Mr. Kirk Auer
Technology Specialist
Technology Specialist
Computers
Our school utilizes a unique system in which the students’ classroom teachers and I collaborate to integrate computer projects into their curriculum. Program instruction takes place in a quasi-experiential manner conducive to an enjoyable and more permanent learning experience, with students provided a balance of guided instruction with an adequate level of flexibility and freedom while completing assignments. The school also teaches online safety using the digital citizenship curriculum from Common Sense Media. Each class from kindergarten through 8th grade has technology class at least twice a week.
Students in grades K-2 mainly use educational software and websites to build on their emerging language and mathematical skills. Keyboarding is emphasized in the third grade. Students in grades 4 and 5 use both educational and productivity software. Middle school students use productivity software that directly relates to the subject matter being covered in their other classes. Such software includes word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation programs. Students in all grades are exposed to elements of computer programming using Hour of Code activities and littleBits code kits.
Students in grades 3-8 participate in a Bring-Your-Own-Device program, in which students can utilize their own technology, while supervised, to read online textbooks, engage in research, and complete school work. We provide all students, who do not have access to their own device, with a Chromebook to ensure that all students in grades 3-8 have access to a device for the entire school day. Students also have access to a class set of Windows laptops and two class sets of iPads as needed for access to Windows programs and iPad apps. In addition, there is campus-wide wireless access to a fiber internet connection. Software is continually being updated. For example, library software has been adopted that enables students and parents to access the current status of library materials and do specialized web searches from any computer with an internet connection.
I have served as the technology teacher at St. Ignatius School since 2004. I am happy to have the opportunity to interact with the children at St. Ignatius and am proud to be associated with the faculty at the school, which has a long, proud history of Catholic education in southeast Portland.
Students in grades K-2 mainly use educational software and websites to build on their emerging language and mathematical skills. Keyboarding is emphasized in the third grade. Students in grades 4 and 5 use both educational and productivity software. Middle school students use productivity software that directly relates to the subject matter being covered in their other classes. Such software includes word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation programs. Students in all grades are exposed to elements of computer programming using Hour of Code activities and littleBits code kits.
Students in grades 3-8 participate in a Bring-Your-Own-Device program, in which students can utilize their own technology, while supervised, to read online textbooks, engage in research, and complete school work. We provide all students, who do not have access to their own device, with a Chromebook to ensure that all students in grades 3-8 have access to a device for the entire school day. Students also have access to a class set of Windows laptops and two class sets of iPads as needed for access to Windows programs and iPad apps. In addition, there is campus-wide wireless access to a fiber internet connection. Software is continually being updated. For example, library software has been adopted that enables students and parents to access the current status of library materials and do specialized web searches from any computer with an internet connection.
I have served as the technology teacher at St. Ignatius School since 2004. I am happy to have the opportunity to interact with the children at St. Ignatius and am proud to be associated with the faculty at the school, which has a long, proud history of Catholic education in southeast Portland.