An integrated Instructional Technology Program is in place at the Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School.  This program includes the development of a standards based technology curriculum for grades K-8, continuous faculty development in intructional technology, the installation of a full wireless network within the school, including internet access in every classroom, use of laptops in every subject area in the middle school for research, writing, multimedia presentations and seamless communication between teachers and students, and use of a mobile technology laboratory in the elementary school where laptops are brought to the students in their classrooms at their desks. 

Our philosophy:
"We are constantly searching for ways to enhance our school through the use of technology. With technology we can achieve more, learn more, grow more, and help more. But with every technology, users must be instructed how to utilize that technology effectively, efficiently, and safely. As such no piece of technology is integrated into our school without accompanying education."

Click here to learn more about:

:: K-8 Technology Curriculum ::We have written a full curriculum in technology education based on the ISTE National Educational Technology Standards. The goal of our curriculum is to teach students how to use technology effectively, efficiently, and safely while preparing students for the Digital World they live in. Our teaching model includes covering basic technology skills and large scale project based learning.

Highlighted topics covered:
- Typing
- Word Processing
- Spreadsheets
- Presentation Materials
- Web Design and Publication
- Digital Photography
- Computer Animation
- Film Studies and Digital Filmmaking


:: Moblie Laptop Cart ::At our school, we believe that the days of the computer lab are dead. With the prevalance of laptop computers and the reliability of wireless networking we are able to bring the computers to the students instead of making them come to the computer.


Our Mobile Laptop Cart houses and charges 20 laptop computers and mice. Each computer includes MS Office 2004, Macromedia Studio MX 2004, Kid Pix Deluxe 4, and the iLife suite. Each computer is connected to our local network and the Internet through a wireless connection.

We use the cart in Technology Class for grades Kindergarten through 5th grade by taking the computers to the students in their classrooms, at their desks. When the cart is not being used for Technology Class, it is available for teachers to use in their classrooms to supplement general and judaic studies.


:: 1:1 Middle School Laptop Program ::Currently in its 4th year, our Middle School is renowned for its 1:1 Laptop Program where every middle school student receives an Apple iBook Computer. Students use their iBooks in nearly every subject, whether working at school or at home.

Our goal is to give our Middle School students a leg up by using these powerful tools in their educational experience while preparing them for the Digital World by giving them hands on, real world experience with the laptop.

While similar programs have sprung up around the SF Bay Area recently, our program stands out in the following ways:

• Home and School Use – Our students are given the privilege of having access to their laptops 24/7, which includes taking the laptops home.
• Administrative Access – Students are given full access to their computers.  As such, they are fully responsible for maintaining the software on the computer and managing their own data.
• Responsibility – Students are completely responsible for everything that happens to their laptop.  As such, they use the same laptop for all 3 years at the school.
• Email – Students are assigned email accounts and are expected to check them regularly.  Using these accounts they communicate with teachers, students at other schools, and send and receive homework assignments
• Graduation Gift – Students who complete 3 years at RCWJDS Middle School receive their laptop as a graduation gift.
• Education – We believe that simply giving students a computer without showing them how to use it is irresponsible and dangerous.  So, we provide a full curriculum in technology where we highlight effective, efficient, and safe computer usage.

:: Faculty Development in Instructional Technology ::During the 2004-2005 school year, several of our faculty completed a Professional Development in Computer Basics course presented by our Director of Technology.  Those who completed the course were provided with an Apple iBook computer for use at school and at home. 

In accordance with our philosophy, we believe that continued education for teachers in the field of instructional technology is essential.  Throughout the year, teachers are provided the opportunity of learning new technologies and methods for enhancing their teaching through the use of technology.

With this program, we improve the knowledge base of our faculty, enhance their curriculum and its delivery, and help foster communication within our school community.


:: Multimedia and Online Curriculum ::In an effort to differentiate instruction and provide greater access to curriculum and materials, we are constantly searching for ways to deliver curriculum in multiple media and on the Internet.

For example, visit our Middle School Math Website.


:: Staff and Faculty Computing ::We have made the commitment to provide the best technology resources possible to staff and faculty so they can accomplish they jobs. Administrators are provided with laptop computers, a majority of the full time faculty is provided with laptop computers, and faculty and staff have 24/7 access to desktop computers.  Every computer on campus has access to our internal network, the Internet, and color and black and white printers. Each faculty and staff member is provided an email address, that is maintained and backed up by the school.


:: Wireless and Local Network ::To protect our students, staff, and faculty, protect the integrity of our critical data, and provide reliable network resources, we have installed the following into our internal network:

• Wireless Access – We have 100% of the school covered by password protected wireless network access.
• Wired Access – Hard-wired access to the network is provided in nearly every room on campus.
• File Server – All faculty, staff, and students have access to our file server for manual backup and data transfer
• Automatic Backup – All faculty and staff computers are backed up daily to our main server, which is in turn backed up daily to protect all of our critical data.
• Content Filter – Our High Speed Internet connection is protected by industrial grade content filter that updates itself daily.
• Virus Protection – Virus scanning software protects our entire network.
• Printing – Black and white and color network printing is available in throughout the campus, never more than 3 classrooms away.
• Scan, Copy, Store, Print – Our copy machine is set up to not only copy, but scan documents, store documents, and act as another network printer.

• Ulam Gadol – Our multipurpose room is equipped with a built-in projector, dvd/vcr, and sound system including microphones and laptop connections.
• Middle School Classrooms – Every MS classroom is equipped with a built-in projector, dvd/vcr, sound system, and a laptop interface.
• Projector Carts – For our elementary school classrooms, we have two projectors on portable carts available.
• TV/VCR/DVD player – For our elementary school classrooms, we have two TVs with VCRs and DVD Players on portable carts available.

• Digital Cameras – Digital still cameras are available to teachers for checkout.  Students learn how to use these cameras as a part of Technology class.
• Digital Video Cameras – Similar to still cameras, teachers can check out these cameras and students get to use them in Technology Class.

One of the greatest benefits of the technology and the Internet is the multiple media available for communication.  To maximize our lines of communication within our community, we have set up the following:

• School Website – Our school website provides an overview of our programs and curriculum.  Visit our site at http://www.wornickjds.org.
• Email – Every staff, faculty member, and student is provided an email address.  Email aliases are set up for every grade, major subject, and community.
• Blogs – Several faculty members maintain a blog to chronicle classroom events.  Click here for a list of teacher blogs.  Read this document for more information about Blogs in Education.
• Pupil’s Express – Our weekly newsletter is a great resource for happenings at school for upcoming and previous weeks.  Click here to see the online version.
• Grade Reporting – Certain classes provide password protected progress reports for students online.  Click here to see an example.

Additionally, with the Internet and our onsite computing resources we provide our students and faculty the opportunity to communicate and form partnerships with school across the country and around the world.

Creation – We are constantly creating and adding new features to the technology department.  This way community members are consistently learning new technologies and staying current.

Innovation – In addition to creation, we are always researching new technologies to that could elevate our program even further.

Maintenance – Beyond creating new features and investigating possible enhancements, we spend an equal portion of time making sure the technologies we have already installed are working correctly.

:: Matt Harris, Director of Technology ::Matt Harris, our Director of Technology, has been at RCWJDS since September 2003.  He has a BS in Computer Science from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and is currently working on MA in Education with a concentration in Instructional Technology from San Francisco State University.  Matt has over 10 years of experience working with children and tutoring and more than 20 years experience working with technology.

As the Director of Technology, Matt’s responsibilities include Strategic and Budget Planning for the Technology Department, technical support for all IT resources, technology teaching for grades K-8, and Professional Development in Instructional Technology Coordinator.  He also teaches Algebra in the 8th grade.

If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions feel free to email Matt at matt@wornickjds.org.