Technology In-service
at The Wyndcroft School

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I. AlphaSmart Hands-on Tutorial

II. Computer use in The Haverford Lower School

III. Computers as MindTools

IV. Haverford School Teacher Pages

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    A. File 1-8 buttons means that eight different classes can use the AlphaSmarts

    B. HOME - END buttons - Four lines of text has been a non-issue for Haverford students.

    C. OFF button = Auto-SAVE

    D. Spell check - best done when uploading to MS Word.

    E. Steps for uploading:

            1. Connect AlphaSmart to a computer with keyboard Y cable.
            2. Launch MS Word.
            3. Press ON button on the AlphaSmart.
            4. Press SEND button on the AlphaSmart.
            5. Disconnect the AlphaSmart
            6. SAVE work on the computer.

    F. Formatting - Encourage students not to press ENTER after each line typed when using the AlphaSmart. Continuous typing means less time formatting text after uploading to a computer. Students perform the following tasks for formatting:

            1. TAB key for indenting
            2. CTRl-E to center titles in the header.
            3. FORMAT > PARAGRAPH to double-space

    G. Battery life - After an overnight charge, the AlphaSmart yields approximately 200 hours of battery life. We routinely charge the AlphaSmarts in August, November, February, and June (for our summer academic enrichment program). The AlphaSmart will display a WARNING when battery life is low. Simply push the OFF button to SAVE work, and then allow for an overnight charge.

    H. Haverford School - Our Lower School have two AlphaSmart carts (30 on each cart). One cart is for use by 1st and 2nd grade students. The other cart is for use by student in grades 3-5. Students at Haverford use the AlphaSmart to:

            1. Word process in the classroom after traditional pre-write activities.
            2. Small group activities where one student is the note-taker/recorder; one student a researcher; one student as artists...
            3. Field trips with pre-written questions for students to answer.
            4. Newspaper club - students use the AlphaSmarts when covering after school sports and other club activities.
            5. Study Hall - 5th grade students check-out AlphaSmarts to write poems and homework for English.

To explore more integration ideas, activities, and read testimonial from other teachers and schools using the AlphaSmart, go to:  http://www.alphasmart.com .

II.  Computer use at The Haverford School

            A. Overview of software used by grade level

Software is loaded on all lab and classroom computers.

            B. Overview of hardware

                    1. Kindergarten have 10 computers in the "big room" common space primarily used for Earobics lessons.
                    2. Pods of 2-3 computers in each classroom are the norm from grades 1-5.
                    3. Computer lab has 24 computers, scanner, color laser printer, and 3 digital cameras, and AlphaSmart cart.
 

            C. Overview of computer lab and classroom computer use in Haverford Lower School

Pennsylvania Department of Education: Science & Technology Standards FAQ

D. Examples and links to curriculum-based projects from the Haverford Lower School

            A. https://www.angelfire.com/bug/brownjay/

IV. Haverford School Teacher Pages

Mr. Jay Brown
Updated: October 2003