The technology team is working constantly both behind the scenes and in the classroom to support the ongoing technology needs of students and teachers. In K-2, students are exposed to a range of technology. K-grade 2 classrooms have a set of iPads to utilize in small groups. Most recently, Ms. Wipfler spent two morning with the Kindergarten students, running a small group center to introduce Epic Books and Khan Academy for Kids.
In third grade, students are introduced to Chromebooks! They will have the same Chromebook assigned to them for grades 3-5, and another for grades 6-8. Ms. Lydia and Ms. Wipfler shared expectations for care and use of the Chromebooks to the third graders several weeks ago, and since then, they have been working steadily on Typing Club. Students in grades 3-5 have school accounts with Typing Club, a developmentally appropriate program that allows students to practice typing skills at their skill level. As students progress, the program adapts to their speed/accuracy. The goal is comfort with touch typing by middle school.
Third grade students start the Typing Club program with a placement "test".
Most students in grades 3-8 have also been introduced to Sora, a platform very similar to Libby, which allows students to browse and read ebooks and audiobooks from a digital collection available throughout the state. Accessing books in a digital format often allows students to read texts otherwise inaccessible to them. Students have shared that audiobooks are a great option for car rides, walks, relaxing after school, or completing chores. Happy reading!
For more information on Typing Club or Sora, please visit the Lyme School Library, Media, & Tech website.