Tech Resources at GBS

The GBS Network

Every Great Brook student and staff member is a registered user on the GBS network. Student computers run on the Windows XP Pro operating system. There is a 3:1 student-to-computer ratio, with computers in two labs, the library media center, and classrooms.

Applications

Every student system includes the following installed programs:

• Audacity - audio-editing
• GIMP - image manipulation program
• Google SketchUp 8 - 3D modeling
• Microsoft Tools and Accessories (including MovieMaker, Paint, Photo Printing, Calculator, Notepad)
• MuseScore - music notation/composition
• OpenOffice 3.3 - word processing, spreadsheet, slide presentation, database, drawing, math
• PDF Reader
• Pencil - 2-D animation
• Scratch - introduction to programming
• Spectrum - library catalog search
• Whyteboard - paint/graphics, with media annotation capability
• Windows Media Player
• XMind - mind mapping; concept mapping, graphic organizer

Online Tools

The following websites are frequently used by GBS students:

• BrainPop - educational videos and activites. Username and password available to GBS students upon request.
• Google Chrome - Internet Browser
• Math Connects - Math program for grades 6-8, with online textbook, extension activites, and tools. Students log in here: McGraw-Hill ConnectED.
• enVision Math - Math program for grade 5, with online activities, instructional support, quizzes, and tools. Students log in here:  Pearson SuccessNet.
• Sakai - Virtual Learning Environment, student digital portfolios. Students log in here: ConVal Sakai Portal

Classroom Technology

Great Brook School provides teachers with a dedicated computer for instruction and daily administrative tasks. In the last five years there has been a dramatic rise in the use of instructional technology by teachers in all curricular areas.

When teachers want students working on computers, they have the option of bringing a whole class to one of the two computer labs or rotating students on computers in the classroom.

A staple of classroom technology is the LCD projector. Nearly every classroom at GBS is equipped with a projector, and teachers can easily connect a laptop and project a lesson. For classrooms without a mounted projector, projection carts are available on an as-needed basis.

Over the past three years, we have been introducing Smart Boards into the classrooms throughout the building. This interactive white board technology brings a high level of hands-on learning and student engagement to every lesson.

Document cameras are exciting tools that combine the functionality of the overhead projector with digital recording and image capture capability.

Digital cameras are indispensable on field trips and for documenting classroom and school activities.

Flip Video cameras are easy to use and great for teaching middle-school students the basics of shooting and editing a simple movie.