The Hanscom Primary School Technology Program is strongly supported by the administration and teaching staff. The Hanscom schools have direct access to the Internet using the Web browser and email using First Class. We have a Web home page with two parent links: Parent Information and Parent Volunteer Program. There is also a very special link on the school home page called, Children’s Computer Work. There are many examples of children’s work done in computer class created by first, second and third graders. This work has been published from 1996 to present. Click on the links and you will see the children’s graphics and related writing. Our school address is: http://www.lincnet.org/hps

Current educational research and successful applications indicate that computers should be utilized in the classrooms as well as in a computer lab setting. At Hanscom Primary, we are extremely fortunate to have a complete Macintosh iMAC computer lab. There is an Epson Stylus Color ink jet printer for each computer. All classrooms are equipped with three or four Macintosh computers and also with an Epson Stylus Color printer. There are nine LaserWriter printers in the school and one color LaserWriter printer. All printers are networked and therefore available for use throughout the school.

All first through third grader have computer lab class for thirty minutes every week. Kindergarten classes begin in October. The children come to the lab either in half groups for thirty minutes or in full class groups, depending upon the lesson. Technology must be viewed as a tool rather than an objective in itself and must become an integral part of all disciplines. At Hanscom Primary, this goal of integrating technology into the classroom curriculum is very successfully accomplished.

When using the computers, all children will be introduced to or will refine their mouse skills. All grades receive instruction in word processing, graphics and graphic tools and desktop publishing. Third and second graders make multimedia slide shows of topics related to their classroom curriculum. All children will also make several different forms of original books in computer class.

One of the four major goals of the Lincoln Public School system for this year is technology. To quote a fellow teacher, “Technology is no longer the life of tomorrow. It is life today and recognizing this, we must utilize it to its fullest.”