Instructional Program

The computer program in the Lower School teaches basic computer literacy, including keyboarding, hardware and software maintenance. Computer literacy in the Lower School focuses on various types of educational software, plus individual computer programming. Topics include keyboard familiarity, floppy disk care, the storage and retrieval of student graphics and written materials, and the printing of individual work. Every child in grades 2,3,4,5 and 6 has a floppy disk in order to save his/her creative computer designs, compositions and programs.

The computers in the Lower School are used to supplement classroom instruction. This is done through the use of educational software, assignments and research projects. All Lower School students in grades kindergarten through six have scheduled weekly computer times. They use the computer for writing assignments, math enrichment, map skills and research, through the use of software, electronic encyclopedias and CD-ROMs. Teachers may sign up for additional computer time for special projects or research assignments. Each child works on his/her own computer.

Teachers use the versatility of the computer in order to reinforce, maintain and review subjects and topics covered in the classroom. Children are able to review basic arithmetic operations, subject-verb agreement and typing skills, just to name a few. Many teachers use the computer creatively to construct word searches, mazes and crossword puzzles based on the vocabulary covered in the class.

Computer Facilities

The Lower School computer lab is equipped with 25 Apple Macinosh computers, a color post script printer and a laser printer. All the computers are networked and have local-based hard drives and CD-ROM players. Students use quality educational software to reinforce, maintain and supplement the classroom curriculum.

The Lower School is planning for a new state-of-the art computer center. This new computer center will be designed for tomorrow's technology. Special wiring and cabling will allow our students to access the Internet and the information superhighway, providing telecommunication possibilities.

Computer Graphic by Brian Mitsunaga, Grade 2

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