Technology at Cordova

Cordova Elementary School has just over 250 computer workstations running on the Windows 2000 NT operating system. Each computer is preloaded with Microsoft Office 2000, which acquaints students with a professional level word processing program and exposes the upper grades to Excel and PowerPoint. Every teacher enjoys the use of a 21st Century teaching cart, which includes the programs previously mentioned. Also, teachers have access to Microsoft Publisher for classroom projects. Other preloaded instructional software programs include HyperStudio and Inspiration. There are five Hewlett-Packard laserjet printers in the building. Laser printers are in the computer lab and the library and one in grades two, three, and four. Each classroom is equipped with a Hewlett-Packard deskjet color printer, as are the art and science labs and the resource/conference rooms.

Every classroom is well-equipped with technology tools. In addition to the teacher cart, there are four student workstations. (The same setup exists in special support classes like CLUE, Orff Music, Science Lab, Art Lab, CDC, ESL classroom, and Instructional Resource class). Also, in the classrooms students use an eight set listening center with books on tape and frequently connect the headsets to the computers. Tape players are used with the listening stations, too. The library has record players available to check out. Most classes have VCRs that are used to show a wealth of videos stored in the media center. These videos support our curriculum topics. All classrooms have their own overhead projector. Teachers have access to two digital cameras, two camcorders, and a video projector for use with individual class projects or total school activities.

All 31 classrooms are networked to operate several Renaissance Learning programs, including Accelerated Reader, Accelerated Math, and Math Facts in a Flash all task-level information systems that give educators immediate, accurate information on student academic performance. Computer-adaptive diagnostic assessment is done through the STAR Math, Reading, and Early Literacy programs. These programs ensure student success at their level and allow the teacher to adjust instruction to help all students reach their greatest potential in these critical subject areas. Additionally, in the schools media center and in small resource/conference rooms throughout the building, computer programs are used with students needing additional help to succeed. Teacher assistants work with small groups using the Failure Free Reading program and the Multiple Teaching Systems program. The imminent installation of Wiggle Works will provide another avenue of individual attention used with students at their instructional level to improve reading comprehension and language composition skills.

At Cordova Elementary School, 100% of the classrooms and 100% of the computers have Internet access through both Internet Explorer and Netscape 6. Students and teachers use the Internet in a manner that supports the curriculum. Project research is conducted, educational games are played, and students participate in surveys over the Internet. Students are learning time management and organizational skills through the Bookmarking process and put this skill to work at home also. Networked programs are managed from a Windows 2000 instructional server stationed in the computer lab office. Administrative functions are managed from a separate server. Six computer workstations are housed in the administrative suite with a laser printer serving the school secretaries and a deskjet printer for the financial secretary. The principal has a deskjet color printer, as do the school counselor and afterschool extended program director. Our principal has a laptop computer.

Instructional Technology Program

The instructional technology program at Cordova Elementary School follows the TechWorks curriculum, a program produced by TCM that prepares students to use technology skills in their classroom curriculum. Following the scope and sequence of this curriculum, students are exposed throughout their KK-4th elementary school years to 14 technology concepts and their underlying skills. These skills are introduced in a sequential and age-appropriate manner and then maintained until mastery. An extensive list of General Technological Awareness skills begins in Kindergarten and continues through the 4th grade in declining numbers each year. Other examples of the broad concepts include Keyboarding, Graphics, Word Processing, Information Systems/CD-ROMs, Internet/Telecommunications, Databases, and Spreadsheets. The goal is to produce students who are technologically literate as they leave Cordova Elementary School.

The computer lab instructional period affords opportunities for children to practice academic skills in addition to learning about the operation of computers. Accelerated Reader tests may be taken in the lab. Math facts for all operations may be practiced in the lab on Math Facts in a Flash. The Inspiration software program provides for creative thinking as students brainstorm about a particular main idea. This program has an outline feature that can help upper level students with organizational skills in their compositions. Stories and poems are typed using Word Processing and Keyboarding skills learned in lab classes. Internet access on all lab computers provides an opening for students to do research in addition to skill practice activities. Using a computer carefully and correctly promotes logical and organized thinking. These special opportunities can be practiced by students at any grade level and on any functioning level. They reinforce curriculum skills and encourage higher-level thinking and problem solving