Media Literacy
St. Joe’s offers the latest technology in their computer science department, including state-of-the-art computer peripherals and interactive whiteboards. Children learn basic computer skills and are introduced to various business applications. The interactive whiteboards connect to a computer and projector, allowing the teachers to modernize teaching methods.
St. Joe’s is committed to integrating current computer technology into our curriculum so that our students will:
- Learn how to use computer applications appropriate to their age and needs.
- Use technology lessons to support student efforts with their class work.
- Be exposed to the Internet in a safe and conscientious manner.
As part of the integrated arts curriculum at St. Joe’s, the Media Literacy staff collaborates with faculty to complement core subject matter. To accomplish this goal, literary genres, author studies, award-winning books, world cultures, holidays, traditions, seasonal themes, and Catholic resources are highlighted.
Research projects throughout the year encourage the development of critical thinking, research, and public speaking skills. The Independent Investigation Method (IIM) (http://www.iimresearch.com/) is the research model used at St. Joe’s. Students receive instruction in the use of reference materials such as almanacs, maps, atlases, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and online subscription databases. Public library online database searches from home are highly encouraged during the research process and at times may be required as part of an assignment. The Media Literacy staff encourages each student entering grade 4 to obtain a public library card and find out how to access a town library’s website from a home computer in order to utilize online subscription databases including EBSCO, Gale Virtual Reference Center, Info Trac, and many other reference services.
In interpreting information for research, students learn to analyze and evaluate information, and distinguish fact from opinion and misinformation. Mastering basic reference skills enables students to make informed decisions in selecting materials most likely to assist them in conducting future research.
The staff of Media Literacy encourages utilization of various formats of information and insists on student ethical behavior, responsibility, and safety in using technology. The Media Literacy Policies provide more information related to library etiquette, circulation of materials, etc.
For more information about Media Literacy, contact the Media Specialist.
The St. Joe’s Media Center Lab provides a comfortable learning environment where students learn how to use current technology safely and effectively. Each student and parent is required to acknowledge adherence to our Internet and Computer Use policy. These policies can be found in the Student-Parent Handbook and the Computer LAB Policies form.
Students learn grade appropriate skills, including Internet safety, keyboarding, word processing, spreadsheets, graphing skills, researching skills, presentations and publications. Many of our lessons are integrated with core subject matters to reinforce the learning process. The computer programs used include Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher) and web-based programs such as Google Earth, Picasa, MIT Scratch and NetSmartz.
As part of the integrated arts curriculum at St. Joe’s, the Media Center Lab collaborates with faculty to coordinate the use of technology with their core subject lesson plans. Research projects throughout the year encourage the development of critical thinking, research and public speaking skills. The Independent Investigation Method (IIM) is the research model used at St. Joe’s. Students receive instruction in the use of on-line subscription databases (Britannica School), and Public Library on-line searches from home are encouraged during the research process, and at times may be required as part of an assignment.
In addition, students are taught how to verify website content. The Library, along with the Media Center Lab, request that students starting in Grade 4 obtain a library card from their town library and learn how to access the library from their home computers. This opens up a world of subscription database resources to the students such as EBSCO, Gale Virtual Reference Center and InfoTrac. This research helps us teach students how to interpret and analyze information and how to determine fact from opinion, misinformation and even rumors.
In addition to weekly classroom lesson plans, we offer after-school programs that include our Computer Club and Robotics Club.
The St. Joe’s Library provides a comfortable learning environment where a love of reading and appreciation of literature is emphasized, and life-long learning is encouraged. The Library resources and services support the mission and curriculum of St. Joe’s as a Catholic institution, and, in doing so, support the intellectual, social, emotional, and spiritual development of all students.
Striving to adhere to The Standards for the 21st Century Learner, the focus of the Library is to provide instruction in the use of its resources and tools that will enable learners to:
- inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge,
- draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge,
- share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as members of society,
- pursue personal and aesthetic growth.
Tablets are transforming the way we teach and learn.
Powerful creative tools, interactive textbooks, and a universe of apps and content make for endless learning possibilities. All on a device everyone already loves to use. Elementary Schools, High Schools and Colleges are now implementing tablets in their everyday learning agendas. St. Joe’s has implemented a tablet program for St. Joe’s students to prepare them for their future education. This experience allows teachers to teach with interactive lessons, helps the student organize their notes and assignments, and encourages great study habits. It brings lessons to life, giving the students a new experience in learning, and prepares them for this interactive way of learning for High School and College. Students and parents must sign an agreement before an tablet is assigned to the student. For more information, see the Student-Parent Handbook.