Technology at Key

Key School's technology curriculum is jointly designed by librarians and technologists. The program is not about computers; it is about what we do with them. Teaching students how to access information in any format, how to use it effectively, efficiently and ethically, and how to evaluate it are important aspects of the Key curriculum.

In Pre-School through grade four, students are introduced to a variety of technologies. The curriculum provides students the opportunity to explore and become familiar with the tools they will later learn to use with proficiency. Available software also supports work in the classroom. For example, students may use multimedia software to present their original poetry or brainstorming software to organize their original ideas. In grade three, students learn keyboarding skills and increasingly use computers with ease and efficiency. Fourth graders correspond with Australian students, exchanging email and digital photos with pen pals on the opposite side of the world.

Throughout the Middle School years, students hone more sophisticated skills and develop competencies in software applications such as: word processing, spreadsheet, database, browser, presentation, and graphics. Students' familiarity with the purpose and function of these technologies allows them to select the most appropriate tool for a given task. They are taught effective Internet search strategies and how to evaluate the information they access. Middle School students have opportunities to apply technology tools for research and problem-solving, demonstrating their learning by creating multimedia presentations, websites and digital videos. A media literacy curriculum is taught through Middle School technology classes where students learn media production as well as critical analysis.

By Upper School, students use technology to manipulate and display data, to express their ideas and creativity, and to conduct independent research. As assignments become increasingly complex, students utilize specialized equipment and software in math and science labs. Students work with digital photography and digital video throughout the curriculum. Upper School students regard technology as an essential tool for enhancing their productivity, their self-expression, their ability to communicate with others, and their capacity to be lifelong learners.