Welcome to the EES Computer Lab!

Our school has over 150 computers and a 32 seat computer lab. There’s laser printing capability in most classrooms and every classroom is networked and every computer is connected. That’s a lot of hardware!

At Encino Elementary, we have staff and parents who believe in the value of integrating technology into the curriculum. Parents contribute significantly to give the students an opportunity to use technology extensively, even at the Kindergarten level. Thank you parents! Without you, none of this would be possible!
 
For more information on how we use technology at Encino Elementary, please visit: http://web.me.com/vcorden/AppleEES/Welcome.html
 
Below is a brief description of some of the many resources we have available in our computer lab
 
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office is the most popular productivity software suite in the world. It is used in almost every country by almost every business. In our computer lab, our students learn the basics of MS Office and also many advanced ways to use this software to prepare and format almost any assignment. Our teachers designate certain class assignments to be completed using MS Office and our students are graded on content and format. Even our first graders are learning how to use Microsoft Word!
 
Accelerated Reader
Accelerated Reader is a web-based service that is used extensively at our school. It is an essential tool for teachers in motivating and encouraging our students to read. The service is based on a library of literally millions of books and quizzes so that almost any book our students read has an accompanying quiz. Using HomeConnect, parents can see the books their child has read and the scores from each quiz. Just go to https://hosted215.renlearn.com/265842/HomeConnect/Login.aspx to see your child's results. More information about Accelerated Reader can be found at www.renlearn.com.
 
Type to Learn
Our students use award winning software from Sunburst to learn to type. In Kindergarten, students are exposed to keyboarding with Type to Learn, Jr. In 1st and 2nd grade, they use Type to Learn 3 to learn the basics of touch typing. In our upper grades, students hone their skills and speed with Type to Learn 4. Because student files are stored on Sunburst's servers, TTL4 can even be used at home. Students pick up right where they left off from any internet connected computer. More information about Type to Learn can be found at http://ttl4.sunburst.com/.
 
Tux Paint
Tux Paint is a free, open source painting and drawing program that we use extensively with our Kindergarten and First grade students. It is easy and intuitive to use and children as young as pre-school age can quickly learn the basics of pointing, clicking and selecting while they play and learn with Tux Paint. Tux Paint is a free download you can use at home at http://www.tuxpaint.org/
 
Gaggle
Gaggle is safe email for students. It is filtered and monitored and provides a completely safe environment for students to learn about the benefits and etiquette of using email. In our upper grades, every student receives a Gaggle account and it is used by their teachers and classmates to learn how to use email effectively and efficiently. Gaggle has lots of other safe features, too, such as, student profile pages, student blogs, and a web-based word processor and spreadsheet called Zoho Documents. With Zoho Documents, students can work on assignments at school and finish them at home, all while working in the safe environment that Gaggle provides. More information on Gaggle can be found at http://www.gaggle.net 
 
Scratch
Scratch is another award winning software product that is used by our students in the computer lab. Scratch was developed by the Lifelong Kindergarten group at the MIT Media Lab. It's a programming language that introduces students as young as eight years old to software development concepts. As students create and share Scratch projects, they learn important mathematical and computational ideas, while also learning to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively. More information about Scratch can be found at http://scratch.mit.edu/.
 
Stop Motion Animation and Multi-Media Projects
Our students can produce many different types of multi-media projects using the technology available in the lab. Among the most popular are stop motion animation movies made with iStopMotion. After filming their projects, our budding film makers use iMovie to add opening and closing credits and GarageBand to add music and sound effects. More information about iStopMotion can be found at http://boinx.com/istopmotion/overview/.
 
Students can also create their own original music using GarageBand and burn their compositions on their own CDs.
 
Our students also learn to use Powerpoint for their school projects. Not only do they learn the basics of using Powerpoint, but we also show them how to incorporate different types of media into their presentations, such as, photos, movies, sound, and animation to make their projects even more compelling.
 
File Server
Our file server stores the network licenses for many of our applications and it allows students and teachers to save their work in a central location, accessible from any machine on our network. Importantly, it teaches students how to access shared resources from anywhere on our network. Our server is backed up nightly ensuring that all work is protected and allowing us to be back up and running quickly in the event of a failure.
 
We also use remote control software to manage all of the computers on our school network. This allows teachers and administrators to remote control any computer, install files and applications, install updates, and generally monitor all of the computers on our network. This also allows a teacher to share his or her screen with all of the other screens in the computer lab. This way, teachers can ensure that each student has a front row seat to what ever they want to share.
 
Full-time Computer Instructor
Our computer Lab also has a full-time computer instructor and every class from Kindergarten through 5th grade comes to the lab once a week for formal computer and technology lessons. Throughout the year, many technology topics are covered from learning to touch type, using Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, producing multi-media projects, and learning to use the internet effectively and safely. The lab is also open every recess and lunch for students to explore technology on their own and to work on class projects. Furthermore, teachers can book additional time in the lab to bring their entire class to work on special projects and assignments.
 
Full-time Network Administrator
Our computer lab instructor is also available every day to keep all of the technology at our school running and in top shape. Teachers also use this resource to learn new ways to integrate technology into their classroom. Using technology in the classroom is essential for today's teachers and our full-time instructor/administrator ensures that they are up to date and skilled in the latest technology tools.
     
Software
  • Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (Word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation)
  • Safari & Firefox (internet browser tools)
  • Type to Learn Jr., 3, & 4 (typing tutors for young students)
  • Kidspiration (visual learning tool)
  • KidPix & Tux Paint (drawing software for students)
  • Scratch (computer programming for young students)
  • iMovie (movie editing and production tool)
  • iDVD (DVD production and authoring tool)
  • iStopmotion (tool to record stop motion animation films)
  • Boinx TV (TV production made easy)
  • Google Earth (satellite imagery tool)
  • GarageBand (music production tool)
  • AND MORE!
Networking
  • Up to date server for running network applications and file storage.
  • Internet access in EVERY classroom via CAT5 cable and wireless.
  • Laser printing in every classroom, color printing in the lab.
  • Ability to remote control, manage, install, and screen share ALL machines.