Technology

St. Martin’s has had a long history of being a one-to-one laptop school. Beginning in fourth grade, all students now have the opportunity to utilize a personal laptop while on campus. Our Lower and Middle School students are given a Google Chromebook for their personal use during the academic year. Upon reaching the Upper School, students have the opportunity to choose their own laptop (each device must meet the minimum specification outlined in the Student-Parent Handbook).

The St. Martin’s Technology Department provides ongoing support for all laptops experiencing issues including connectivity to the School’s network and printers, access to Google Classroom and Google Docs, and protection against viruses and malware.

We strongly believe that students are more prepared for their 21st century futures if they have engaged with a technology curriculum that is relevant to their  current and future lives.

Lower School

Through the use of its Steam Lab and Computer Lab, students begin their technology journey. Coding concepts are introduced with hands-on, concrete exercises beginning in PK and are further developed through Code.Org and programmable robots in higher grade levels. Design concepts are explored through Tinkercad and SketchUp as students learn how to take their ideas from paper to CAD software to 3D printed objects. Students also become proficient at using various iPad apps, including iMovie for video, audio, and green screen production in Lower School.

All  Lower School students are taught basic computer operations, including keyboarding skills, as early as Kindergarten. Students are introduced to word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation tools to enhance their curricular projects and assignments. We have chosen online tools like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides to foster the collaborative process. Students are introduced to many different devices and operating systems, including Windows, iPads, Chromebooks, and more.

Middle School

Students continue their progression into coding and mastery of the Google Suite of applications within the Middle School’s 1:1 Chromebook environment. The more challenging Code.Org lessons are now the foundation of the Middle School curriculum with advanced progression using several other Educational Technology software development tools such as Google CS First, Khan Academy, and Code Combat. All 5th and 6th-grade students get a taste of computer science through their core science class; 7th and 8th graders can choose to continue their progress with various club and elective offerings.

Upper School

The Upper School offers three primary courses: Computer Science (programming), Computer Systems and Networking, and Independent Study in Computer Applications. In the former, students learn the basics of how computers operate, followed by how they communicate. The latter is a project-centered course where students work toward a project to better their community or choose a self-motivated goal while assisting St. Martin's Technology Departement with day-to-day repairs and maintenance.

Like most college environments, Upper School is a “bring your own device” laptop program allowing students to work with a device they are comfortable with to achieve their goals.