Instructional Technology

Strong foundations:

Every student learns to use a computer confidently and effectively.

Purposeful use:

Technology is used intentionally, when it adds real value to learning.

Create & collaborate:

Students use technology to create, share, and work together.

Safe & responsible:

Students become thoughtful, ethical digital citizens.

Grades K–2

Getting started

• Turning a device on and off, and caring for it
• Logging in with a district account
• Using a mouse, trackpad, and touch screen
• Beginning keyboarding
• Opening and closing apps

Grades 3–4

Building skills

• Saving and organizing files in folders
• Creating documents and simple presentations
• Posting and replying in a class team
• Formatting text and adding images
• Keyboarding practice

Grades 5–6

Growing independence

• Managing and submitting assignments online
• Building longer, well-designed presentations
• Using templates and keyboard shortcuts
• Sharing work with teachers
• Introduction to spreadsheets

Grades 7–8

Applying skills

• Researching and evaluating online sources
• Using spreadsheets to organize data
• Professional email and collaboration etiquette
• Strong passwords and spotting phishing
• Basic troubleshooting, like restarting and checking connections

Grades 9–12

College & career ready

• Advanced documents, presentations, and data
• Responsible use of AI tools
• Managing a digital footprint
• Cybersecurity habits for life
• Technology skills for college and the workplace

In the classroom:

• Devices are used when they add real value to a lesson.
• Technology is balanced with discussion, reading, writing by hand, and hands-on work.
• Students create and collaborate, not just consume content.
• Teachers build in breaks and screen-free learning time.

Healthy habits at home:

• Set device-free times, like meals and the hour before bed.
• Charge devices outside the bedroom overnight.
• Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Ask your child to show you what they're learning or creating.

All students

Understanding AI:

What AI is, how it works at a basic level, and where we already see it in everyday life.

All students

Thinking critically:

AI can make mistakes and reflect bias. Students learn to question, verify, and check sources.

Grades 7–12

Using AI responsibly:

Through Microsoft Copilot, introduced gradually at the Jr.-Sr. High School, students practice using AI ethically and transparently.

Safety:

Recognizing online risks and harmful content.

Integrity:

Verifying sources and avoiding misinformation.

Responsibility:

Understanding your digital footprint.

Kindness:

Preventing and reporting cyberbullying.

Privacy:

Strong passwords and careful sharing.

Using your 1:1 device appropriately:

• Use your device for schoolwork, as your teacher directs.
• Bring it charged and ready to learn every day.
• Sign in only with your own account, and never share your password.
• Use only district-approved apps and websites.
• Tell a teacher or the IT Department if something seems wrong.
• Follow the District's Acceptable Use Policy at school and at home.

How families can help:

• Talk openly about online risks, privacy, and kindness.
• Set expectations for what's appropriate online.
• Stay involved and learn the apps your child uses.
• Model responsible technology use.
• Encourage reporting so your child feels safe coming to you.

NYS Computer Science & Digital Fluency Standards:

Adopted by the Board of Regents in December 2020 and organized into grade bands (K–1, 2–3, 4–6, 7–8, 9–12) around five concepts:

1. Impacts of Computing
2. Computational Thinking
3. Networks and System Design
4. Cybersecurity
5. Digital Literacy

ISTE Standards for Students:

A widely adopted national framework, grounded in learning science, that describes the skills students need to thrive with technology:

• Empowered Learner
• Digital Citizen
• Knowledge Constructor
• Innovative Designer
• Computational Thinker
• Creative Communicator
• Global Collaborator

Professional development:

Ongoing training, hands-on workshops, and coaching help teachers integrate technology effectively into instruction.

Classroom technology:

Interactive displays, document cameras, classroom audio, and teacher workstations support engaging lessons every day.

Approved learning tools:

Under our Zero Trust approach, every app and learning platform is reviewed for instructional value and student privacy before it is approved.

Accessibility for every learner:

Built-in accessibility tools and assistive technology help every student access learning in the way that works best for them.

Questions about technology in the classroom?

Our team is happy to help.