Technology in the Classroom

Technology is woven into nearly every part of our daily lives, and at Harbor Day School it plays an important role in how students learn and how teachers teach. Technology enriches the classroom experience through interactive lessons and supports collaboration between students and teachers.

How Teachers Use Technology to Support Learning

Every classroom at Harbor Day School is equipped with a smart projector seamlessly integrated into the teaching wall. When turned on, the projector transforms the wall into an interactive touch surface. When turned off, the space functions as a traditional dry-erase board, allowing for flexible teaching throughout the day. Another helpful teaching device is the document camera which is helpful for modeling writing techniques and annotating texts in real time.

Classroom technology has many practical uses, especially for second grade teacher Linda Chiao. Mrs. Chiao says, “The most commonly used technology in my classroom is the iPad, document camera and Smartboard. The iPad allow students to access online resources, complete writing assignments, and engage in interactive learning activities. Additionally, tools like Google Docs enable real-time collaboration and feedback, which helps students improve their writing skills through peer and teacher editing.”

Middle School Spanish teacher Miguel Alferez thoughtfully incorporates technology into his curriculum. One of his favorite activities is a virtual Pen Pal exchange with students in Guadalajara, México. This real-time communication through Microsoft Teams on the iPad builds cultural awareness and helps students feel more confident speaking Spanish in practical settings.

Señor Alferez shares, “Technology is a game-changer in my classroom! It helps students internalize language structures, accents, and spelling by making typing and writing in Spanish easier. Digital tools like spell-check and grammar suggestions reinforce correct usage, while online dictionaries support comprehension… As a teacher, technology allows me to create interactive lessons, monitor progress, and personalize learning.”

Another popular tool among faculty is Canva, a multimedia design platform that also uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help create engaging presentations and visual aids. Posters designed in Canva are often displayed in classrooms to reinforce key concepts in subjects like math and language arts.

How Students Use Technology to Learn and Grow

The integration of Smartboards into the classroom enhances student learning, especially the development of public speaking skills. The interactive displays allow students to actively participate in their presentations by incorporating visuals, multimedia, and real-time engagement with their classmates. Even at the kindergarten level, students gain confidence and experience using the Smartboard to share a presentation about themselves (maybe a cultural or birthday celebration) or a specific topic.

Students in 5th grade utilize iPads to help them navigate the school portal and Google Classroom independently. These tools are used daily to access homework, classroom resources, and collaborative documents. In English, students write essays and poetry using Google Docs and use Quizlet to practice vocabulary through flashcards. Students might check and track a virtual stock portfolio in an enrichment class. While many assignments are completed using digital tools, important prewriting activities like brainstorming, organizing, and outlining are still done by hand to support foundational writing skills.

Kindergarten students occasionally use technology to support their learning on a specific topic. Ms. Hogan remarks, “We use technology in the classroom to support the learning of the students. We are in the middle of an animal research project. Each kindergartener chose an animal from a specific habitat. Because there is such a large range of books in the app Epic, the students did not have to limit their choices. In our class, kids are reading about Komodo dragons, narwhals, cheetahs, and sloths.”

It’s All About Balance

At Harbor Day School, we believe in using technology thoughtfully and purposefully to enhance learning. Whether students practice a new language, research a project, or express themselves through writing, the goal is always to support understanding and creativity. Technology can enhance this learning, but it is always thoughtfully considered.