Technology

The Bay School takes a broad view of technology, defining it not only in terms of computer and information
technology, but also encompassing the design and creation of tools to meet human needs. If technology is
defined as the application of scientific knowledge to facilitate change, it is then also important to consider
the appropriate uses of technology and the impact of its application. Media literacy is a core component of
technology instruction, and use of technology is integrated throughout the curriculum.

Laptop Essentials
All students begin 9th grade with a trimester course that meets twice per week, providing an introduction to
fundamental computer hardware, (laptops, desktops, and peripherals, using both Windows XP and Mac OSX),
and software, (Microsoft, Macromedia & Adobe suites), E-commerce, multimedia, and the Internet, (e-mail, basic
web design). This class also includes two mini-courses in study skills and information literacy that are taught by
our director of Learning Services and librarian, respectively.

This initial foundation of core computer concepts should assure that each Bay School student will possess knowledge of, and familiarity with, the current tools necessary to communicate effectively, authoring original content
in our digital society. The successful completion of this class is required of all students serving as a general prerequisite for all advanced digital media courses.

Electives Courses

Computer Science I
This is an elective designed for students of diverse backgrounds who want a deeper understanding of how real-world problems are solved using digital computers. No prior programming experience is assumed. Students create a variety of programs that run on laptop computers and the Web including: a poetry generator, a Mondrian simulator, a Sudoku puzzle solver, a maze game, and an artificial intelligence engine to identify animal species. Along with learning to program, students will consider the "ontological" issues of computing. What can't a computer do that your brain can? Can a computer "think"?

Computer Science II
Programming skills have become necessary in virtually all sciences and a great many humanities research efforts, and the core problems in many disciplines are now explored using digital models. Computer Science II is an elective geared toward students who will use programming in college or in a future career. The class teaches students how to apply program analysis, design, and implementation to any domain. Students will study and create their own basic algorithms in such disciplines as: DNA sequencing, finite element analysis, 3D rendering, and efficient frontier analysis. Students will learn core object-oriented programming concepts such as encapsulation, polymorphism, and inheritance. Students will also consider philosophical issues of computing. What is gained and what is lost by the abstraction process inherent in computational modeling?