Pierrepont School houses two computer labs. We have one computer lab containing thirty Apple desktop computers and an interactive white board. A second computer lab is located in the Media Center and has eighteen Apple desktop computers and an interactive white board. Internet access is available as a resource in every classroom, the media center and the computer lab, with wireless Internet access available throughout the building. In addition, we have 20 mobile Chromebook carts and 6 mobile MacBook carts which have wireless Internet access and are used in classrooms throughout the building. Most classrooms are equipped with interactive white boards and LCD projectors.
Formal computer technology education is taught all three years at Pierrepont School. Students in grades four, five, and six take the Computer Tech cycle class five days a week for 42 minutes each day during one quarter of the school year.
The fourth grade computer curriculum explores technology skills beyond basic levels of software applications and supports learning in both technology and regular curriculum topics. Areas of focus include proper keyboarding skills, online safety and digital citizenship, Internet research skills, introduction to coding, word processing, spreadsheets, drawing, and presentation software.
Building on the skills learned in grade four, fifth grade students will be exposed to more advanced application software functions of spreadsheets, drawing, word processing, and presentation. Database application will also be introduced. Projects will encourage students to seek out and use technology appropriately to investigate, solve problems, and communicate their findings effectively. Keyboarding will be reviewed and emphasized. Students will continue to become familiar with computer coding.
Building on the skills learned in grades four and five, sixth grade students will be exposed to more advanced application software functions of database, spreadsheets, drawing, word processing, and presentation. An emphasis will be placed on integrating the use of computer applications. Projects will encourage students to seek out and use technology appropriately to investigate, solve problems, and communicate their findings effectively. Students will continue to become familiar with computer coding.
Projects in the fourth, fifth and sixth grade computer applications courses reinforce the core applications taught in other academic disciplines such as math, science, social studies and language arts. This well-balanced approach to technology instruction at Pierrepont School develops a higher level of competency within students including critical thinking skills and problem solving skills, as well as fostering integrity and personal responsibility as the wealth of information on the Internet is utilized.
The computer lab is open for student use every day before school from 7:40 – 8:10 and Monday through Thursday after school from 3:00-3:45.