Technology

Gordon ventured into the computer age by creating labs, spaces for teaching students how to use computers. As Gordon’s practice has evolved, the school is relying less on specialized experts and more on professional development that leverages the skills of Gordon’s classroom teachers. They use dedicated laptops, classroom desktops, iPads, and computer lab space to further integrate technology into the everyday work of the school.

One-to-one laptops

Gordon issues a dedicated, school-owned Macbook Air laptop to each sixth, seventh and eighth grade student for their own daily use.

With this investment, Gordon ensured that all of these students will have access to the same learning tools, in a curriculum that is increasingly being enriched with age-appropriate technology.

The one-to-one laptop program replaced the system of shared laptop carts. Decreasing technology costs made the change possible using the existing budget. The laptop each student is issued will stay with them through eighth grade, and is theirs to keep at graduation.

Support for technology

In the classrooms

Laptops, iPads, and digital projectors available to every classroom teacher from Nursery to eighth grade
1:1 laptops for all students in fifth through eighth grade, one supervised computer lab, and interactive whiteboards in every Lower and Middle School classroom
Ongoing funding for professional support and training each year
Audiobook and E-book technology in the library and Middle School

In the curriculum

Formal instruction in document creation, typing skills and online best practices begins in second grade
Age-appropriate research databases and websites, library catalog, and extended classroom tools available at library.gordonschool.org
Digital literacy and citizenship curriculum in second to eighth grade
Acceptable use policy, outlining excellent digital citizenship, signed annually in fourth to eighth grades
By fourth grade, students integrate strategies for responsible and effective use of Internet and online databases into research and create multimedia projects

Online

CIPA-level filters for inappropriate content used on campus
Student online identity vigorously protected on Gordon website
All faculty members have a web page
Gordon internal email accounts and Google Apps for Education accounts issued to every fifth grader