Technology Curriculum and Resources

Technology at DCD

At DCD, all members of our community learn to use digital resources to develop digital literacy and citizenship skills by thinking critically, contributing positively, and communicating collaboratively with authentic audiences both inside our walls and beyond.

Technology empowers our students to explore diversity, broadening our community’s understanding of who we are and influencing our interactions. Starting with our youngest students, we guide children in building the beginnings of their digital footprints, inspiring them to develop their own individual voices, collaborate with one another, and communicate ideas responsibly.

Our digital resources enhance our curriculum and mission by encouraging students to engage and explore with confidence, in order to foster citizenship and respect for self and others. With the support of technology, our faculty and students grow the lifelong learning skills to improve the world around us.

Primary School | Pre-K and Kindergarten

Pre-Kindergarten students have scheduled visits to the Adams Lab where they have access to DCD's suite of technology tools while Kindergarten students have iPads available in their classrooms.

Children in the primary school...

are introduced to computational thinking with a focus on sequencing and patterns
develop an understanding that technology is a learning tool
build their digital literacy skills through exploration and experimentation with DCD's technology tools such as iPads and robots, and through a variety of unplugged" activities.

Lower School | Grades 1-5

To support the curriculum, classrooms in grades 1 and 2 are equipped with one iPad to every two students. In grades 3 through 5, DCD employs a 1 to 1 iPad program. Lower school students also have opportunities to visit the Adam's Lab for additional access to DCD's suite of technology tools.

In the lower school DCD's technology curriculum...

builds on the student's foundation of computational thinking from sequencing to basic programming and recognition of coding languages
continues to grow a student's digital literacy through the use of a variety of technology tools
introduces the concept of digital citizenship and continually encourages students to consider who they are as individuals and a community both on-line and off-line

Middle School | Grades 6-8

The middle school curriculum is supported by a one to one laptop program. Upon graduation, students take their laptops with them to be used in their next program of study.

Building on the strong foundation established in the lower school, DCD's middle school technology curriculum...

introduces students to more advanced coding languages
offers skill development in a wide range of digital arts including film editing, music composition, 3D printing, web design and virtual worlds
empowers students, through a focus on digital literacy and citizenship, to use technology responsibly to connect with people beyond our campus for a broader perspective and positive impact on the world around them

Meet the Staff

List of 3 members.

Ali Fernandes

Dedham Country Day School

Chief Information Officer, Middle School Arts Teacher

781-915-2585

UMass Boston College of Public and Community Service

afernandes@dcds.net

2006
Kathleen "Kate" Reardon

Dedham Country Day School

Director of Academic Technology

781-915-2606

College of the Holy Cross - B.A.
Catholic University of America Law School - J.D.

kreardon@dcds.net

2017
Joi Simpson

Dedham Country Day School

Helpdesk Coordinator

781-915-2611

Framingham State College - B.A.

jsimpson@dcds.net

2017

DCD's Adams Lab

The Adams Lab is a space for creating and innovating! With it's interactive walls, tables you can write on, Legos to build with, midi keyboards and 3D printers to create with, the Adams lab is an ideal space to to teach the design thinking process through tinkering and collaborating.

DCD's digital literacy and digital citizenship curriculum empowers student to develop their voice and create an on-line presence that builds a positive digital footprint.