Technology
Technology courses are essential to every Catholic school curriculum. In fact, technology is required to be integrated throughout each course of study from Mathematics to Religion. The use of technology in the 21st century is integral to preparing students for college and career success. Technology courses in Catholic schools cover a variety of lessons including Research and Information Fluency, Digital Citizenship, Creativity and Innovation, Communication and Collaboration. All of these units are taught and influenced by the lens of Catholic identity and the dignity of all humankind.
3D Printing
In addition to the core technology integrated curriculum, 3D printing has been added as an activity to enhance instruction throughout many of the schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
On May 5, 2015, Archbishop William E. Lori held a press conference to announce an exciting new initiative that makes a 3D printer available in every Archdiocesan school. The initiative was made possible due to support from the Embracing Our Mission ~ Shaping Our Future capital campaign, a generous donation by Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Croteau, and our technology and curriculum partners, 3D Systems and STEAMTrax.
3D printing is considered a “game-changer” for schools, as they provide children with unparalleled access to innovative technology used by engineers, astronauts on the International Space Station, and medical professionals and scientists.Monsignor Slade School students will have access to this same technology and a curriculum that allows our students to become more ready every day for future discoveries and advances we have yet envisioned.
Classroom Technology
Monsignor Slade views the integration of technology into the school as an ongoing process. The school is continually updating classroom technology in order to equip the teachers and students with the tools to communicate and work effectively in the world.
BenQ Boards, iPads, and Chromebooks
BenQ Boards are available in all Pre-K4-5th grade classrooms, as well as a 7th grade classroom and Spanish classroom. iPads are available for student use in Pre-K4, Kindergarten, our music classroom, and resource classrooms. Students in grades 1-8 enjoy a 1:1 Chromebook program. All of these devices create an interactive teaching and learning environment. Additional equipment that is available to the teachers includes LCD projectors, document cameras, and Mimio devices
Technology Classes
Monsignor Slade students in grades K-8 participate in formal technology classes once a week for 30-45 minutes. During these class times, students are exposed to the curriculum as prescribed by the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Course of Study. Students learn the technical skills necessary to achieve integration of technology in order to prepare them for high school and college. These are critical skills that will be required in this demanding and constantly changing technical environment.
PowerSchool
Monsignor Slade teachers use Pearson’s PowerSchool, an electronic grade book. Because this is an Internet-based program, grade K-8 parents and students have access to students’ grades. This allows for effective communication among the teachers, parents and students.