There are several updates to our technology program from last year. Close to the end of last year the computers used by the students in the library were updated from XP's to refurbished Windows 10 computers. This gave the students faster and more up to date computers. The XP's were recycled. A few of the Windows 10 computers had to go to the labs to replace some of those that had died.
In 2020 we lose support for Windows 7, just like we did for Windows XP. This is the reason why we added a $50 fee per family to our fees. Our Technology budget that we operate out of each year barely covers the years cost of fees for programs, licenses, virus ware and replacement equipment. In order to roll over to new computers for the teachers and the two labs we needed extra monies. This fee will allow us to start this year on rolling over administration and some teachers to Windows 10 computers. This will continue each year until we have replaced all teachers and lab computers. That is approximately 100 computers. Using only the $50 fee, this will take us 4 years to accomplish. We are also looking at other ways to get some of the money needed to complete this roll over. Once the teacher and lab computers have been replaced we will then be able to look forward to buying devices for the classroom with this money.
In the computer classes that your students attend at least once a week there are being exposed to typing and code classes. Starting this year with the second grade the students are enrolled in a typing class that keeps track of their progress. They start their computer class with 10 minutes of typing and then move to whatever the teacher need to teach in that class. The students have been also enrolled in a Code Class that keeps track of their progress. Students work on this when the teacher gives them time to do this. All students should be exposed to these to subjects in their computer classes.
After attending NCEA last year, the teachers realized how much the Google Suites for Education was used in classes across the country. Students from grades 5-8 are given an account in Google Suites and the teachers are using this more and more. In fact, we did not require students in 6th grade to purchase flash drives because the teachers are going to do most of their assignments through the Classroom provided by Google Suites. The fantastic news about this is at home all you need is an internet connection. The students can log into their account and all their information they need is there.
The world of technology continues to move forward. Here at St. Peter Interparish School we are trying to move forward with all the new types of technology.
