Instructional Technology at PHPS
At PHPS, technology is a tool for learning, creating, communicating, and solving problems. Our approach is intentionally developmental: students begin with limited, purposeful technology experiences and gradually build the digital literacy, technical skills, and independence needed to use technology effectively and responsibly.
Instructional technology is integrated across the curriculum and supported by our dedicated Design Lab. Together, these experiences extend technology learning beyond screens to include design thinking, engineering, computational thinking, digital creation, research, and hands-on problem-solving.
Technology Learning Across the Grades
Kindergarten–1st Grade
Purposeful Introduction
Students in Kindergarten and 1st grade build foundational skills through integrated classroom learning experiences. During these early years, we prioritize active, hands-on development and intentionally limit screen time. Technology is introduced selectively when it serves a meaningful learning goal, allowing students to begin developing familiarity with digital tools without replacing the play, movement, conversation, and hands-on experiences that are essential during the early elementary years.
2nd Grade
Building the Foundation
Beginning in 2nd grade, students attend Design Lab as part of their weekly schedule, meeting for two 30-minute classes. Students build foundations in digital literacy, research, and technology fundamentals while beginning to explore computational thinking, coding, engineering, digital media creation, and physical model building.
Guided research and age-appropriate projects encourage students to move between digital and physical learning as they plan, build, test, and refine their ideas through hands-on design challenges.
Grades 3–5
Applying & Creating
Students in Grades 3–5 participate in a dedicated one-hour Design Lab class each week. Building on foundational skills, students use increasingly sophisticated tools and processes through multi-step engineering projects, coding, robotics, digital media creation, and physical prototyping.
Reverse-engineering challenges invite students to investigate how everyday objects are designed, constructed, and function. Students then apply what they discover to build, adapt, and improve their own creations. Technology and hands-on design become tools for creativity, collaboration, innovation, and authentic problem-solving.
Technology with Purpose
As access to technology increases, so does the responsibility that comes with using it. Digital citizenship is intentionally developed alongside technical skills, helping students learn to make thoughtful, safe, responsible, and age-appropriate choices as members of a digital community.
Standards-Aligned Learning
Technology and Design Lab instruction is aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards.
This alignment provides a framework for developing computational thinking, engineering design practices, digital citizenship, scientific applications, and technology skills while allowing students to apply their learning through meaningful, age-appropriate experiences.
Our goal is not simply for students to know how to use technology, but to understand when, why, and how to use it well.