Recipient of financial support from:

Technology @ Bialik

Recent statistics suggest that the sum total of information in the world is increasing exponentially. As such, it is increasingly important to teach children not only how to navigate the vast amounts of information that exist in the world, but how to categorize, filter and weigh that information in such a way that what remains truly adds to the students' understanding of themselves and the world around them.

We at Bialik believe that we have a responsibility to teach our students how to use computers and related devices responsibly and to their advantage. The technology program at Bialik is more than just tightly integrated into the school's curriculum - it is woven into the very fabric of students' daily lives. It goes beyond the computer lab, bringing students closer to their heritage via our Israel Interactive Centre and web and video conferences.

Our holistic approach to teaching doesn't merely teach "where" to click; rather we attempt to teach the logic behind "why" a student might want to click in a particular location.

We strive to keep our technology program up-to-date. In addition to wired and wireless networking and a computer in every classroom, the school boasts two fully stocked computer labs (Mac and PC) and several computers in our library/resource centre. Our lab facilities also include access to scanners, digital still and video cameras, colour printers, projectors and digital art tablets. The school's software library emphasizes creative and logical thinking skills, rather than rote memorization. We now have 10 Smartboards, one for each grade from JK to 8, and our plan is to expand this program so that every classroom will eventually have a Smartboard.

Specific skills and goals are taught at various grade levels: In our Preschool, the emphasis is on mouse skills and phonic and numerical reinforcement. In the Elementary Division, the students receive a formal "introduction to computers", learn English and Hebrew word processing, keyboarding skills and how to create slideshow presentations in Hebrew and English. From grade 3 up, each student gets their very own Bialik email address, and we reinforce internet and email safety. In Senior Division, students build on existing skills by creating interactive multimedia presentations and scripting, shooting and editing digital video. Newer trends in computing, such as podcasting and blogging, are explored within a safe and supportive educational context.

Bialik's goal is give our students the tools with which to succeed. The specific goal of Bialik's computing program is that graduating students will be comfortable using technology to support their work and learning, across disciplines, platforms and venues.