Upper School Curriculum Computer Technology
The Computer Technology curriculum is constructed around the premise that information systems and computer technologies are requisite tools for student learning in a knowledge-driven world. The program endeavors to enhance academic and intellectual learning through projects and activities incorporating analytical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem solving. Students are introduced to technological tools which enable them to obtain, experience, and manipulate information for communication and creative expression. These tools are also intended to improve student achievement and to provide students with skills for life-long learning.

Upper school students are offered Keyboarding, Introduction to Computer Programming, and Computer Database Programming as one-semester electives. Keyboarding introduces students to the computer keyboard, "touch" keyboard operation, and word processing skills, as well as e-mail and the use of the Internet as a research tool. This course is especially applicable to new students admitted to the Academy in the Upper School.

Introduction to Computer Programming introduces the student to the fundamentals of creating computer programs. Focus is divided between two general areas of programming: the programming language and good programming design. The languages include HTML, JavaScript, and Visual Basic. Design elements are developed throughout the semester independent of the particular language used. This course provides the student a basic background in programming to serve as a basis for further study or as a background for communicating intelligently with programmers in a work environment. Computer Database Programming introduces the student to the fundamentals of creating databases and programs that utilize databases. The database elements include Access 2000, Visual Basic, MySQL, and PHP. The course makes use of a progressive project-based atmosphere centering on real-world database applications, which will demonstrate mastery of the various environments covered in the course.

A brief description of the classes offered by HRA are available in our Course Catalog. You may also view these Course Descriptions online.