Nancy López
Elementary School Technology Teacher
nancy.lopez@lincoln.edu.ar

Lincoln’s Elementary Computer Lab is equipped with 24 Dell Dimension E520 computers, one laser printer and one color inject printer. The teacher’s computer is connected to a SmartBoard, which is used for a whole-class instruction.

Our emphasis is on integrating technology into the curriculum. At Lincoln technology is a tool to enhance instruction rather than a separate subject. Therefore, computer skills are taught in conjunction with classroom assignments so that students are using the tool and skills to produce pieces that show their learning in Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies.

The computer specific topics covered are: Networks, Keyboarding, Word Processing, and knowledge of computer equipment and function.

During the first week of classes, students from Third Grade to Fifth Grade come every day to the Computer Lab to learn and improve their keyboarding skills. Along the school year, curriculum is integrated based on a three week cycle. Grade level teams and the technology teacher meet and plan activities and projects that reinforce concepts being taught in the classroom or produce a product that shows student learning. The number of classes in the lab depends directly on the need of the project or activity. In general, the computer lab use is related to age level ability. Fourth and fifth graders frequent the lab more often using the skills they learned in previous years. Younger students are orientated to basic computer functions and usage as they produce subject related works.

Instruction is a shared responsibility. Introducing and refining skills with regards to programs is the responsibility of the technology teacher. Core subject teachers take responsibility using the program as tool to meet the specific subject objectives, i.e. Math, Science, Language Arts, Social Studies goals.

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