Technology

Engaged From a Young Age

Our youngest students are introduced to logical sequencing, a foundational concept of Montessori education, through classroom activities as well as through our LS STEM program. Many lessons in STEM are pulled directly from resources used in the Montessori classrooms, such as Who Sank the Boat?, where students add items to a floating boat and talk about why the boat floats or why the boat sinks when certain items are added. The older Primary students use tinfoil and make boats while adding weights. Again, tying projects and activities back to the Montessori classroom.

In addition to the activities and projects in STEM, students are exposed to classroom technologies, such as iPads and interactive whiteboards found in each classroom and BeeBots which introduce the foundation of programming. These devices in conjunction with websites, such as Seesaw, provide students an opportunity to learn and participate in novel ways.

Starting in 3rd/4th grade Montessori classrooms, students have access to Apple laptops on mobile carts. In the coding class, students put the laptops through their paces by learning basic computer programming skills in a hands-on setting with the Thymio II Educational Robot. Navigating Thymio's built-in modes allows students to interact with the robot's touch, sound, and proximity sensors while programming the robot's movement.

Additionally, in 3rd/4th grade advisories and extending through our Middle and Upper School divisions, students receive direct instruction in digital citizenship. Through class discussions and individual exercises, our students are taught to use technology responsibly and respectfully.

An Environment of Encouragement

Beginning in 5th grade, students are issued a MacBook Air M1 as day users. Starting in 6th grade, students are permitted to take laptops home. The computers are used in almost every class from writing papers, to building replicas of Spanish missions in Minecraft. Additionally, students grow their understanding of the relationship between software and hardware in our MS coding classes by learning the basics of Python to program BBC Micro:bit computer circuit boards to display text, pixel art images, and pixel animations. They continue with the micro:bit’s components (LEDs, Buttons, Accelerometer, Radio, and Pin Pressed) with tutorials and projects. In STEM, students are tasked with creating 3D models in TinkerCAD and then bringing their digital creations into the physical world by sending their models to one of the multiple 3D printers available. In Digital Photography, students learn how to take better photos using principles of photography, such as Rule of Thirds, Leading Lines and S-Curves, Patterns and Repetition, and Portraits, while also learning basic photo editing skills in Apple Photos and Adobe Photoshop.

Empowering for the Future

In Upper School, students’ use of technology may help guide them towards a career that utilizes technology through electives such as Computer Applications, Web Design, Coding and Robotics, and Digital Animation. Computer Applications reviews the python coding language; Web Design covers the basic concepts of text-based HTML coding and use of advanced web design tools; Coding and Robotics teaches students to control and manipulate the actions of Arduino robots using C++; while Digital Animation provides students with the opportunity to try game development and walking cycles using ActionScript 3.0.

Additionally, Advanced Photo Editing, Engineering, and Film courses allow students to explore other technologies where coding is not a core principle. In Photo Editing, students expand on their knowledge and talents in Adobe Photoshop from Middle School, with an emphasis on techniques and advanced special effects. In Engineering, lessons focus on the four main branches of engineering: civil, mechanical, electrical and chemical. Through the use of CAD-based programs, slicer software, and 3D printers, students research, design, and prototype original designs. Also, students explore electronics through arduinos, breadboards, and various components. Film students have access to a dedicated production room with green screens and lighting, podcast room, production-quality 4K cameras, and professional-grade editing and effects software with Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, and Adobe After Effects.

If you have need technical assistance, please send an email to tekhelp@shelton.org .  Be sure to include your name, phone number, and a detailed description of the problem.  A member of the Tech Team will call you as soon as possible.

If you would need to print at home, please follow these instructions:

1. Install LP-Admin. This is available in Self Service on your student's Mac.
2. Reference these detailed instructions from Apple: https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/add-a-printer-on-mac-mh14004/mac. (Select version macOs Monterey 12 from the drop-down menu) 
3. If you have difficulties, please email the Tech Team (tekhelp@shelton.org) with your name, contact number, printer model, and model number.  A member of Tech Team will call you as soon as possible.

FACTS SIS (student information system) is the database where all things student-related are stored.  This includes student and family demographics, admissions, re-enrollment, grades, report cards, transcripts, and more.