Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of
students and parents.

1. Are the students still going to have computer class with the new tech lab?
2. How often do they come to computers?
3. Why Macintoshes?
4. What is the Tech Lab?
5. Any other questions?

Are the students still going to have computer class with the new tech lab?

Yes.  The computer lab and the tech lab are two different classrooms 
with different curriculums.  The computer room can go online and 
teaches basic computer skills.  In the tech lab, each computer has a 
different module loaded, and only that module can be completed on that 
computer.  The tech lab teaches more real-world skills, with an emphasis 
on science, math, technology and engineering. It also shows career paths/options.  
The computer lab teaches standard computer skills,including internet safety 
and Microsoft Office.

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How often do they come to computers?

Once a week for 45 minutes.  In 5th - 8th grade, students come back with 
their teachers for another 45 minutes of Language Arts. There is time blocked 
for 6th - 8th grade Science and Math time as well, if those teachers need 
to use the lab.

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Why Macintoshes?

They are easy to use, and are capable of reading/changing Word, PowerPoint and
Excel files.  We have and teach Microsoft Office as part of the curriculum. As 
Pixar has proven, they are fabulous for graphic artistry as well.

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What is the Tech Lab?

I have taken over the teaching of the Tech Lab, to the seventh and eighth
graders. The PITSCO Synergistic Systems Applied Technology Lab has 16
stations. The students spend 7 class periods at each station, learning about a
specific topic, before rotating to a new station. Station topics include
overviews of real-world applications of knowledge they are already acquiring,
or topics they might be interested in as careers someday. Forensics, Rocket
Science, Genetics, Food Science, CADD, Personal Finance, and Astronomy are
some of the topics. For a complete overview and topic list, email me or give
me a call at the school. This year, Applied Tech class is once a week, so not
all students will be able to finish all modules. I am trying to make sure
through scheduling that each student hits the highlights of the room.

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Any other questions?

Please email me or call me at the school with any questions that you would
like answers to! 708-448-0408 x244, tanddrowe@yahoo.com
This year, I am sending home newsletters once a month to
let you know what I am covering in Computer Class/Applied Tech class.

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