In this division resources are assigned to the classroom as opposed to one particular teacher. The nature of the relationships between Head Teachers and Assistant Teachers are such that one computer (laptop) is easily shared between the teachers in each classroom.
Computers are assigned to Preschool classrooms for use by the faculty in keeping up with in-school divisional and whole-school communication (email), home-school communication and facilitating web-site publishing, report writing and curriculum mapping.
There are no computers for student use as “computers” or “technology” is not a part of the preschool curriculum. This is conscious pedagogical decision.
This year the PS receives a hardware upgrade. All classrooms will receive new laptops. The PS Afterschool received a new laptop in the Spring of 2007.
Laptops assigned to the Preschool are collected for routine software maintenance and upgrades at the end of each school year.
Major DIMS initiatives:
Classroom websites began in the Preschool during the 2005-6 school year as a tool for home-school communication with families. As the websites evolved they also became the primary tool for curriculum mapping in this division.
The use of technology resources among the faculty has enhanced the classroom presentation of student work, given the faculty a tool for communication which allows for greater/more frequent access to information within the community and increased faculty access to computers for report-writing. This year the Preschool participated in the Art Show with a themed digital photography exhibit along with work created in their art classes.
Ongoing & Upcoming initiatives:
Ongoing
o Computer Literacy support (general knowledge)
o Digital photography & multimedia use support
o Website publishing support
o Curriculum Night media presentations for parents facilitation and support
Upcoming
o Podcasting of PS Sing and performances
o Dedicated ‘tech help’ support throughout PS via PS/LS Integrator (new faculty position)
Additions and/or significant changes for 2007-8:
• Digital Video Camera (to be kept with Administrative Assistant for the entire division to use)
