Technology

Visitation Academy strives to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies to enhance learning in all curriculum areas! 
  
Students learn computer skills including Keyboarding, Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher. Internet Research, G-Suite (Google Apps for Education) and Coding. Class projects incorporate the use of 21st Century technology skills of: Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity. 

Students continue to use the Makerspace to complete STEM challenges in small groups. 
  
What is a Makerspace? 
A  Makerspace  provides hands-on, creative ways to encourage students to design, experiment, build and invent as they deeply engage in science, engineering and tinkering.  The Makerspace will be part of the students' subject curriculum and contains a variety of materials such as: hand tools, sewing machines, cardboard, tape, craft sticks, Legos, Kinects, etc. There will be many technologies used: iPads, Chromebooks, 3D Printer with Tinkercad, Dash and Dot Robots, Sphero Minis, Ozobots, Lego Kits, Cubelets, Makey Makey, Snap Circuits, Arduino, and Squishy Circuits. By working in our Makerspace our students' creativity, hands-on, and critical thinking skills will shine! All students are expected to use the space in a safe, careful and respectful manner.   Makerspace Procedures and Expectations . 

• iPads are used in all grades with most concentration in the Pre-School through 5th Grade classrooms. Students in these classes have many hands-on opportunities to use educational apps to further enhance their learning. 
    
• Chromebooks are used by all Middle School students for use in their classrooms. These students will utilize  G Suite for Education  (formerly called Google Apps for Education). This will enable the students and faculty to work more collaboratively on projects and also enable students to access their work in school and at home. Chromebooks will also be shared by 4th-5th grade students. 
    
• The IXL web-based program for Language Arts and Math is being utilized by students in Grades 2-8 both in school and at-home for skill building throughout the year as well as Science and Social Studies in Grades 4 and 5. 
    
• SmartBoards, and Promethean ActivPanels are used in the PreSchool through Grade 8 areas for more interactive lessons.  

A recycling box has been set up in the Computer Lab through Evolve Recycling. They recycle printer cartridges and small electronics. Below is the link and information.   Please feel free to bring in your used, small electronics for recycling  http://www.evolverecycling.com/Default.aspx 

Evolve Recycling  pays organizations cash for depleted ink and toner cartridges, used cell phones, and other small electronics. Evolve then re-manufactures or recycles those unused assets – keeping millions of pounds of waste out of landfills each year.