Technology

The mission of JAIS is to educate and prepare students for engagement in a changing world. We use technology as a tool to achieve this mission. We harness the power of technology to make learning relevant to the world students live in today and prepare students to thrive in an ever-changing and dynamic, global society. Transformative and innovative teaching grounded in sound pedagogical practice drives the use of technology. Our teachers strive to find meaningful and creative approaches to teaching and learning that leverage and maximize the use of technology.

The ubiquitous nature of technology and its meaningful integration in teaching and learning enables our students to develop the skills necessary for:

communicating effectively in multimodal formats
engaging and collaborating with a diverse and worldwide audience
acquiring and critically evaluating new information
living healthy and productive digital lives
creating and sharing new knowledge through the use of media-rich projects
solving problems through exploration, coding, robotics, and more

JAIS students are provided with opportunities to explore and engage with the tools and resources available through coursework, learning spaces, and extra-curricular activities such as coding and robotics. Our Makerspace is available for learners to solve problems through experimentation and discovery. Students apply the design process utilizing both technology and low-tech tools (e.g., cardboard).

In addition, we work closely with students to promote responsible digital citizenship and the use of technology. Digital citizenship is woven into the curriculum and collaboratively taught by counselors, technology integrators, and teachers. And while we understand and embrace the ever-present nature of technology, we also appreciate the importance of keeping health and balance in mind. Digital citizenship is a central component of the curriculum. Lessons from Common Sense Media are integrated into the general classroom.

Students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade are provided with a school-purchased iPad that remains in school. Students regularly use iPads to document learning, to create media-rich artifacts, and to share their knowledge in creative ways. Students in 3rd-9th grade are provided with a school-owned Chromebook to use at school. The Upper Elementary students learn keyboarding skills and more in-depth research skills. All of our students and teachers use Seesaw, a digital learning journal, to document and share with family members their learning across the curriculum. They also use this tool for class communication.

Technology Tools and Coursework

STEAM

JAIS integrates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) into many school areas including the curriculum & cross-curricular projects, special courses such as robotics and coding, after-school activities, and the makerspace. Through these areas, JAIS students strengthen their learner profile: insightful and strategic researchers, critical and creative thinkers, skillful communicators, effective collaborators, resilient, persistent adaptable achievers, innovative problem solvers, and responsible and compassionate citizens.

Curriculum and Cross-curricular
JAIS integrates STEAM principles into existing curriculum subjects such as science, math, and art. This involves designing interdisciplinary lessons and projects that incorporate elements from multiple STEAM disciplines. For example, an art lesson on ecosystems could include mathematical modeling, Models of Sustainable cities, and engineering design challenges related to environmental conservation (wind turbines).

Tech Courses

Specialized STEAM Courses and Community Engagement
We offer specialized STEAM courses or programs that focus specifically on integrating these disciplines. These courses may cover topics such as robotics, coding, and digital media production. They provide students with in-depth exposure to STEAM concepts and hands-on experience with relevant tools and technologies.

We start Early Years and Kindergarten students to build their confidence and social skills through a LEGO® STEAM program. They are learning STEAM concepts through play and using their imagination and natural curiosity.

Students in Grade 1-2 use the Lego Brix programs to understand concepts around Science and math.

Grades 3 and 4 students work with the Spike Prime and the First Lego League Explore program.

Our Students in Grades 5-9 have the opportunity to participate in First Lego League Challenge Robotics competition held here in Israel. Go to the Robotics tab to learn more.