Grade 1 Educational Technology

Educational technology is an integral part of Overbrook’s curriculum. Today’s students must have technological skills to succeed in life. Overbrook students learn skills through dedicated computer class time. Kindergarten through fifth grade students attend weekly, junior high students attend biweekly. Classroom teachers who work closely with the technology instructor to integrate technology into everyday lessons reinforce these skills.

Upon graduation, Overbrook students will be empowered to step to the forefront of technological advancement as well as communicate in the 21st century. Our goals for our students are:

To develop proficiency in the use of technology
To use technology to help them communicate, think critically, and to become lifelong learners
To improve cognitive and problem-solving abilities
To reinforce reading and writing skills
To explore social responsibility as pertaining to technology

At Overbrook, your child will work in a Windows 2003 / XP environment. Every classroom has at least two computers on the network; most have four. We have a Novell network with a dedicated T1 line for high speed Internet access. Overbrook uses an Internet filter to protect students from harmful material, and requires students to sign an Acceptable Use Policy.

Our new computer lab is outfitted with 25 IBM Pentium IV with Windows XP 2003 computers, so each child has his/her own computer to work on in class. The lab also contains other technology such as scanners, DVD players , CD-RW drives, more digital camera s for student use, a Webcam, a mounted LCD projector and educational software. A computer situated on an adjustable teacher workstation in the back of the room is projected onto a large interactive white board so students can easily follow instruction. Students use a black and white laser printer and a color desk jet printer in the lab.

Overbrook teachers have access to the lab, but they can also use a school laptop and projector in their classrooms as a more portable resource. Overbrook owns five portable LCD projectors, as well as a projection TV with cable and a VCR / DVD player available for viewing in the library. Videoconferencing equipment also resides in the library. This equipment, used in conjunction with Project Diane and the Vanderbilt Virtual School, provides students with real-time interaction with professors, other professionals, and other schools. Each grade level has a media mobile workstation, containing a networked computer, a large TV for computer projection, a VCR, and a laserdisc player. In the art room, students view computer projection on a Smart Board, which allows for student interaction on the board with the computer, as well as digital manipulation of notes or drawings entered on the Smart Board.

The Overbrook technology curriculum is divided up into six key parts: computer operations, computer applications, keyboarding, electronic communications, terms, and use of computers. Whenever possible, skills are taught using regular classroom subject matter.

Primary (Grades K-3)

Learn the parts of the computer and their functions
Become familiar with the keyboard
Strengthen reading, math, language and critical thinking skills using various software programs
Use basic functions of word processing
Practice accessing appropriate Internet sites