The technology lab offers a hands-on experience. Although there are some traditional classroom lectures, most often students are given creative projects to explore and learn about through trial and error. The goal is to internalize computer skills rather than simply memorize them. There is a large emphasis placed on design and presentation. Our philosophy is that technology is a tool, much of which is used to communicate ideas, information and entertainment. Therefore, many disciplines meet at a crossroads in the technology lab: effective writing skills, an eye for design – composition and color, an ability to think logically, a public speaking presence.
Primary and Lower School Technology
In primary and lower school technology, our main goal is to familiarize our students with the world of computers and the Internet, in order to create a comfort level that allows them to freely integrate technology into their studies. As they grow academically, we want our students to be able to easily rely on these applications as simply another educational tool that they can draw on to achieve success in all their areas of study. Students entering fourth grade are provided with their own laptops to expand their knowledge and integration of technology in the classroom.
Middle School Technology
The landscape of technology is constantly shifting, and now we provide our eighth grade students with iPAD's. New programs and applications arrive daily. And yet there are so many principles – from the elements of design to the methods of effective communication – which remain the same. With this in mind, there are seven objectives for Pegasus middle school students that prepare them for their futures:
• A working knowledge of each Microsoft Office program as well as Moviemaker, Paint and Publisher
• Exposure to Adobe programs such as Photoshop, Final Cut, and InDesign
• The ability to type at least 30 words per minute with minimal errors
• A familiarity with both Mac and PC operating systems, file formats and troubleshooting techniques
• A rudimentary understanding of select programming languages
• A working knowledge of the Internet and the ability to create a basic webpage
• A portfolio of creative projects which reflect a knowledge of design and audience |