Technology at Gesu Catholic School maximizes both teaching and learning for every member of the school community. Students and teachers have access to hardware and software that makes interactive and productive learning a daily occurence. These include:
- Two or more networked computers with Internet access in each classroom for student/teacher use
- Smartboard in each classroom for instruction and presentations
- Scanners, digital cameras, and printers in each classroom
- Document cameras in many classrooms
- Updated software programs for Word, Publisher, Powerpoint, Inspiration, Kidspiration
- Three mobile carts of laptop computers
- United Streaming Video, BrainPop and Scholastic BookFlix
Additionally, the two Gerald J. Breen Family Media Labs are located on the 2nd floor of the school. The large lab holds 31 computers and it is the place where students work weekly to incorporate technology into their curriculum. The smaller lab holds 16 computers and is typically used for group assignments, special technical activities and multimedia presentations.
The primary grades learn the function and tools of computing. They practice math, spelling, and reading using software programs and Internet sites. Internet research skills are a focus for the elementary age students. The fourth and fifth graders also learn keyboarding. Students also begin to explore the world of robotics with the LEGO NXT programming. Publishing, PowerPoint presentations, and the use of Microsoft Excel is the focus of junior high applications.
Internet safety and proper netiquette are also covered in age-appropriate ways at every grade level. Students are constantly challenged to learn how to use technology wisely and effectively as new applications emerge.
Gesu Catholic School also has computerized administrative offices and library. Our teachers and staff use technology to monitor attendance and our upper elementary and junior high students and their parents can track their grades electronically. We use e-mail to communicate with each other and parents.
Technology literacy increases every day!