The Junior School technology curriculum is designed with an interdisciplinary focus in mind. Lessons taught in the computer lab are integrated with the core subjects studied in the homeroom (languages, math, social studies, and science) and are planned to teach and reinforce computer skills. Keyboarding and the fundamentals of desktop publishing, computer art and multimedia are taught in conjunction with classroom curricula. By learning to use computers at an early age, children are comfortable and confident users of technology.
Junior One
Junior One students visit the computer lab once a week. The curriculum has two major goals: basic computer competency and the use of the computer as an instructional tool to reinforce skills, concepts and knowledge presented in the classroom. Students begin to learn to use Microsoft Word for basic word processing skills. They begin to develop elementary keyboarding skills and eventually are able to create simple word documents based on specific areas of studies. The Intranet and age-appropriate educational software programs are also used to enable students to develop various subject related projects.
Junior Two
Junior Two students continue to build upon their prior technology skills and are introduced to more advanced programs. To further develop their processing and formatting skills, students continue to use Microsoft Word to create documents based on homeroom studies. Students begin to learn how to create multimedia presentations using PowerPoint. Students learn how to develop presentations by creating slides, formatting, inserting custom animation and adding slide transitions. They acquire the skills necessary to create meaningful presentations that help them as they move up in the grades. Emphasis is placed on communication skills, cooperative learning and creativity. Students complete various publishing projects using software and the Internet.
Junior Three
Junior Three students expand their knowledge of various software programs and the Internet. Students learn to develop their research skills and build upon processing skills using the Internet and various software programs. They learn how to navigate the Internet to acquire relevant information pertaining to their topic of study. Students further develop their PowerPoint presentation skills by designing and creating presentations based on their homeroom Social Studies unit. Using educational software and the Internet, students complete various publishing projects that promote communication skills and creativity. All projects are integrated with the homeroom curriculum to create a more meaningful learning experience.
Junior Four
Junior Four students continue to build upon their knowledge of technology and further develop their skills within this area. Students use various programs and Intranet sites that correspond to the homeroom curriculum. They also learn to create, design and program robotics. Using elementary programming, students are introduced to teamwork and problem-solving challenges. They learn to write, modify and download programs that generate all types of data. All information researched and gathered from their experiences are put into a report and presented to the lower grades. Communication skills, teamwork and creativity are encouraged throughout the program.