At Conway, technology is infused into every aspect of curriculum and instruction from kindergarten through the fifth grade. Our written curriculum guides include activities that integrate technology throughout all subject areas. All technology objectives correlate with curriculum objectives. Examples include process writing, data collection and analysis, problem solving, and programming.

Classroom teachers use document cameras, SMART Boards and projectors, DVD/VCRs, listening centers, digital cameras, video cameras and computers to enhance, modify, and adapt instruction for students. Over one hundred sixty laptops and more than fifty iMacs are available to staff and students. All computers have email, Internet access, and connect to a server for file saving. Every classroom is equipped with a SMART Board with projector, DVD/VCR player, and either multiple computers or access to a grade level laptop cart. The Computer Lab, the Gifted/Enrichment rooms and the Music classroom have mounted or mobile SMART Boards available. Students use the boards to share their work, complete class assignments, and deliver presentations based on individual research or cooperative group work.

Students have daily access to technology both in their classroom and in the lab. Classes are scheduled in the Computer Lab for 50-minute sessions either once a week or on a three to five day rotating basis. In addition, kindergarten and first grade classrooms are equipped with multiple desktop computers, and second through fifth grade classrooms have access to grade level assigned wireless laptop carts.

Students learn how to program, word-process, create graphics, collect data, illustrate stories and create podcasts. Students and teachers regularly use multimedia software including MicroWorlds, PowerPoint/Keynote, and Word/Pages. Logo programming language is used in all grades for math and InspireData for statistical data in grades two through five. Every student has access to electronic encyclopedias and atlases. Internet research is allowed upon return of a parental permission slip. Type to Learn 4, our keyboarding software, is taught at the beginning of third grade. Copies for home use can be purchased each fall. Conway has received national recognition for its technology program. It was highlighted in Schools of the Future: Beyond the Hype, a PBS video series and our model for staff development was featured in an Education Weekly article entitled Preparing Teachers for the Digital Age.

Acknowledging the need for technological competence, Conway employs a full time Instructional Technology Coordinator (ITC) who provides direct instruction to all students. She also supervises a computer Mac Lab and the wireless laptop labs, troubleshoots problems, and maintains equipment. The coordinator provides our staff with constant instruction on the latest computer technology and works with them on curriculum development. Conway has a school website (www.ladue.k12.mo.us/conway/) that provides information for parents about curriculum and instruction, features student work, and displays the current school calendar. Teachers use computers to prepare lessons, design visual organizers, research the latest information available, and keep student records. In addition, instructional media is accessed on-line through Cooperating School District.

In addition to computers, Conway incorporates other technology to enhance student learning. All K-5 classrooms are equipped with FM amplification systems. Research has shown that these systems enhance auditory recognition of consonant sounds for beginning reading skills. The teacher uses the system when delivering whole group instruction and children use the hand held microphone when they are presenting to the class. Flexcams and document cameras are used during science lessons such as chicks hatching and in Art to demonstrate technique. The monitor provides everyone a front row seat. The close-up video camera provides magnification of objects and allows all students to see demonstrations and small objects clearly.