Middle division students form healthy and informed perspectives on using digital tools in order to become contributing citizens who make ethical and responsible choices honoring their identities and the beliefs of others. Students explore themes of digital safety and security, search and research, kindness and respect, digital footprint, creativity, and screen time. Students receive an orientation or a refresher on computer use and Stevenson’s computer use policy. They learn about care and handling of their laptops; participate in keyboarding instruction and practice; practice formatting, naming, saving and organizing documents; create bookmarks; learn email etiquette and new tools in Canvas and Google Docs; and learn and practice MLA formatting, digital citizenship and internet safety through discussions, games, and interactive activities. Topics range from a student’s digital footprint, to how to avoid phishing, to a healthy use of screen time. Students also learn how to change settings on their laptops to minimize distractions such as pop-ups, messaging, and volume controls. Middle division students engage in an ongoing dialogue with their teachers and peers about what is working and what is not, and support is provided to work through tech challenges.
Please see our technology pages for additional information about computer use at Stevenson.