Students develop skill in using technology as a communication tool, increasing facility with basic computer software applications as they advance through the Upper Elementary

“Our vision is that children will acquire the skills necessary for the purposeful implementation of technology as a tool in a manner consistent with the philosophy of Montessori and the mission of Ruffing Montessori School.”

Within the framework of that vision statement, crafted by Ruffing's Technology Steering Committee in 2002, the implementation of technology at Ruffing supports the on-going Montessori curriculum and is not a curriculum unto itself.

Upper Elementary
Technology is introduced in the first year of the Upper Elementary program with the development of keyboarding skills. Although many students exceed it, the standard for keyboarding proficiency in the fourth, fifth and sixth grades is 25, 35 and 45 words-per-minute, respectively. Demonstration of proficiency is required before students may use the computers for word processing.

In addition to keyboarding skills, Upper Elementary students are introduced to the use of the Internet as a research tool. Use of the Internet is governed by the Acceptable Use Policy that is signed by each student and his or her parent(s). Internet security software is in place to prevent inadvertent access to inappropriate or objectionable material.

Microsoft Word and Excel, Encarta, MicroWorlds 2.0, and KAZ (Keyboarding A to Z) are available on each computer in the Upper Elementary classrooms. Structured Web-based Research Techniques (WebQuest) and multi-media presentation will be introduced in the coming school year. The Technology Coordinator is available to work with students and staff in the implementation of technology as appropriate.

Middle School
By the time a student enters the Middle School, basic computer skills (keyboarding, word processing, and use of the Internet) are second nature. Web-based research and multi-media presentation skills continue to develop in support of the Middle School curriculum. Concepts of mathematics and physics are explored through constructions using Lego Robotics.

In addition to Microsoft Word and Excel, students use Access and PowerPoint, FrontPage and MicroWorlds Pro on the computers in the Middle School classroom. Selected students maintain a Middle School Homework page on the School Website, and students may use the Website as a means for presenting the results of research and writing projects if they desire.

Students with special interest have the opportunity to explore Web design and development, desktop publishing, and audio and video recording, editing and production. As in the Upper Elementary, the Technology Coordinator is available to work with students and staff in the implementation of technology as appropriate.

For a copy of the American Montessori Society's Position Statement on Technology in the Montessori Environment, written by John Chattin-McNichols, Ph.D., The E.M. Standing Center for Montessori Studies at the Seattle University School of Education, (click here.)

Cyber-Safety
All students and their parents are required to read and acknowledge their agreement with our Acceptable Use Policy. All classroom computers with access to the Internet are protected with Cyber Patrol filtering software. For a free copy of "The Guide to Safe Internet Access at School and in the Home,"(click here.)