iPad school for students in sixth through eighth grades. However, we found that iPads weren’t as effective for our students—so we’ve put effort into equipping our students with more appropriate educational technology. We’re working to integrate Chromebooks, Windows Laptops, and still utilizing iPads on a smaller scale into all classrooms at all grade levels. We currently have five full Chromebook carts that rotate around the regular education classrooms for teachers and students to use daily.
In our information-driven world, knowledge of how to responsibly use technology is becoming a required skill. Our faculty at St. Charles Borromeo want to help our students develop healthy relationships with technology and become familiar with the programs they may continue to use later in life. As an Orlando Catholic school, St. Charles Borromeo is dedicated to helping our students foster healthy habits, as well as grow academically and spiritually. If you’re interested in enrolling your children at St. Charles Borromeo, you can visit our admissions page.