INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

At GCS, we view technology as a tool that plays an integral role in shaping any learning environment where future high-capacity leaders, thinkers, & innovators are cultivated.

In addition to having multiple technological tools and a modern, mobile computer lab, students may also bring their own devices to the classrooms where they are provided with monitored wireless internet access and a collection of online resources to support lessons in a variety of disciplines. Elementary students are also provided with class sets of Chromebooks to assist them in becoming responsible, well-equipped, digital citizens.

Innovative Curriculum

Grace Christian school offers innovative computer programming which exposes all students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 to concepts such as coding, digital design, and robotics. GCS strongly believes that every student should not only have access to technology that empowers student learning, but also be an active participant in creating the technology that is changing our world.

Innovative Technology

STEM

Grace Christian School was awarded the 2015 Education 20/20 Excellence in Teaching Award for their delivery of STEM education. Every student from PreK through grade 12 collaboratively addresses real social, economic, and environmental problems and seek solutions using technology and the engineering design process through a project-based learning model. Students critically consider real-word application of curriculum and integrate science, technology, engineering, and math into one learning experience that prepares them for future integrated careers in STEM.

Lego WeDo & Mindstorm Robotics

Lego WeDo & Mindstorm Robotics are used throughout the grades to enable students to work as young scientists, engineers, mathematicians and creative writers, completing cross-curricular projects. Using these materials, students are encouraged to build and program a working 3-dimensional model and then use the model for different purposes, depending upon the theme of the activity and its focused subject matter in science, technology, mathematics or language. Students develop vocabulary and communication skills to explain how the models work, establish links between cause and effect, reflect on how to find answers, brainstorm new possibilities and endeavor to bring them to fruition. Students also apply logical thinking to create a program to produce specific behaviours, and often write and present creative stories using models for visual and dramatic effect.

Sphero Robots

Students also use Sphero technology – the world’s first app-enabled robotic ball and a sophisticated companion for your smartphone or tablet. Users can program the Sphero from an iOS device or a chromebook using block-based or text-based software.

Digital Authoring & Publication

The Seesaw App is one of the most recent additions to our suite of interactive technologies. These student-driven digital portfolios empower students to independently document what they are learning at school. Students can “show what they know” using photos, videos, drawings, text, PDFs, and links which can imported directly from most popular apps, like Google apps. Seesaw makes it easy for students and teachers to review progress over time and demonstrate growth. When students add to their Seesaw journal, content is uploaded, organized by the student, and immediately accessible to teachers from any device. The Seesaw App includes families to the learning process by inviting them to view updates to their child’s Seesaw journal. Seesaw’s immediate, visual updates actually get seen by busy parents and give families an opportunity to provide encouragement. Plus, built-in translation tools help Seesaw posts cross language barriers.

Flipped Classroom Model/Online Courses

Not only do the students of GCS benefit from the use of technology inside the classroom, they also benefit from the flipped classroom model of instruction. The flipped classroom is a pedagogical model in which the typical lecture and homework elements of a course are reversed. Short video lectures are created by GCS staff members and viewed by students at home before the class session, allowing classtime to be devoted to inquiry-based projects, follow-up discussions, and/or lab work. Every student at Grace Christian School will be exposed to the flipped classroom model. Additionally, numerous high school courses are online or blended, allowing the students to learn via online video and text and then perform labs during structured in-class times.

Hour of Code

Hour of Code is a global movement that reaches tens of millions of students in 190+ countries. The basics of computer science and coding help nurture creativity and problem-solving skills and prepare students for any future career. Each year, every learner at GCS, from our youngest to oldest, complete hours of coding tutorials.

Scratch

Students continue to apply their knowledge from previous school years using Scratch, a program created at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Scratch helps even the youngest learners at GCS to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively, all of which are essential skills for life in the 21st century. With Scratch, students program their own interactive stories, games, and animations, before sharing their creations with others in the online community.

Advanced Robotics

Mindstorms and Vex Robotics, the educational standards in advanced robotics, allow high school students to embrace the engineering model and develop solutions to real-world problems using physical technology. Students learn engineering principles and apply them critically in collaborative environments, along with a greater emphasis on synthesis through open-ended project-based design challenges. Junior high and senior high students compete in regional robotics competitions throughout the year, with the chance to represent GCS on the global stage at a World Championship competition.

LittleBits Technology

LittleBits technology has a mission to put the hands of electronics into the hands of every student. For this reason, it is a great addition to our continually expanding technology and innovation resource library. LittleBits is a platform of easy-to-use electronic building blocks that empower students to invent almost anything, from their own remote controlled car, to a smart home device. Students at GCS have enjoyed combining the technology of LittleBits with Lego WeDo and Scratch projects, and have engineered projects that have been recognized nationwide.

Moodle

Moodle is a learning platform designed to provide educators, administrators, and learners with a single robust, secure, and integrated system to create personalised learning environments. In addition to the flipped classroom approach, every high school student at GCS will complete online courses in preparation for post-secondary education.

Arduino

Arduino is an open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software. Using an Arduino microcontroller, sensors, lights, motors, and wiring, along with a software programming package, students design, construct, and code their circuit to complete everyday tasks, to play music, or do drive a vehicle autonomously. The sky really is the limit with Arduino!

Robofest

In four years of competition, GCS has finished top-5 in the regional competition twice, in addition to top placing in BottleSumo. They have qualified for the World Championships THREE times, being able to attend in-person once in Detroit, Michigan, representing Canada to the world!

Explore Robotics Competitions

First Lego League Challenge

In their first year of FLL competition, GCS won the local competition and came second overall in the Maritimes regional competition, claiming an entry into the World Invitational Championships in California!