Technology

It is our vision to embrace the power of technology to reimagine the learning environment, personalize learning journeys, and cultivate collaboration, communication, and innovation within and beyond the MZS walls. Whether we are engaged in Distance Learning, Blended Learning or Face-to-Face, our vision for teaching and learning spaces remains constant: incorporate readily reliable technology tools and resources that promote flexibility, differentiation, making, and support social interaction and cognitive skills development.

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

SeeSaw

Primary Teaching and Learning Platform
– Early Years – Grade 2
– Grade 3
If our school year commences online, then Grade 3 will also use SeeSaw as the Primary Teaching and Learning Platform with an eventual transition to Google Classroom.

Primary Communication Tool
– General Classroom Announcements: All Grade Levels
– Posted Assignments / Activities: Early Years – Grade 2

Digital Portfolio
– All Grade Levels

Email

– Direct communication between faculty and parents.
– Direct communication between teachers and students (Grades 3-8).

Google Workspace for Education

/ Google Classroom

Primary Teaching and Learning Platform
– Grades 3-8

Primary Communication Tool
– Posted Assignments: Grades 3-8

Google Meets: Video Conferencing

Our school is committed to a “one platform” approach for all school-related video conferencing activities taking place between our students and faculty. This will allow the school to safely promote tool use and workflow consistency at all grade levels. This will also allow our school to effectively incorporate video conferencing activities that may include students from both campuses and across multiple grade levels.

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. An implemented 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.