STEM

What’s New in Technology at St. Isaac’s . . .Well Everything!

“The only constant is change”, no truer words have ever been spoken here at St. Isaac’s. Lead by our principal, Carol Burlinski and the Technology Committee, the 2016-2017 school year ushered in a “Future Ready Technology Initiative” which included upgrades to our network infrastructure, shared iPads in grades K-2, a 1:1 iPad program in grade 3-8 and a Technology Curriculum built to enhance, engage and support our students in their own lifelong learning opportunities.

Blended Learning in the Classroom

​Using a Blended Learning Model to enhance our learning curriculum, our K-2 students share an iPad cart equipped for individual and shared learning experiences. Content is delivered both digitally and traditionally in the classroom setting, with an emphasis on the traditional methods of teaching. The iPads are available in the classroom for student use as the teacher deems appropriate.

Our 3-8 grade students have been assigned their own iPads, which are school owned. Students sign an Acceptable Use Policy which holds them responsible for the care of their iPad. Students use Google Apps for Education, have access to educational online databases, digital access to their textbooks and apps to facilitate content creation and collaborative learning. 1:1 device to student programs facilitate independent, innovative, entrepreneurial thinkers as students figure out how they like to learn best and what they are intensely curious about.

As we moved forward with our program and students have access to their own iPad, teachers will be able to have students share their work via Apple/TVs and Airplay. How exciting will it be for students to share their own creative content and learning strategies with their fellow classmates and help others along the way! In an age of abundance where a computer might be able to do something faster than a human, Daniel Pink, author of “A Whole New World”, claims creativity will be the competitive difference. St. Isaac’s is committed to producing graduates who create and think critically.

Continuous Learning for our Teachers

​Here at St. Isaac we understand the value of continuous learning for our adult learner. We provide our staff with many different avenues for professional development learning experiences both on and off site. Each teacher has their own MacBook Air and iPad with access to Google Apps for Education, Apple’s Creative Software Suites and all the student apps.

The St. Isaac’s Digital Media Creation Lab

​Our digital media lab is a space created for our students to have access to software and hardware to create digital media to create videos, music, podcasts, images, e-books, websites, etc. These emerging technologies have revolutionized the way people express themselves in the arts, communications and tech-based creative pursuits.

#STREAM @ SIJ

​All SIJ Students are participating in the STREAM initiative called, “SIJ Living Laudato Si, Caring for Our Common Home.” Students in grades K-8 are engaging in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) projects and lessons through the focused lens of our Catholic Faith. Science concepts are explored, researched, practiced daily through many technological modalities.

In 2016, St. Isaac Jogues School becomes the first Diocese of Joliet school certified by Common Sense Media’s Digital Citizenship Program

St. Isaac Jogues Parish School has chosen Commons Sense Media’s Digital Citizen Program to infuse and educate our students about good digital citizenship practices and the permanence of their digital footprint.  It is our hope they will practice online safety, treat others kindly and credit their sources of information appropriately.  Please visit the Common Sense Media Website and join our community by signing the Family Media Agreement.