Technology in the Elementary School emphasizes the creation of art, writing and publishing, and experimentation with a variety of virtual manipulatives and tools.  We aim to provide every student with age-appropriate access to computers, software, the Internet, and other technology at school, and to provide technology within classrooms to facilitate learning.

Kindergarten students are engaged creatively with Lego Robotics ® kits building simple machines while learning about wheels, axles, gears, and pulleys. Students in Kindergarten also have access to computers to play games that build math and language skills. In 1st grade students use computers in their classroom to reinforce their math and language skills. 2nd through 5th grade students are exposed to a variety of different software tools and websites, and work on individual and group projects which most often connect directly to the themes and skills they are working on in Language Arts, Social Studies, Math and Science.

2nd through 5th grade students attend a weekly technology class with a dedicated technology teacher. In this weekly class, students learn technology concepts and skills, using industry-standard applications such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite (Dreamweaver, Photoshop, etc.), all while creating projects that support what students are learning in core subject areas. Students also have the opportunity to become digital storytellers in this class as they create stop motion animation/video.

In the earlier grades, 1st and 2nd grade students learn their way around a computer using a variety of applications (for example, Kidspiration idea-mapping software, KidPix graphic design software, Everyday Math) while working on projects that coordinate with what they are doing in their classroom. As these young students create projects that reinforce what they are learning in the classroom, they also learn to follow basic directions to log in and out, open applications, find and save projects, and develop their mouse and keyboard skills.

In 3rd and 4th grades, technology is focused on building research and information literacy skills. Where appropriate, the Technology specialist partners with the Librarian to further this effort.  The Gateway Library program is designed to help children become effective users of information while instilling a love of reading. The Library Manager collaborates with homeroom teachers and specialists to provide a diverse collection of print and electronic resources that support Gateway’s integrated curriculum.

Weekly library visits enhance literacy and develop library and research skills. Students learn about different literary genres (science fiction, mystery, poetry) and learn to access the Library’s holdings on-line, borrowing materials from physical or digital holdings.

As students move into the upper elementary grades, they continue to advance their technology skills. Projects that integrate with classroom work include solar system projects, California history projects, and U.S. State reports, to name a few. Students in grades 3 through 5 expand the pool of applications they use to include the Microsoft Office suite, Inspiration, Photoshop, along with more sophisticated use of the applications they learned in their earlier years including work with stop motion animation.

Students use a variety tools to present projects to peers and parents through grades three through five, including PowerPoint, Keynote and iMovie. Students also begin to use the internet and learn about its capabilities and how to work effectively while staying safe. Students develop internet research skills, including proper use of electronic references.