The influence of computers on human life and on the development of our culture will continue to increase in the years ahead. Students should be prepared to cope with and contribute to this trend.Technology is a powerful information tool, and to use that tool students must understand and master the many possibilities for its use.
In addition to the use of a computer as a tool, the study of programming fundamentals can help to illustrate the nature of software and expand the power of critical thinking by presenting opportunities and procedures for problem solving. Computer literacy and the foundations of computer science are therefore important components of contemporary education.
The Lower School technology curriculum introduces and then builds on the skills necessary to use technology as a learning tool. Students are then able to apply these skills to other applications, regardless of the application format, and they learn to adapt to new technologies as they are introduced to them. They are taught to view using technology as a useful lifelong skill.
Students use a variety of devices including lab computers, wireless laptops and iPods to explore topics in English, science, social studies, math, foreign language and fine arts. In addition, students use Lego robots, sensors and other devices to learn about control technologies and robotics.
The Middle School technology curriculum is designed to allow all students to become knowledgeable and confident in the use of the technology and software available in all aspects of their educational development. The computer and accompanying hardware and software are seen as tools to be used in the educational process. To get the most out of these tools students must master the basics and be exposed to the possibilities they can create using these tools.
The computer labs, classroom computer pods and laptop carts are used by English, science, social studies, math, foreign language and fine arts classes throughout the year for class activities and projects. The main computer lab is open daily for student use during tutorial and recess. In addition, it's open after school three days a week. Computers are available in two computer labs, the library, in every classroom, as well as laptop carts for student and faculty use in order to promote integration of technology into the curriculum.
The high school lab and classrooms use
computers running Windows and/or Linux. Computers are available in the computer lab, the library, and in several faculty classrooms in order to promote integration of technology into the curriculum. Macintosh laptops are used in the Fine Arts department for computer and music composition. In addition, wireless laptops and tablets are used for class activities and are available for student use in the library subject to availability.
The High School
technology curriculum is designed to provide all students with the basic computer skills and knowledge they will need to use computers effectively as learning and productivity tools. To that end, it is a graduation requirement that all High School students successfully complete a one term basic computer skills course (usually taken as part of the 9th grade program) or a basic programming course. Beyond this, courses in more advanced areas of computer study are offered as electives, including Java, Python, and C programming, Advanced Topics in Computer Science and AP Computer Science.