Journalism
Robotics
Videos
Podcasts
Student websites
Scratch

Technology

Students in grades kindergarten through 5 have computer instruction one trimester per year. In addition, there are computers in most classrooms that may be used by students at the discretion of the teacher.

Pre- Kindergarten – The students experience developmentally appropriate software which is open-ended, exploratory in nature, and allows for student’s choices and control.  This type of software will encourage students’ independence and involvement with the computer and lead to increased cognitive development.

Kindergarten – Students design and control fantasy computer worlds with the power of their imagination. Problem solving, critical thinking, and memory skills are strengthened as the students use the computer program, Logo.

1st Grade – Creative play, problem solving, and logic are reinforced through a series of challenging activities. Multi-media projects are generated. Students learn to exert control over the computer.

2nd Grade – Study of the computer programming language Logo intensifies. Through simple commands a “turtle” moves ahead, to the right or left, in squares or circles, and repeats patterns of moves as programmed by the students.

3rd Grade – Keyboarding skills are introduced. Students use the internet to study different countries. Via e-mail, they correspond with ePals of different nationalities, becoming friends with an individual and learning about a different culture and community in the process. 

4th Grade – Students develop an on-line, collaborative journal while building projects on the internet. Through this journal, they keep track of their thoughts and plans, keep records of their projects, and develop presentations. Planning and reflecting on both the process and their final projects are key aspects of the learning.

5th Grade – Students continue to hone their skills on the keyboard. In addition, they learn complexities of word processing through Microsoft Word and how to use various design, animation, and graphing techniques of PowerPoint.  Students study Native American Indians using the internet and then transform their research into PowerPoint presentations.

Middle and High School

Please Note: Students are expected to demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in the following areas by the time they complete eighth grade:

  • Keyboarding (minimum standard of twenty-five words per minute with no more than two errors);

  • Identification of hardware components;

  • Demonstration of basic knowledge of most commonly used software applications;

  • Understanding about how to use the Internet for research;

  • Adherence to all safety and security guidelines related to usage of computers and tech/media equip­ment.

These are to be satisfied through testing. Arrangements are to be made with the computer instructor. After eighth grade, students deficient in any of the above areas will be offered workshops to obtain the knowledge and skills. Enrollment in other technology courses is dependent upon the successful passing of each of the above areas.

6th Grade Computers: Computer Basics

Students master the basic computer skills needed throughout their educational career: proficiency in keyboard­ing, knowledge of computer hardware, as well as computer ethics. Software programs include, but are not lim­ited to, word processing, spreadsheets, multimedia presentation applications and desktop publishing. Students also learn skills to critically analyze digital information and filter that which is valid and relevant from the rest of the information they are exposed to on a daily basis.

Robotics: Grades 8 to 12

Students participate in the nationally sponsored “Botball” program and “First Robotics” program during the sec­ond and third trimesters. They learn the basic mechanical skills required to build robots. They also learn the computer software programming skills using the “C” programming language so that they can program and oper­ate the robots. In addition, students learn to solve problems, work together, and manage their time. The students working in “First Robotics” establish relationships with engineers from corporate sponsors.

Computer Basics

For students who have not mastered basic computer technology as described above. Students who successfully pass this class will be exempted from further computer requirements and be eligible for electives as indicated in this section.

Yearbook (a year-long elective)

Students on the yearbook staff choose a theme and design the layout for the school yearbook. Students learn to use publishing software to produce this book, including Adobe InDesign and Adobe Photoshop. Both digital and scanned images are used and modified using specified standards. Staff members are responsible for taking pho­tographs, designing and laying out pages, writing copy, selling advertising and editing pages. This class is of­fered for three trimesters. Students may sign up for one or more trimesters.

Video Production

Students learn the fundamentals of digital video production and have an opportunity to share their work with audiences across the state. Products are sent to channel 56 to be shown on the program which airs three times a week. Projects can include public service announcements, music videos, mini dramas or documentaries, anima­tion or news segments. Other options include school promotions or documentaries of school activities. Students learn fundamentals of video production, from developing an initial concept to storyboarding, writing scripts, filming, and editing using Adobe Premiere.

Web Design

Students design websites for a global audience. These websites are functional, fun and informative. Macromedia programs such as Dreamweaver, Flash and Fireworks are used. Emphasis is placed on knowing one’s audience and designing a consistent and intuitive user interface. Students also learn critical aspects of marketing a web-site, from using keywords for higher placement on search engines to using reciprocal links.

Emerging Technologies

Students broadcast themselves with podcasts, vlogs (video logs) and short videos that are uploaded to the Inter­net. Production steps include concept design, storyboarding, recording and editing. Students become adept at using ProTools and Audacity for podcasts and Adobe Premiere for videos.