Technology

At MZS, we envision technology as a catalyst for transforming education. We harness its potential to reimagine learning environments, personalize student journeys, and foster a culture of collaboration, communication, and innovation—both within and beyond our school walls.
Our commitment to dynamic teaching and learning spaces remains steadfast. We integrate dependable, accessible technology tools that support flexibility, differentiation, creativity, and meaningful social interaction, while nurturing the development of essential cognitive skills.

The MZS Technology User Guidebook includes information about our Bring Your Own Device Program, our Technology User Policy and User Expectations.

Teaching & Learning Platforms and Communication Tools

Toddle

Google Workspace

Vidigami

Toddle is a user-friendly platform that helps teachers plan lessons, track student progress, and communicate with families—all in one place. It’s designed to support modern teaching approaches and make learning more personalized and engaging for every child. With Toddle, parents can stay informed and involved in their child’s educational journey. At MZS, Toddle is use in every class and is our digital portfolio platform.

Google Workspace for Education is a suite of secure, cloud-based tools that helps teachers and students collaborate, create, and learn more effectively. It includes familiar apps like Google Classroom, Docs, and Drive. At MZS, Google Workspace tools are used primarily in Upper Elementary and Middle School. Every student has a Google Workspace account to facilitate Single Sign-On (SSO) with other services.

Vidigami is a secure, school-exclusive platform that helps families stay connected by sharing photos and videos of student life in a private, organized space. Parents can easily view and download images of their child’s school experiences, while schools maintain full control over privacy and access. With smart tagging and facial recognition, Vidigami creates a personalized media feed for each student, making it simple for families to relive and celebrate every moment.

iCreate2Learn Initiative

Our school’s “iCreate-to-Learn Initiative (K–8)” is centered around an ecosystem of programs that are committed to providing our students with opportunities to create physical, digital, and often combined artifacts to learn in all disciplines. It reflects our responsibility to the development of 21st-century skills that promote inclusion and adaptability to our ever-changing world.

School-wide: Growing The Maker Mindset / Elementary STEAM Program / Middle School Technology & Innovation

Classroom Integration

Dr. Ruben Puentedura has developed what he calls the SAMR model, which provides a framework to show the impact of technology on teaching and learning. The model moves through various stages, beginning at a basic level of learning in the substitution phase through to a level where learning is transformational at the redefinition level. The SAMR model is powerful because it enables us to think about how learning can be extended through the use of technology. It is a planning tool that provides pedagogical insight into how technology can and should be used in the classroom. (Will Fastiggi)

Digital Citizenship, Safety, and Wellbeing

Our school has adopted Common Sense Media as our trusted support system to guide our community as we strive to implement digital citizenship, safety, and wellbeing practices in our lives. Internationally recognized, Common Sense Media is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and the independent voice needed to help kids thrive in the 21st century.

Digital Citizenship Program

Helping students take ownership of their digital lives.

The Common Sense Digital Citizenship Program addresses top concerns for schools and educators, prepares students to make smart choices online and in life, supports teachers with training and recognition, and engages the whole community through family outreach initiatives.