Detroit Country Day students plug away … and in

 

By Christina Ulaj

C & G Staff Writer

     When students at Detroit Country Day headed back to school for fall, they hit more than just the books. 

     Students begin the laptop program in middle school, where there are 360 laptops in use and three desktop computers for student use in the media center. In the program, classrooms are networked and wireless areas are set up throughout the school media center, front lobby and the student center alcove.

     The purpose of the program, in its seventh year, is to teach students the basic skills of computers and to develop skills in problem solving, information management, data analysis, desktop publishing, Internet research, Web site evaluation and communication.

     “These skills will better prepare students to be more productive members of our information society,” said Gauri Vaidya, computer specialist and teacher at Detroit Country Day. “By learning how to solve problems with technology, students become better trained for the 21st century, university-level academic needs.”

     The students use the laptops for all of their classes and take them home to complete homework assignments. The middle school English class requires the students to use Microsoft Word to write poetry, essays, brochures, postcards and newsletters. The students also use PowerPoint for presentations and Inspiration Software to generate a graphic storyline or flow charts.

     In art class, the students use the laptops to research different artists. The laptop is used in all areas of the curriculum, with the exception of physical education.

     “The laptops are also great for communication through teachers, parents and students,” said Clay Matthews, director of public relations.

     The faculty Web pages include links to be used as review tools, enrichment activities and practice quizzes. Teachers also put study guides on CDs and burn them for the students.

     According to Vaidya, parents are educated on how to monitor their child’s computer use so they are aware of what their child is accessing online while using the laptops at home.