Technology

Fort Belvoir students and teachers work in a modern building, with the very latest of technologies available to them. This allows all our Dolphins to use technology to enhance their learning today while exploring the possibilities in their future. Our technology program extends across all grade levels. Each student builds on their own knowledge and experiences. They are truly becoming lifelong learners.

Technology at Fort Belvoir School is integrated throughout the curriculum. The students type and illustrate their writing, create slide shows and hypermedia presentations, do electronic and Internet research, and many other projects.

Helpful Links:

Jefferson Lab: http://education.jlab.org/index.php
FCPS 24/7: http://fcps.blackboard.com/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp
LOC: http://www.loc.gov/families/
Triple A Math: http://www.aplusmath.com/
Scholastic Website: http://www.scholastic.com/kids/
Virginia Knowledge: http://www.knowledge.state.va.us/main/sol/solview.cfm?curriculum_abb=C%2FT&category_abb=GR5
VDOE: http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Parents/index.html
AOL Kids: http://kids.aol.com/homework-help
National Library of Virtual Manipulatives: http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html

Keyboarding

Learning to type with the proper finger placement allows students to use the computer to compose their writing, rather than just type a final copy. It speeds up the process and allows them to think about what they are writing instead of where to find the letters. It is a skill that all children should learn by the time they enter high school.

However, it takes a minimum of twenty hours of practice time to learn to type in such a way that the typist does not have to look at the keys. To teach this skill to school children, the teacher has to fit this in with the rest of the curriculum. It is not always possible. Learning to type is something that a child can easily do at home.

Fairfax County Public Schools use a program called Type To Learn. This program teaches children to touch type step-by-step. It combines drill and practice with speed games to make this activity more pleasant for the learner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Parents always ask...and we're glad they do!

Here are some of the questions we most often answer for parents.

What kind of computer should I buy for my home?Buy the type of computer YOU are most comfortable using or you want to learn to use. Talk to friends and colleagues. Look in software stores at the types of software you want to buy. The important point is not what kind of computer you buy, but how it will fit into your lifestyle and your budget. You want to buy as much computer as you can afford. Technology changes so quickly that what you buy today will change to "new and improved" tomorrow. You want to have the capability to upgrade to new technologies that may come.

What kind of software should I buy for my children?One of the easiest and most cost-effective programs for children to use is a word processing program. Let them write stories, poems, reports, letters...any type of writing encourages their typing skills, their language skills and their creativity. Publishing, using different styles of letters, helps them to learn how to reach their "audience." A drawing program lets children add creativity to their writing, as well as teach them to expand their communication skills.Programs that help children learn math facts are beneficial to those children who need the repetitive practice. Choose a program that covers a wide variety of math skills and levels so that it can be used by several children at different ages.

Be aware of the computer and video games children are playing. There are many computer and video games that are fun and/or educational that do not involve fighting and other forms of violence.

WFBES News Studio

The technology at Fort Belvoir Elementary School involves more than just computers. Each morning, we begin our day with the school news show.

The technical crew and the on-air "talent" consists of four sixth grade students. They present the day's announcements, the menu, the weather, sports, and occasional special features.

Our director and camera operator work with three cameras, a computer, a VCR, and a stereo system to make a professional daily broadcast.