As we are embedded in a technology fueled age, it is important to give our children a firm foundation in the skills necessary to create and interpret digital media of all forms. One of the primary ways in which we accomplish this is in our up-to-date computer technology program. With this program, children are given an opportunity to create works and express themselves in the same way that they would with other materials but in a different way. Most students find it fun and exciting to work with computers and other such equipment and it can provide yet another venue for them to learn about and experience the world in a safe and nurturing environment. Computer technology applications are infused with almost every program that we offer to give students even more of an opportunity to express themselves in a positive way.

Computers will only become more of an important part of the world in the future. Even now, they dictate and control many aspects of our lives without us even being aware. For this reason, and more, an at least rudimentary understanding of how computers work and process information is vital to shaping any successful person’s future. Learning begins very slowly with only introductory and simple programs and eventually advances into a more thorough understanding of the importance of technology in our society. As this advancement is made, students become more confident of their abilities and have opportunities to experience even more activities as they progress through the program.

It is our firm belief that overall literacy in our society has changed from the ability to read and write words to the ability to experience and form conclusions based on the experiences gained through a wide variety of media beyond physical written material. For example, a solid understanding of how technology plays an important role in the production of their favorite films or cartoons could give them the necessary tools to become creative in this aspect of their varied interests. Should they not have the tools to express themselves in the way that they would like (technologically), they could become frustrated and disinterested in conventional creative methods. Through the implementation of our technology program, we seek to avoid this source of frustration.

One of the primary concerns of this program is the development of intellect that will be able to sort through the vast amount of information available through digital media and begin to filter only what they need to interpret information successfully. Although they may find all information that is correct, our program acts as a “digital thesaurus” to allow them to draw only the information they need to realize their creative goals. We do this by gradually exposing them to supplementary amounts of digital information as they become comfortable with smaller levels. In the same way, the gradual introduction of non-linear information in a digital form can greatly increase their ability to think in interpret many other aspects of life that do not always arrive in fixed and logical streams of information.

As children progress through each level of the program, they will be given more opportunities to make informed and wise choices about how they use computers and the way in which they express themselves using technology. Almost as important will be the developing ability to contribute to or interpret the digital works and conclusions of other students in a positive and constructive way. By doing this, students will begin to gain an understanding and appreciation of the sub-text inherent in digital media. Recognizing what a film or cartoon truly means below the surface is one of the key components to surviving a digitally fueled environment.

Regardless of the child’s position in the program, the computer technology resources will always be used to inspire creativity and cooperation among all students involved. By utilizing the tools available to the public today, we can form a greater and more successful understanding of the tools available tomorrow. Should your child participate in the computer program, we believe that he/she will be perfectly suited for the task of interpreting and creating a digital tomorrow.