Computers and other tools of technology are now the standard form of communication in our society, and while continuing to encourage beautiful handwriting, we need to prepare our children for successful technological achievement.

Because of the vital importance of manipulation of materials to learning, computers are not used at the primary level, except to learn terminology and purpose of this piece of equipment. Once a child is printing fluently, usually when entering the Intermediate level, (s)he can begin learning correct fingering for typing. This is done in a ten-minute daily practice with a typing program. Games and distracting cartoons are avoided as much as possible. Once a child’s typing speed has reached about 30 words per minute, he may begin word processing. Before this speed is reached, the child is asked to hand-write reports and assignments. Some software programs may be of benefit, but most are designed by people with little knowledge of education or learning requirements. Therefore, any software programs need to be screened carefully before being accepted.

Once they are able to read, our students love to do research in an area of interest, and they have an infinite amount of knowledge at hand through the internet. Research is begun using an encyclopaedia, as the child learns to assess and reword information, but once (s)he is ready, internet research, along with books, can be very useful. It does not serve the child or the environment to simply print out found information. It must be carefully read, evaluated and reworded to appear in a report.  When they are ready, students are taught the meaning of search engine symbols and website addresses, so they can discern the accuracy of information

For the most part, students need to draw their own pictures and maps rather than copying them from the Internet. It is preferable to have a hand-written, student quality product, rather than a slick, copied creation that has provided minimal learning opportunities for the child. Email and even Skype can be very valuable as a means of communicating with other schools. Students are encouraged to visit websites of other Montessori schools and connect with their students. Grace and courtesy in communication are necessary learned skills.

We also aim to teach our students how to create Powerpoint presentations, websites, program computers and use some of the office tools. Many students explore and teach themselves. Experts are tapped as resources whenever possible.