Technology

The use of technology is a part of everyday learning in the classrooms at University School. All campuses have computers with CD-ROMs and Internet access in the classroom. The school’s technology coordinators work with teachers to find web sites that will enhance what is being taught in the classroom.
As students get older, their USJ teachers will be more likely to send them to the Internet to research topics and complete assignments. Teachers have e-mail addresses to provide one more way for students and parents to communicate with them.

Besides computers in the classrooms, the 2-5 Campus, Middle School, and Upper School have computer labs. The Upper and Middle schools also have science technology centers where work done in the lab can be charted and analyzed on computers. The teachers also have access to a projector and computer that they and their students can use for presentations. USJ’s mobile laptop center allows an entire class to access the Internet from their classroom desks.

Students begin learning keyboarding and about the Internet in Lower School; computer classes begin in first grade. By the time they finish Middle School, they are very familiar with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and the ability to do PowerPoint presentations for school assignments. Computer learning is enhanced in Upper School where students can brush up on rusty skills, but also learn how to do computer programming.

Businesses open in computer class

From UT merchandise and flower shop owners to haberdashery and candy store owners, Eighth Graders learn how to become business entrepreneurs in their computer class.

After learning the basics of Microsoft Office in Sixth and Seventh Grade, the students apply this knowledge to create and market their own “pretend” business, said computer teacher Linda Truex. “This is a hands-on, fun way of learning and applying intermediate Microsoft Office procedures.”

At the end of the nine-week course, students “open” their business and show off their creativity with an “Opening Day Celebration” attended by friends, parents, and school administrators.

Students use many of the tools in Microsoft Office, from Word and Excel spreadsheets to PowerPoint and Publisher. Their assignments include creating logos, writing letters and commercials, doing research, establishing inventory, designing a flier and business card, and developing a presentation.

“Each quarter, I look forward to seeing our new businesses,” Truex said. “The skills the students learn will be used many times over, when they are in Upper School, college, and even when they start a real business.”

Pictures from the 2009-2010 Fourth Quarter Opening Day are below.

1st place - Natiebug's Outdoor Store, Natalie Allen	2nd place (Tie) Mattress World, Chris Burton
2nd place (Tie)  Sunshine Surf Shop, Ally Glover	3rd place (Tie)  Planet Puppy, Alexandra (Nikky) Duckworth
3rd place (Tie) Denbrock's Donuts, Jacob Denbrock	Polka Dotz, Mattie Boyd
The Ski Shop, Charlie Hughes	The Boardwalk, Haley Daugherty
Jennylyn's Purrfect Pet Shop, Jennylyn Caterina	Fashion Fever, Laura Harmon
The Attic, Sarah Bond	Jansen's Car Shop, Jansen Cupples