At Park, there is no school subject named "computers". We use computers as an integral part of the regular curriculum. Students gather and evaluate information, and produce works (like stories, essays, research papers, graphs, posters, slide shows, art, web pages, etc.) with computers. Computers are also used as teaching tools which simulate complex systems that are otherwise impossible to experience. Sometimes students use computers to practice skills via educational games. Students also use computers to communicate via e-mail and the world wide web. It is a role of the Technology Department to encourage and support the faculty as they use computers in their classrooms. All teachers participate in our technology professional development which includes a laptop computer, software, and instruction to make best use of technology for teaching, learning, and to enhance professional practice.
Macintosh computers are available for students and faculty. They are located in classrooms, two computer labs, six mobile laptop computer carts, the library, academic support, and faculty offices. Additional equipment includes smartboards, printers, scanners, digital cameras, and various other items. The library and administration use a combination of Microsoft Windows and Macintosh computers.
We do not require students to have computers at home, however, most older students do. As students enter Grade V, an increasing amount of word processing is required outside of class. Both Macintosh and Microsoft Windows computers are good student computers for home. Loaners are available for students whose families do not have home computers.
Our school-wide network supports fileservers for students and teachers to store their computer files, our school e-mail system and electronic bulletin board known as Park Intranet, a web server, and various other network services. Wireless network access is available throughout the school.
Students and teachers may browse the world wide web via our high-speed Internet connection. Our school web page (www.parkschool.org) provides access to library resources, the Park Intranet (including student fileservers), and various other educational resources. Our Internet connection is monitored, and we have a "web filter" installed on all computers.
All faculty, staff, and Upper Division students (Grades VI through IX) have school e-mail accounts. Parents can also sign up for a free Park Intranet account, which provides access to internal school information via the Internet. We can connect to Park Intranet via school computers, or from home. Upper Division students should install the free Park Intranet (i.e., FirstClass Client) software at home to facilitate transfer of school work between home and school.
The Technology Department manages the information network. Tom Smith is the director, Carole Carter, Marshall Neilson and Jorge Vega are full-time technology specialists.
You can learn more about technology at Park (including suggestions for setting up a home computer network) at http://www.parkschool.org/technology/.
