Computer Technology & Digital Media

In our changing world, where computing plays an increasing role in the way we gather information (as well as to connect to and influence others), computer literacy is not enough. For this reason, computer classes also encompass media and information literacy. Students learn strategies for validating information (text or audiovisual) from various sources, as well as how to contribute safely and honestly to our information society. Students explore the yearly school theme in their class lessons and projects in order to better understand that technology can be a powerful tool for learning, for sharing and for change.

Fifth & Sixth Grade

Fifth and sixth grade students meet weekly to develop basic computer and Internet skills

Seventh Grade Electives

Hablando Espanol in the 21st Century (Fall)
Interdisciplinary
What does it mean to be a Spanish speaker in the 21st century? What is Spanish popular culture like in different Latin American countries? What has the relationship between the United States and Latin America been in the last one hundred years? How did the label "latino" arise and why is it a big deal in the United States? All of these questions and more will be explored through Spanish language text, music, movies, and field trips with a focus on conversation. Students will work on their speaking and conversation skills by producing audiovisual work (podcasts, songs, short videos).

Game Design (Spring)
This elective is an introduction to the creative process of game design. Students can focus on a variety of aspects from character design to storyboards. They will work then pool their talents in groups to create games in platforms such as Scratch, Alice, or Flash, among other possibilities. Although the goal is to create a game on the computer, the concepts of game design will also be modeled through exercises at the gym or outdoors.

Eighth Grade Elective

Explorando Nueva York (Spring)
Interdisciplinary
This course studies the Spanish-speaking cultures of NYC by visiting as many different areas as we can. The goal is to gain an understanding of the Hispanic identity in NYC. Nuyorican? Boricua? Quisqueya? Learn where their Spanish-speakers are from. The students will be actively involved in deciding which aspects of Latino culture will be studied: street mosaic & art, food, music, religion, architecture, etc.  The class will be co-taught by the Spanish and Technology Departments. Students will use a variety of still and video digital technology tools to enrich their study, using Spanish in real-world situations.