Library and Technology/Coding and Computational Thinking

Library and Technology

When students graduate from Harpeth Hall, they have the skills to perform sophisticated research as well as comfort with computers and many common applications. Information literacy skills, including library and technology skills along with digital citizenship, are taught at all grade levels and across all disciplines. These skills are taught within the context of the curriculum. Professional librarians work with students at all levels to develop a love of reading. Book talks are presented, and reading lists are developed to assist students in finding just the right books to read. In addition, students are taught the entire research process, from accessing and evaluating materials through the presentation of research and proper citation of sources. Research skills are introduced in the Middle School and are reinforced throughout the Upper School. Students are taught to use the library catalog to locate print and online sources, to organize and incorporate information from a variety of sources into a single presentation, to prepare a list of works cited, and to understand how to avoid plagiarism. Technology specialists work with students to teach them the technical skills necessary to enhance classroom learning. They also guide students in ways to be responsible digital citizens. These skills are taught collaboratively with the classroom teacher to enhance specific projects and assignments.

Coding and Computational Thinking

Computational thinking is emphasized in both our math and science courses. We believe these skills empower our students to solve current and future problems with perseverance, collaboration, and innovation. Through programming projects and unplugged activities, students explore the steps of computational thinking including decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithm design. More in-depth projects occur in seventh and eighth grade as students design apps in collaboration with service learning projects, program Lego Mindstorm Robots to tackle challenges, create interactive toys using physical computing, and learn CSS and HTML to code a website of their choice. Development of research skills, an understanding of copyright issues, and digital literacy are all components of the website project. This integrated curriculum allows our students to develop the computational tools needed to be productive digital citizens rather than passive users of technology.