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 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 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
- 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
Online
- CIPA-level filters for inappropriate content used on campus
- Student online identity vigorously protected on Gordon website
- Gordon internal email accounts and Google Apps for Education accounts issued to every fifth grader
Links for Lower School families
Common Sense Media Resources:
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Family Tip Sheets (Elementary):
Digital Life
Privacy and Digital Footprints
ffff More From Common Sense Media:
Games: "Digital Passport"
Parental Controls
ffffOther Resources & Articles:
Mindfulness and Screen Time
Google SafeSearch
"Children and Media: Tips for Parents"
Links for Middle School parents
1-1 Laptop Program Resources:
Acceptable Use Policy
S License Form
fffCommon Sense Media Resources:
www.commonsensemedia.org
fff Family Tip Sheets:
(Middle & High School)
Digital life
Cyberbullying
Respecting creative work
Privacy and digital footprints
ffff More from Common Sense Media:
Social Media and Age Restrictions
5 Reasons You Don't Need to Worry
Cell Phone Rules
Teens and Tech: The New Landscape (video)
ffff Other Resources & Articles:
iRules: Janell Burley Hofmann
Impact of Screens on Teen Sleep
"Mindfulness and Screen Time"
"Three Ways to Be a Better Digital Citizen"
"Children and Media: Tips for Parents"