Technology
Colfax Charter is committed to preparing our students to be active members of the technology age. With the help of generous donations from Colfax families to PACE, our Computer Lab is completely updated with 30 new iMac computers and we have a dedicated ComputerwiseKids teacher, Ms. Egan in the lab full-time. In 2020 when our new two-story building opened, we moved the Computer Lab to its brand new home, outfitted with state of the art technology throughout.
In an effort to bring technology into the classroom, our school has purchased computer carts on wheels, each fully stocked with laptop computers or chrome books for students to access technology right at their desks! Every classroom has wireless internet access and desktop computers for student and teacher use.
In 2015-16 Colfax received a technology grant from the District for $35,000. In addition, PACE purchased additional carts of laptops for the upper grades and iPads for the lower grades creating a 1:1 device model for our 1st through 5th grade classes. Colfax teachers receive additional Professional Development on technology in the classroom.
Computerwisekids follows the ISTE standards of Technology Education and 2018 CA Computer Science Standards. Their teaching techniques are unique by design. ComputerwiseKids teaches kids the basic skills needed to interact with a computer, iPad, Chromebooks. The lesson plans & software emphasizes the individual child's initiative and independence, allowing them to progress through an orderly series of structured learning activities at their own pace.
Why is the ComputerwiseKids Program Unique?
- We provide a trained Instructor
- We provide the technology curriculum based on ISTE & 2018 CACSS standards
- Coding and Robotics lessons are part of our curriculum
- Language arts, social studies and math standards are integrated with technology projects
- Google Edu apps, students use the Google drive and other apps regularly
- An online Typing Tutor program (records of speed and accuracy) available 24/7
- “The Player” an online tutor for mouse & keyboard skills used by K-1 students
- An online Student Gallery publishes student work for parents to view
- Internet Research assistance through our Online Classroom Page
- Digital Citizenship education
- Email (a messaging system) for Students Grades 2 and up
Skills, Apps, Software & Languages
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Learning Basic Computer Skills |
TUX PAINT / Kidpix / Gimp |
Scratch |
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Hierarchy of Files & Folders |
Google SketchUp |
Python |
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Word Processing |
iMovie / WeVideo |
Swift Programming Language |
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Presentations |
Drones/Robots |
HTML |
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Spreadsheets |
Styks-Animation Software |
Mod Kit (VEX Robotics) |
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Using the cloud (Google Drive) |
3D Printing various apps |
Java w/Minecraft |
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Online Safety & Digital Footprint |
Minecraft |
Coding with Raspberry Pi |
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E Portfolio |
Typing Tutor |
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PACE also funds an IT staff member dedicated to maintaining and updating all of our technology devices and equipment. This allows our teachers and staff to focus on teaching and not troubleshooting technology problems. This staff member services our Smart Boards in every classroom, student laptops and iPads, computers in the lab, printers, A/V and much more.
| Ashlynne Egan | Computer Lab Instructor |
