Elizabeth Qualls, Whitefield's Middle and Upper School librarian, is teaching sixth-graders a class called Research and Technology Skills. Here's her explanation of this new approach to the computer rotation class.
![]()
This year the sixth grade computer rotation has taken a new direction. The class is more appropriately called “Research and Technology Skills." Yes, we still use computers (actually Google Chromebooks) in class, but we also have discussions. What do we talk about? Well, so far this year our topics have included “Strong Passwords,” “Private and Personal Information,” and “Digital Citizenship.” We have also had a day in the library for a tour and a lesson on “The Role of a Librarian.” A fun true-false game regarding myths surrounding librarians led the students to discover we don’t all wear our hair in a bun, and we can help them search better than Google.
In planning for the redesign of this class, I was introduced to the website Common Sense Media This organization is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing trustworthy information and education needed to thrive in a world of media and technology. (CSM, About Us) Not only do they provide resources for families, such as tips for online safety, but reviews
![]()
and ratings for books, movies, TV shows and apps can be found on this site. They also have a complete curriculum free to educators. We are using this resource for our discussions. Each lesson has a corresponding ‘Family Tip Sheet." These are posted under our class’ links and documents on the Parent Portal. My hope is that these tip sheets will generate discussion around the dinner table or in the car regarding media and technology use.
During this nine week course, my goal is to help the students in understanding the best way to use technology and to develop safe habits. We will also begin exploring the online databases available through the library at Whitefield and brushing up on our library skills. So, sixth-grade computer rotation is not just about computers!
This year the sixth grade computer rotation has taken a new direction. The class is more appropriately called “Research and Technology Skills." Yes, we still use computers (actually Google Chromebooks) in class, but we also have discussions. What do we talk about? Well, so far this year our topics have included “Strong Passwords,” “Private and Personal Information,” and “Digital Citizenship.” We have also had a day in the library for a tour and a lesson on “The Role of a Librarian.” A fun true-false game regarding myths surrounding librarians led the students to discover we don’t all wear our hair in a bun, and we can help them search better than Google.
In planning for the redesign of this class, I was introduced to the website Common Sense Media This organization is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing trustworthy information and education needed to thrive in a world of media and technology. (CSM, About Us) Not only do they provide resources for families, such as tips for online safety, but reviews
and ratings for books, movies, TV shows and apps can be found on this site. They also have a complete curriculum free to educators. We are using this resource for our discussions. Each lesson has a corresponding ‘Family Tip Sheet." These are posted under our class’ links and documents on the Parent Portal. My hope is that these tip sheets will generate discussion around the dinner table or in the car regarding media and technology use.
During this nine week course, my goal is to help the students in understanding the best way to use technology and to develop safe habits. We will also begin exploring the online databases available through the library at Whitefield and brushing up on our library skills. So, sixth-grade computer rotation is not just about computers!