We work to harness the potential that technology offers and capitalize on the multitude of non-school technology skills that our students bring to the classroom through careful utilization of age-appropriate tools for “office” productivity, research, collaboration, media creation, and more. Computers, internet, cameras, smart phones, TVs are all examples of technology that our students, even the younger ones, encounter on a regular basis. We work with parents and students to build a community where collaboration empowers differentiated learning and where students are inspired and challenged to see themselves as creators of ideas as well as recipients of knowledge.
Concordia requires students to use technology, specifically computers, at every grade level because technology opens up a whole new world of learning and expression for students and because technology and information literacy are essential for success in society. Concordia uses Apple computers instead of Windows computers for a multitude of reasons; the software applications on Apple computers are more integrated and easier to use; Apple computers excel at multimedia; the skills learned on Apple computers are easily transferred to Windows computer environments; and Apple computers are easier to manage from an organizational perspective.
Technology Literacy, the ability to know how and when to use which technology to meet a need, is essential for success in modern society. Technology Literacy in turn is foundational for Information Literacy, which is knowing when and why you need information, where to find it, and how to evaluate, use, and communicate it in an ethical manner. Technology and information literacy at Concordia are not a set of classes, but rather are a continuum of skills and training, integrated across the entire curriculum, and developed through close collaboration among tech staff, teachers, and library and curriculum development staff. Students of all ages are already engaged with “i” this and “i” that at home and it would be a shame if they had to leave all this technology at the classroom door. To be sure, technology improperly used can be a source of great distraction, wasted time, and exposure to age-inappropriate content. However, properly used, technology can be a pathway to higher levels of student creativity and research in a new world of learning and expression. Technology can lead to broader knowledge, deeper understanding, greater collaboration, and a joy of learning. At Concordia, we employ a graduated approach where students gain greater freedom and more responsibility as they prove their ability to productively and safely use technology for learning. Teachers and Tech Coaches are on hand to guide students as they grow in this area. At home, parents are the key to their student’s education and should always be involved with their student. The most important technology rule for parents is that they should guide their student’s use of the Internet, regardless of the age of their student. It is important that parents know what their student is actually doing on the computer, instruct them and set limits about what is acceptable, and talk to them about what they are seeing and reading. Concordia offers workshops to help parents in this area.