Educational Technology and Libraries

The Educational Technology and Libraries Department is comprised of librarians and educational technology specialists whose purpose is to prepare students to participate responsibly and creatively in a continually evolving world by facilitating the learning and use of information and media literacy skills — including critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills — and educational technology. The program seeks to help students become inquisitive, efficient, and ethical users of information, and promotes the value of being lifelong readers and learners. The program offers students the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to use available tools and resources to reinforce and enhance their education and independent learning, understand community norms for technology use, and recognize how to create a positive digital imprint. Librarians and specialists partner with faculty and administration in the planning, teaching and evaluation of the school-wide curriculum. Skills and dispositions relating to reading, research, information and media literacy, and digital citizenship are reinforced from Grades 3 through 12. Additionally, students can expand their technical knowledge through a variety of technology-based clubs and spaces that promote technological creativity. Reading skills and predilections are also encouraged through a variety of book clubs, reading programs and incentives across the

divisions.

LOWER SCHOOL

The Lower School foundations class encompasses information and media literacy skills, and educational technology. All Lower School grades meet twice every rotation for foundations. The topics covered include reading appreciation and comprehension; research skills; digital citizenship; character education; basic computer use; keyboarding; coding; and hands-on, STEAM-based making.

In addition to foundations classes, students are provided instruction, reminders, and practice of these skills in a project-based learning environment in coordination with their curricular classes across grade levels.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

The foundations class for Grade 6 students, which meets once per rotation, includes instruction and practice of foundational skills of information and media literacy skills, and educational technology. The topics covered include reading appreciation and comprehension; research

skills, such as using databases, online searching, evaluating resources, and understanding plagiarism; digital citizenship; character education; online privacy and security; and how to use Microsoft Office 365, email, various educational applications, and the tools and equipment available to Middle School students.

In addition to foundations classes, students are provided instruction, reminders and practice of these skills in a project-based learning environment in coordination with their curricular classes across grade levels.

UPPER SCHOOL

In the Technology/Library Component of the Form III foundations course, students meet once per cycle. Classes provide instruction and practice of foundational skills of information and media literacy skills, and educational technology. Topics covered include reading appreciation; research skills, such as using databases, online searching, evaluating resources, and understanding plagiarism; digital citizenship; online privacy and security; and how to use Microsoft Office 365, email and various educational applications.

In addition to foundations classes, students are provided instruction, reminders and practice of these skills in a project-based learning environment in coordination with their curricular classes across grade levels.