Computers
This is the seventh year I have served as the technology teacher at St. Ignatius School. I am happy to have the opportunity to interact with the children at St. Ignatius and am proud to be associated with the faculty at the school, which has a long, proud history of Catholic education in southeast Portland.
Thanks to money raised by parents and the school’s development group, we have 31 computers in the computer laboratory with flat panel displays and two, color laser printers. In addition, we have upgraded the school’s server and have enabled wireless access throughout the campus. Software is constantly being updated. For example, new library software has been installed that enables students and parents to access the current status of library material and do specialized web searches from any computer with an internet connection.
Our school utilizes a unique system in which the students’ classroom teachers and I collaborate to integrate software packages into the curriculum. Program instruction takes place in a quasi-experiential manner conducive to an enjoyable and more permanent learning experience with students provided a balance of guided instruction with an adequate level of flexibility and freedom while completing assignments.
Students in grades K-2 mainly use educational software to build on their emerging language and mathematical skills. Keyboarding is emphasized in the third grade. Students in grades 4 and 5 use both educational and productivity software. Middle school students use productivity software that directly relates to the subject matter being covered in their other classes. Such software includes word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation programs. In addition, middle school students learn BASIC programming, create their own video games, and design 3D worlds.
