As with arts, technology is integrated into the curriculum at Polaris. The intent is to enhance and extend the content areas in an engaging and motivating manner, while learning new skills and using 21st century technology tools.
For more information, visit Polaris Technology Website.
For questions on Tech at Polaris, please contact Katie Ray.
Each Polaris student is provided with a Chromebook that they can use throughout the school day. Technology is integrated with the grade level curriculum. Students learn new skills and software applications for the purpose of demonstrating their content knowledge through creative expression using technology. Internet research, keyboarding, navigation and terminology are also key elements of student technology use. Students progressively build technology skills through the grades in order to utilize continuously more complex and challenging programs. We also try to expose our students to new/current technology. We have many technology devices that help our students be at the forefront of creation.
Freeware applications and websites are almost exclusively used. There is an amazing abundance of impressive web tools available on the internet that allows students to express their creativity in a variety of forms. Not only are many of these really well-designed, there are no costs, no maintenance and no burden of being stuck with obsolete or incompatible software. On the other hand, the website’s availability or continued existence is not guaranteed but when one goes away, another pops up. Flexibility and adaptability is necessary and the kids are incredibly good at that. We also are very careful with our students information. Teachers create accounts without using the students personal information unless the district has a data privacy contract with the website.
1st through 5th graders are assigned a school email account. This is a safe, school-targeted email service that provides spam protection and content review. Email is sometimes used to submit completed assignments but is also required of some websites we use. Teachers emphasize appropriate use of email and express that email is to be used for “school purposes” only. It is a great way for students to advocate for themselves by emailing teachers and parents when needed to share school work or ask for help. It also allows students the opportunity to communicate with peers about school projects.
All students have been advised in an age-appropriate manner of the expectations of them regarding internet usage and that there will be consequences, such as the loss of computer privileges and possibly additional measures taken based upon school and district discipline policies, for inappropriate choices. Students’ internet usage is only allowed under the supervision of an adult. We use a program called LanSchool to help teachers and administrators monitor student computer use. It allows the adults to view all students screens at one time. LanSchool also provides teachers with tools that help instruction, like the ability to blank screens, send out a student screen as an example, and limit what programs/sites students can access.
Students have been assigned individual user logins to access the DPS network. This not only facilitates saving and finding files from any computer in the building, but also increases individual accountability for appropriate computer and internet usage.
Modified from DPS Ed Tech standards – updated and enhanced to reflect grade-specific goals of Polaris Elementary technology integration objectives.
All Grades
Skills are listed below by grade level and are cumulative. Projects increase with complexity by grade.
1st Grade
2nd Grade
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade