Students learn daily, responsible use of technology

Read about how faculty integrate technology into academics during Digital Citizenship Week, October 16 to October 20.
By Holly Newsome, Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications

Technology is an essential part of life. This is why University School of Nashville’s curriculum includes technological touchpoints at each grade level. Students are taught how to use technology responsibly and be respectful in the online world. As Digital Citizenship Week is celebrated October 16-20, a closer look at USN’s robust use of technology is warranted as a part of its historic commitment to innovative education. 

In Lower School, Technology Coordinator Kait Lang works with Grades K-4 to help every learner build a strong foundation in technical, teamwork, problem-solving, social emotional skills, and digital citizenship skills. Students learn about using technological devices and software to accomplish goals as individuals and teams. Here is the grade-level curriculum at a glance:

  • Kindergartners learn how engineers and scientists think. They are introduced to computers as tools of scientific measurement that help people learn about the natural world. 
  • First Graders learn how to use computers safely and securely as well as for artistic expression with iPad tablets. 
  • Second Graders learn the importance of cultivating a digital identity and how to manage a digital reputation while online with iPad tablets. 
  • Third Graders use iPad tablets and keyboards to learn digital citizenship. They focus on protecting passwords, preventing cyberbullying, practice programming, and presentation skills.. 
  • Fourth Graders use iPad tablets and keyboards to learn how to make fun, interactive projects that reinforce what they learn about digital citizenship, presentation skills, and computer science. 

Other specific skills learned by Lower Schools include typing, coding, and programming plus creating presentations, citing sources, protecting passwords, and preventing cyberbullying among others.

“I like using my iPad for most assignments. We use Google a lot for papers and presentations. I think it makes things easier,” said Lucas Muñoz '32. “I like how I can use my imagination when I use technology.”

Added Emmy Tidwell '32, “We get to use lots of cool apps to help us better learn how to do technological things. It’s fun. I can be creative when I use technology. I like connecting it to science, too." 

Lower School families will soon be able to access a dedicated technology resources webpage through usn.org. 

“Education is catching up with technology, and the industry is realizing it is never too early to begin teaching about responsible technological use. Because technology is interdisciplinary, our Lower School technology program is comprehensive with buildable, connectable topics,” said Lang. “Our goals are to teach students, guide students, and help students master technology, or be comfortable and confident using it.” 

In Middle School, Educational Technologist Kari Luecke works with Grades 5-8 to help every learner build a strong foundation for digital wellness. While technological classes are not a requirement for students, the acronym KAROT is on display in hallways and classrooms as a reminder to practice digital wellness while using devices to complete coursework. Each letter in KAROT helps students to make healthy digital choices for themselves and others: 

  • K reminds students to ask if their choices are kind.
  • A reminds students to ask if their actions reflect the school’s values.
  • R reminds students to ask if they have rebooted, refreshed, or restarted their technologies recently.
  • O reminds students to ask what the objective is for using their devices. 
  • T reminds students to ask if their tabs are task-related.

“Technology is everywhere and ever-changing. We want to prepare students for an unknown world. When students encounter any technological situation, our hope is that they will be equipped with skills to make good decisions,” said Luecke. “Technology should not be terrifying to students or parents if they have access to knowledge and resources.” 

In addition to KAROT, a Middle School technology resources webpage with abundant information is being developed on usn.org. 

Middle School students regularly use technology during the school day. Fifth graders work with iPad tablets. Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders work with MacBook Air laptops, with eighth graders earning the privilege to take their devices home at night. 

“Technology in the classroom allows our teachers to create more lessons for us, making education more fun,” said Andres Meneses '28. 

Added Ellis Mašic '29, “Technology helps students with learning disabilities to better understand what is being taught in the classroom." 

For seventh and eighth graders with an interest in technology as a hobby, Luecke teaches an elective course called Intro to Programming. Students learn the foundations of websites using HTML and CSS and primary programming languages like JavaScript and Python in addition to writing rules and coding tasks. Then, students use their newly developed skills to play competitive-level VEX IQ Robotics at school or in competition. 

In High School, students are responsible for bringing their own devices to classrooms and following technology rules set forth by their teachers. They are expected to know how to use technology for educational purposes from time spent in the Lower and Middle Schools. Devices help High School students work together in class or to complete their homework individually. 

“We use laptops in a plethora of class settings, whether doing Desmos in AP Calculus or working on a lab in AP Environmental Science. Technology is vital in not only getting work done but also understanding expectations of what class should be like,” said Dara Udom '24.

USN is considering hiring a High School Divisional Technologist, who will be responsible for helping High School faculty consider the ways in which technology shifts and shapes their work as teachers with a mission to model the best educational practices. Moreover, this position will offer technical support to the division, collaborate with the engineering and computer science areas, and advise a small group of High School students. 

“In High School, we find our students are tech savvy in some regards and less so in others. At once, High School students can help lead our thinking around the best of technology’s offerings,” said Quinton P. Walker, Head of High School and Assistant Head of School for Academics. “One of the complicating factors we’re seeing as a school and society is balancing the way students use technology in their social lives. It isn’t a binary — this is a good or bad argument. Rather, it’s nuanced, and we’re taking the time to discern what makes the best sense for our community.”

USN is known for its academic excellence and for its commitment to putting students first. By fostering an environment where technology is utilized to learn, create, and communicate, USN is cultivating generations of young people who are prepared to thrive in a dynamic and innovative world. USN graduates students who not only best use technology but practice healthy technological habits and use social emotional learning and digital citizenship skills to make the world a better place for themselves and those around them.
Back

More USN News

List of 3 news stories.

Archive

Contact

Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212

Phone:  615-321-8000
Fax:       615-321-0889 
Email:    info@usn.org

River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218

Resources

USN Mission: 
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.