|
LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER
Library Science is an integral part of Saint Barnabas Regional School's curriculum. As students progress in their academic careers, library skills become increasingly important. It is for this reason that students in grades 4 - 8 receive formal instruction in Library Science. Grades K - 3 will also visit the library weekly for story/video time and to check out books.
The computer lab is a vital part of the Media Center. All classes have scheduled time for group instruction and application of computer skills at appropriate levels.
Primary Instruction: Students in K-2 are taught basic care and basic computer functions beginning with using a mouse and locating useful keys on the keyboard. As students progress they become familiar with grade appropriate programs which enhance and support classroom activities.
Intermediate Instruction: Students in Grades 3 - 5 are introduced to the computer operation system and learn to manipulate the different functions of these items. Students have the opportunity to see that the lab computers are user friendly. Mistakes are easily correctable. Learning from mistakes is a valuable teaching tool. Grade appropriate programs are introduced to support classroom instruction.
Upper Grade Instruction: Students in the upper grades are encouraged to further manipulate the basic functions of the computer. By now, students are completely computer literate and have begun using the lab as a tool in research projects. They are familiar with most of the programs available on the computer and are introduced to additional grade appropriate programs.
Every effort is made to coordinate computer instruction with classroom instruction whenever a teacher feels the need for practice or remediation on any basic skills. Additional programs are used to supplement instruction in every area possible. Teachers are encouraged to use the lab during unscheduled time for class instruction.
Cooperative learning, abstract thinking, and creativity are three important skills developed in the computer lab. Students are allowed to feel free and uninhibited as they solve problems and use their creative skills in meaningful and interesting ways.
|
