Although Bryant Elementary is well-endowed with tech resources, the school’s philosophy is not to simply use technology for technology’s sake. Rather, the objective is to integrate technology into the curriculum where it assists student learning in a broader, deeper, or more productive manner. Technology is integrated into all aspects of the curriculum including science, art, mathematics, writing, research, and presentation.
Together, Bryant and the PTSA fund the Technology and Testing Coordinator position. All of our students have one-to-one electronic devices. Intermediate students in grades 3-5 have laptops and primary students in grades K-2 have iPads. Second graders also have portable keyboards to enable them to learn to type.
The technology coordinator pushes into every classroom weekly to provide lessons that support math, literacy, digital citizenship, science, social studies and more. Every grade level has a Clever site that houses digital resources in addition to those provided by Seattle Public Schools that is maintained and updated by the tech coordinator. Students use these resources at school and at home.
The PTSA funds licenses for IXL, a math and literacy program that students can use at school and at home. This provides important data for teachers and reinforces our current math and ELA curriculum. The PTSA also proves Raz-Kids to primary grade students for literacy enrichment.
For the past two years, the tech coordinator has provided virtual guest speakers from the world of technology to engage and excite our students about potential future careers.
The library is equipped with an additional 14 computers for students to access the collection catalog or to work on their individual projects. The Teacher-Librarian also collaborates with the Technology Coordinator and classroom teachers to teach computer research skills.