Technology
Students in our classrooms are capable of engaging in learning at a whole new level. As technology has made knowledge and resources available literally at the touch of a finger, our teachers and administrators have re-envisioned the role of technology in our classrooms. In order for students to meet with success in a challenging educational environment, we are effectively putting progressive technology into the hands of our students.
To actualize their potential, students need access to a constantly evolving array of technological tools and activities that develop problem-solving and decision-making skills and promote teamwork and innovation. GMA features a 1:1 program, enabling each student in grades 4-8 to have a tablet or laptop in every classroom and students in grades K-3 to have iPads. As students move through classes, they access their Google Drive accounts and Google Apps, increasing efficiency, collaboration and engagement. All classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards and wireless internet.
The curriculum incorporates computer applications and operations, interactive experiences, and cyber-ethics. Ongoing collaboration between the classroom teachers and technology team result in creative and unique displays of knowledge. Led by two full-time staff members, the Technology Teacher/Coordinator and the Director of Database and IT, GMA is able to implement dynamic technology at all grade levels.
Ongoing instruction builds on the development of skills and exploration as students utilize Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher and Google Drive to support comprehension and build learning. Technology helps to support differentiated learning as web tools are used to support student learning and extend subject knowledge. Some examples include: students in the primary grades use Storybird to publish unique narratives focusing on a subject matter about which they are passionate and ABCya and Arcademics provide keyboarding practice. Middle school students use Quizlet and Socrative to study and ComicLife and Prezi to produce high quality original displays of subject matter. Google Drive and Google Classroom are used schoolwide to promote a paperless, collaborative and efficient workflow between students, teachers and staff.
Students are educated on Internet safety and are challenged to recognize their ethical responsibility as digital citizens. In support of this, each student and faculty member signs the Acceptable Use Policy.
Faculty attends workshops and continuing education courses so that they can optimally integrate technology into lesson plans and class work. Our librarian works with all grades, in conjunction with homeroom and subject area teachers, to facilitate research and educate students in age-appropriate Internet usage and effective, approved search engines.