Middle School

In the Middle School we move from learning the computer to truly using the computer as a tool for productivity, and even more, for creativity. A good deal of time is spent in classrooms using laptops for research and authoring tasks. All grade levels continue to work on basic skills, such as improving keyboarding skills. In addition to working with computers in the classroom each Middle School grade has a scheduled Technology period each week. The work completed in each grade level is added to a digital portfolio so that each student has an ongoing record of the work they have done in Technology. Specific topics for each grade are:

• Sixth Grade – making the most of Microsoft Office.

• Seventh Grade – using the Adobe Creativity Suite to create illustrations, correct/alter photographs, and produce quality reports.

• Eighth Grade – video production, including storyboarding, scripting, creating sets and props, filming, editing, adding sound and video effects. Students use Microsoft Movie Maker, Adobe Soundbooth, and a number of animation tools to polish their handiwork.