Fairport CSD recognizes that technology skills are vital standards in several curricular areas. Information and media literacy are embedded into many programs including but not limited to library, social studies and English language arts.
“The Fairport Central School District strives to prepare students to be creators and contributors to a globally-connected world,” said Kerstin Wheeler, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. “The district promotes the responsible use of technology to maximize academic performance and personal development for all members of the learning community.”
In addition to the integrated approach of skills within core content areas, 21st-century foundational skills are now taught by library media specialists and health educators within a new specials rotation at the elementary level.
This 2018-19 adjustment provides an opportunity for a deeper dive into aligned curriculum taught by certified teachers. The curriculum is designed to educate and guide students to harness the power of technology on their paths to becoming safe, responsible and respectful digital citizens.
Library media specialists and health teachers worked over the 2018 summer to formalize curriculum to include cyber safety and digital citizenship, key components of healthy students. Additionally, library media specialists are teaching information technology, keyboarding and a variety of software applications.
“Students will continue to have the opportunity to learn and practice 21st-century skills throughout their school experience in the library setting,” said Jessica DuBois, Northside Elementary School library media specialist. “Children will continue to have access to many print and electronic resources including the use of Chromebooks and iPads.”
In Fairport, elementary technology decisions are guided by developmentally-appropriate practices. Play experiences have been integrated into Fairport classrooms over the past three years. In doing so, teachers nurture students’ critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity. Activities that intentionally develop foundational skills without any technology include block play, read alouds, pretend play and the arts.
Developmentally-appropriate technology skill development is an integral part of Fairport’s philosophy of educating the whole child. The hands-on science units at the elementary level move away from the traditional method of learning science through facts and embraces the concept of students doing the science first to develop conceptual understanding of the topic, followed by the presentation of the science behind the experience.
“This approach is intended to pique student’s curiosity through investment in their own learning,” said Dr.Kristin Larsen, director of math, science and technology at Fairport CSD. Providing young students with exposure to computer science activities such a coding with Bee Bots or participating in the Hour of Code, that promote logical thinking coupled with flexibility in design and creativity ensure conceptualization of the foundations of more formal coding and engineering experiences in middle school.
The technology curriculum at the middle level includes computer-based instruction for units in coding, computer-aided design and architecture. These units are supported through tablets and desktops and utilize technology such as Tynker coding, Sphero’s, drones, Solidworks and 3D printers. Projects are designed to provide structure while allowing for autonomy and creative design.
Technology experiences across all Fairport grades encourage students to think critically and solve problems, valuable 21st-century skills.
