Teams → Specials → Technology
Technology 
Mrs. Henderson
At Gaithersburg Elementary we are committed to preparing our students for their future. Since the 2004-2005 school year our student have received instruction in our computer lab using internet sites to research and practice skills and Word and PowerPoint to convey information. Instructional standards come from the National Educational Technology Standards and Maryland Technology Literacy Standards to support indicators taught in classroom instruction.
Highlights of our program
- We have participated in the Montgomery County Schools Media Festival for 3 years
- We have received Best Buy Teach Grants twice.
- We have had guest speakers from IBM and the EPA.
- We have dabbled in website creation, video production, and podcasting.
- We have Computer Lab Open House nights with informational sessions for parents and parent-child activities.
Goals for the 2009-2010 School Year
- Quarterly projects at each grade level using collaboration to create a product and presentation of the product
- Quarterly Open Houses for parents and children about the National Educational Technology Standards, Cell Phone Safety, Internet Safety, and a Gallery Night of Student Projects
- Several guest speakers from the MCPS Connection Resource Bank
- Creation of Solar Cars by the 5th Grade Tech Group
- Use of new technology including our Flip camera
Projects from the 2009-2010 School Year
We are off to a great start this year!
In September, we created a video in response to President Obamas talk with students on September 8th. Our Education Video
Kindergarten
The kindergarten students have learned how to log in and log off of the computers. They can use websites like Starfall and PBS to learn math and reading skills. They have learned how to use programs like Mighty Math and Kidspiration. They have also learned how to get "Handouts" from me, like videos to watch and PowerPoints to complete.
1st Grade
The first grade students have reviewed the parts of the computer. Their first big project was to work in pairs to create a riddle PowerPoint about a book using story elements and present their riddles to classmates. They have used sites like Internet4Classrooms and Oakland Terrace to review for the Unit 1 math assessment.
Edwin and Haaken
Amir and Angel
Amy and Aicha
Roger and Vinny
2nd Grade
The second grade students have started using FASTT Math to memorize their basic facts. They used an online thesaurus to generate a list of synonyms for a boring word and created a Wordle of those interesting words. They have also learned how nonfiction text features are similar to the features of a website. Their current project is researching either Pilgrims or Wamapoags, creating an audio interview, and designing a Thanksgiving invitation for the other culture that included the information that they have learned.
3rd Grade
The third graders have taken a reading assessment, Measures of Academic Progress in Reading on the comptuer. Their project for the semester was generating a list of questions about various careers, emailing those questions to the appropriate person, creating a PowerPoint about the career and presenting their information to their peers.
Semaj and Hannah
Ivy and Libby
Emma and Amaris