Dalraida Elementary School Technology Page Technology Coordinator: Rhonda Dunsmore

This page is intended to provide you with a brief overview of the technology equipment that is used regularly at Dalraida Elementary as well as information about the Alabama Technology Courses of Study.

Technology Instruction:

At Dalraida we strive to fully address the standards of the Alabama Technology Course of Study.  This Course of Study is broken down into two grade bands – K thru 2 and 3 thru 5, meaning the same course of study standards apply to all students in Kindergarten, First, and Second grades.  Likewise, the standards for Third, Fourth, and Fifth grade students are the same. The standards are addressed in the computer lab, library, and the general classroom during the course of regular instruction or with special projects assigned by the core subject teacher. This year the new course of study is rolling out to the teachers and will be implemented next year. The new course of study includes computer science standards.

Provide below are links to the Alabama Technology Courses of Study: 2009 Course of Study and 2018 Digital Literacy and Computer Science

Computers in the classrooms:

Each classroom at Dalraida is equipped with multiple desktop computer workstations for the children’s use.  Each teacher selects age appropriate and subject specific activities for the students to complete while on the computers.

Computer Programs or Resources Used:

Dalraida utilizes a variety of computer programs and resources such as Compass Learning (Edgenuity), Scantron, Accelerated Reader, STAR Reading and Math, eSpark, MobyMax,Google apps, Coding, org, Flocabulary, Newsela, etc. to enhance instruction and for assessment.

Smart Boards or Interactive Touch Panels:

Every classroom at Dalraida is equipped with an interactive Smart Board and digital projector or a ClearTouch Panel.  Teachers utilize the interactive boards for hands on, interactive activities frequently. In addition, the interactive boards allow teachers to display digital resources to the students during the course of instruction.  Many of the textbook publishers provide digital content that can be used to enhance instruction such as GoMath, STEMScope, etc. Our teachers also frequently seek out additional resources. Online journals and publications, videos, and websites are just a mouse click away and can easily be displayed for the entire class on the Smart Board or interactive panel. We are excited about adding document cameras to the classrooms this year.

Mobile Technology:

Dalraida is extremely excited to have three mobile computer labs comprised of Chromebooks and three mobile computer labs comprised of iPads available for teachers to check out for projects, group activities, and lessons requiring individual student access to a computer. Students often use the Chromebooks and iPads during “Center Time” or during instruction to access learning applications just as if they were on a computer.  The Chromebooks and iPads are also frequently used during Small Group instruction to provide access to digital instructional resources needed for a specific group of students.

Technology For Assessments:

Dalraida will be completing the required yearly State Assessments on computers. This is a shift from the traditional paper and pencil testing forms from years past.  The mobile Chromebook lab allows us to set up a second testing location in addition to the two Computer Labs which will allow us to complete the testing in a timely manner. The K-2 Computer Lab is comprised of 25 desktop workstations.  The 3-5 Computer Lab is comprised of 30 desktop workstations. Our mobile Chromebook labs have a total of 90 Chromebooks, nearly doubling the number of children who can be tested during a testing session. Our mobile iPad labs have a total of 90 iPads, After-School tutoring participants in grades 3-5 work in the Compass Learning computer program focusing on Math, Reading, or Both.  Placement in the program is based off beginning of the year baseline testing scores.

Technology plays an important role during the instructional day at Dalraida.  In addition to the ways previously mentioned, teachers routinely use email or text to communicate with parents. Each teacher also utilizes Class Dojo as a means of communicating with parents. Our principal is able to send out group calls to all the parents to provide necessary information in a timely manner.
The school’s web page is also a valuable resource for important information about the school as well as upcoming events.  The web page also provides MANY pictures capturing the wonderful things that take place here at Dalraida. Web page updates are made frequently, often multiple times per week. If you take a picture with your phone or camera while attending a Dalraida event, feel free to submit them to the Technology Coordinator. Be sure to include a brief description so I can share information about the picture on the site. Please keep in mind that students must have a media release form on file before their picture can be used on the website. Click on the following link to submit pictures for review: Picture Upload Form

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