In the primary grades, students learn about ways technology is present in their every day lives. We discuss safe and smart ways for using technology and taking care of devices in order to be a responsible digital citizen. Students learn about how computers function, and learn terms such as input and output. There is also a focus in the primary years of becoming comfortable with using the track pad and keyboard on a Chromebook. Students use these skills to use interactive sites to reinforce Math and Language Arts skills.

Computer use in the upper grades expands on the skills learned in the primary grades with further exploration of technological advances. Students learn the many tools and capabilities of different Google programs, such as Google docs, slides, and sheets. Through this learning, students have created animations, slideshow presentations, graph displays, and research reports. Throughout the upper grades, students continue to use computers as a research tool through the use of the Internet. Typing skills and online safety are also reinforced as an important part of using technology. 

St. Joseph School is one of the leading schools in the diocese for computer technology. The entire school is networked with a 100 Mb Ethernet backbone with connections to all classrooms, special rooms (e.g. Art, Learning Center), administrative offices, and the teacher’s lounge. A server (with redundant backup) provides a domain for login accounts and central storage for all staff and students (grades 3 and up).

All students in Grades K-5 receive a personal Chromebook for use during the school year, allowing for a 1:1 ratio of Chromebooks to students.

All of these systems are connected to the school’s network and have high-speed Internet access. A router/firewall protects the environment from intrusion. The network is attached to a special advanced proxy server, maintained by the Diocese of Rochester, that virtually eliminates access to undesirable sites and content. Use of email and chat rooms are prohibited without direct staff supervision and permission. This policy is documented with all students in grades 3 and up required to sign an Internet Usage Policy with their parents.