Technology
Technology plays an increasing role in education. The digital world is also becoming an essential life skill as a vocational tool. Computer applications affect the lives of most people in almost every area of life.
The application of digital technology at Westwood Christian School involves the following areas:
School Management Software is used for student accounts, academic records, and private demographic information. International student files are maintained through SEVIS, a department of Homeland Security.
Ren Web® school management software provides a tool to communicate school news, student grades, homework, and behavior to parents. As a web-based system, the information is quickly accessible to students and parents. The system also allows user friendly communication between the home and school. Other features of this software will be utilized in the future to improve communication.
Elementary and high school computer labs include about 30 desktop computers each for student use and instruction. The elementary lab was upgraded in 2006 and the high school lab was upgraded in 2007. The high school lab uses high-end Alienware® computers; these were purchased at cost from the founders of Alienware® (graduates of Westwood Christian School). Every classroom has computer access for both record keeping and as a tool to enhance teaching and learning.
Students in preschool and kindergarten are introduced to the computer by playing educational games. The goal is to become familiar with the hardware (monitor, mouse, etc.) and to learn basic motor skills needed eventually for keyboarding and manipulating a mouse. Software is geared to supplement academic content learned in other classes.
The basics of keyboarding, word processing, and learning to make digital presentations are added as skills improve in grades one through six. The level of complexity is enhanced each year. In addition, the computer lab is used to improve reading skills through the use of Accelerated Reader®.
In middle school and high school each student enters with a variety of computer skills. The goal in middle school is for each student to be able to keyboard with reasonable proficiency and to be able to use word processing for their school work. Freshman classes refine their skills in Word Processing, Power Point, and Excel etc. Upper high school classes focus on emerging technologies. In the future more offerings will be made dealing with web-design, computer-aided design, and other more sophisticated software.
The current focus in the classrooms is to permanently mount DLP projectors in all middle school and high school classrooms. The goal is to use the projectors as a classroom instructional tool and as means of communication to each classroom by the administration. Several DPL projectors are already in use by the Westwood Christian School faculty. Under consideration is the use of Smart Boards and PC Slates as instructional tools. As new technologies emerge, Westwood Christian School will evaluate and utilize those that enhance student learning and interest the best.
Finally, as a communication tool to reach the community, the school web-site has become an important tool for communication to both the current and future school constituency. The web-site provides a portal for the public to view Westwood Christian School in the convenience of a user friendly environment.
Technology Links:
