The computer lab at Union House Elementary School is a resource for both student and teachers. All students visit the lab, once a week. Primary grades come for 35 minutes each visit, intermediate lab classes are 45 minutes each. Depending on grade level, students may work on basic keyboarding skills, basic computer use, and use software to learn and practice how to operate the parts of the computer. More advanced students will use the technology to deepen their understanding of concepts they are learning in class, as well as become familiar with using software to create products that will help them demonstrate their understanding of those concepts. Basic coding skills will take the student from being mere consumers of technology to becoming creators of programs that others can use and learn from.

In addition, and very importantly, students at all levels will get age-appropriate instruction on being safe and savvy “internet citizens” while navigating their way through the internet and other aspects of technology. The doorway technology presents to our children swings two ways: they receive and use programs, blogs, and much more. They also are interacting in a vibrant and exciting community, made of both peers and adults. We want to make sure that students know how to use all that technology and how to interact with others they come in contact with in a safe, prudent and wise way. By providing clear instruction on how to be a good “internet citizen” students can learn to use technology to their benefit, preparing themselves for their continuing education and the workplace, and be confident and secure in how to do so safely.

Teachers also make use of the lab, and will let Mr. Z know of projects students are working on that they can work on in the lab, and seek advice on how to bring technology into their classrooms in effective ways.

In all these ways, and more, the computer lab is a vibrant and important part of our community at Union House Elementary School.