Technology

St. Mary’s Integrated Technology Resource Program (ITRP)

21st Century technology skills and project-based learning are keys to student success in today's world. COMPUTER EXPLORERS® Integrated Technology Resource Program (ITRP) has been providing the technology curriculum at Saint Mary's Elementary School since 2005. Our curriculum meets and exceeds the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) and the Sacramento Diocese Technology Literacy Skills. The curriculum for K-8th grade integrates core-curriculum into the project-based learning.

Students receive instruction in the following eight technology areas:

• Basic computer operations
• Keyboarding
• Word processing
• Graphic design
• Multimedia presentations
• Spreadsheets
• Databases
• Internet Use/Web 2.0 Tools

Students work individually at their own work station to create projects as they learn application skills. They are then assigned a topic by their classroom teacher and they work in collaboration with another student to create a project that demonstrates mastery of that skill set. All work is done in class, so attendance is vital to your student’s success.

Student progress is assessed based on the following:

• Daily classroom participation
• Completion of learning session projects
• Final collaborative projects
• Online unit skills and vocabulary quizzes

Our technology resource teacher, Mrs. Alice Brown, is IC-3 certified and specifically trained by COMPUTER EXPLORERS to teach technology in public and private schools. She was awarded 2007 National Teacher of the Year for COMPUTER EXPLORERS. She is also a curriculum writer and thought leader with respect to teaching technology.

For specific questions about your student’s progress contact the ITRP instructor at abrown@saintmaryschool.com, or stop by the computer lab. Mrs. Brown is on campus Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

For more program information you may wish to contact Collette Howell, Computer Explorers owner and Director of Education, at 916-254-2011 or at collette.howell@sbcglobal.net

Learn more about COMPUTER EXPLORERS at http://www.computerexplorers.com/

TechStars® Technology Clubs

COMPUTER EXPLORERS’ weekly afterschool technology clubs emphasize academic readiness and mastering technology skills in ways that are age-appropriate. Working together in small groups, club members actively experience robotics, engineering, programming, video production and many other cutting-edge technology tools. Give your student an opportunity to further their 21st century learning experience by enrolling them in a TechStar session. There are three – 6 week sessions offered throughout the school year for grades 3 thru 6. Topics change each trimester. All sessions are held in the computer lab on Wednesdays from 3:15-4:30. Class size is limited to 12 students.

To learn about the current offerings and download a registration form, log on and click on the Technology link or contact Mrs. Brown at abrown@saintmaryschool.com.