Middle School technology instruction is designed to develop the basic skills necessary for becoming an independent user of computers and computer software, to help recognize the importance of computer technology in today’s world, and to teach computer applications which are valuable in the pursuit of learning in all disciplines.  With 75 computers in this division alone, there is approximately 1 computer for every 2 students in Middle School.

In the Technology Center:

Technology is taught for one quarter each year during Middle School. Through a set of general rules about business, the students create a company that sells products (real or not), has corporate and sales location, advertises etc. The fifth grade students learn the different productivity capabilities in MS Word while writing a business plan that will be used later on in the career. The sixth grade students get into the mechanics of MS Excel with the use of business spreadsheets such as inventory control, balance sheet, advertising budget and income statements. The seventh graders are introduced to MS PowerPoint and given several basic learning projects and a final presentation promoting their business. The eighth grade students are introduced to databases with MS Access. They create several databases for learning and then produce one for their company. The computer curriculum ends with a test given at the end of the eighth grade year. The four quarters of technology study result in students completing a state approved examination for a half credit in high school technology.

The Technology Center is also open to teachers to bring their classes in at certain times for research and projects.

In the Classroom:

Every Middle School classroom is equipped with MIMIO whiteboard interactive technolgy.This allows for daily hands on learning incorporating the internet and various other electronic forms of education into the classroom.  Students can work with the teacher on the interactive whiteboard or on an electronic tablet. Each teacher has a dedicated laptop or desktop computer as well as 2 student computers per classroom for daily use.

Mobile Laptop Lab:

The Middle School has a mobile laptop lab with 24 computers available.  Teachers can bring the lab directly into their classroom so that every student can have a computer for project work.