Information Technology Department
For many children this is their first formal computer education. So the impression they get here will form the basis of a lifelong attitude toward technology.
The first application of the computer system is to help them to review their English language classes. The Let’s Go interactive CD-ROM series is used to supplement the English teacher’s material.
Typing is a skill that we all must learn. It is now part of everyday life. Learning basic keyboarding at a young age makes later computer use much easier.
More advanced classes are given the opportunity to experiment with word processors, imaging and the internet. We focus on the elements that are common to all the programs. These are; text, fonts, images, color, tables, graphs, formatting, and other functions.
A variety of learning games from Disney, Broderbund, Sesame Street, Hoyle, The Learning Co., Jump Start Learning, and many others help to reinforce various aspects of English acquisition. English at this age MUST be fun. Young children need lots of exposure to develop and maintain their understanding of English sounds and rhythm. These game type programs are indispensable.
Exposure to technology for the individual can be exciting or overwhelming. We work hard to leave the students with the impression that a computer is a fun and useful tool; and that we are the masters of this tool. As technology grows - we cannot know where it will go. Our children will have to deal with software and machines that have not even been invented yet. But what we can do is leave our children with confidence and a do-it-yourself attitude.