AES Technology
Technology is entwined in every part of our daily lives. It affects how we communicate, play, socialize, and learn. Today, technology is taking a part in our classrooms. Smart Boards, iPads, and Chromebooks have replaced chalkboards, notepads, and textbooks. With a strong digital future that lies ahead of us, it is only natural that we embrace new technologies as they play a role in improving the learning experience of our students.
The integration of technology in the AES classroom is a big part of the learning process at Alcoa Elementary School. The benefits of technology enables teachers to reinforce the content, it motivates students to learn and the variety of the different technology mediums allow them to respond to a variety of learning styles. Technology makes education more flexible and brings the content to students in various ways. Because every student comes to class with different learning styles, technology also allows the implementation of differentiated instruction.
Finally, technology makes learning at AES exciting! It makes it more interesting and fun and studies show that it improves students' retention rates. Technology helps prepare students for a ever changing world and a digital future. It helps students to learn 21st century skills that are necessary to be successful in today's world and into the future.
Some of the technologies used at AES are:
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Some of the online learning applications used at AES are:
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Students will use a variety of technology at AES. At the beginning of the year, students learn about the technologies that are available to them. Students and parents sign an "Acceptable and Responsible Use Policy" (AUP) at the start of each school year. AES students strive to be responsible, respectful and be the very best version of themselves everyday. With these things in mind, following a set of expectations throughout the school and within the classroom go a long way with keeping our devices working properly as well as keep our students safe while using the device. Early in the year, students are taught about online safety and and expected to follow the school safety guidelines.
Each classroom is equipped with a Chromebook cart filled with Chromebooks. Each student is assigned his or her own Chromebook to use each school year. Students are not permitted to use or touch other student's Chromebooks. When students use a Chromebook, they login using their district assigned username and password credentials. Alcoa City Schools employs several levels of online filtering systems including ENA WebSafe to keep our students safe while online. Chromebooks are used only in the classroom and do not go home with students at the elementary level.
Watch our Chromebook Care Video
When new students join the AES family, as part of the registration process, parents will complete the Acceptable and Responsible Use Policy (AUP) along with media release agreements in Skyward Family Access. Once students registration is complete, students will be assigned login credentials. Students will then be assigned a Chromebook by their classroom teacher.
Our technology department is always here to help students and families as they navigate the use of technology. Should the need arise for the deployment of devices for at-home use, Alcoa City Schools will work with families who may not have access to the Internet at home. Should this happen at AES, parents may request a mobile HotSpot that works wirelessly to connect ACS devices to the Internet. These HotSpots will only work with our district devices.
Teachers at Alcoa Elementary School use a variety of online and digital learning platforms. This includes, Google for Education applications such as Google Classroom, Google Slides, Google Docs, Google Drawing. Students use online learning apps only and do not have free access to surf the web or visit unapproved websites.
Skyward Family Access the district information system software program for Alcoa City School. Skyward is used for communication with families, student attendance and grading, paying online fees, lunch accounts, as well as emergency contact. It is very important to keep accurate contact information updated in the event of an emergency. To login use your district assigned credentials. Please direct all questions and problems to Mr. Whitecotton at: [email protected] or the ACS district Skyward Information Systems director Emilee Phelps at: [email protected]
