Educational Technology and the Student Laptop Program

From the Bay School’s founding in 2004, technology has played a crucial role in the school’s mission
to promote the education of literate, engaged, and responsible citizens. In its many forms, technology is
utilized as a tool to support learning across all disciplines in the classroom, as well as in extracurricular
programs, to foster communication, collaboration, and creation. In addition, we believe that it is not
enough to teach our young adults how to use technology. In the 21st century, students must also understand
the ethical issues surrounding the applicationof technology, and be prepared to consider the social, cultural,
and political ramifications of technological use.

Computing technology is an integral part of the academic experience at Bay. With a one-to-one
laptop program in which a laptop is issued to every student and teacher supported by a wireless
campus-wide network, both in-class work and homework are done primarily on laptops, and the
use of technology is integrated with more traditional educational methodologies to enhance
instruction. Teachers in each discipline take advantage of computer technology to make math,
science, foreign language, philosophy, world religion, literature, writing, and even music classes
engaging. Computer science courses are a mainstay at Bay—covering Java 1 & 2, HTML, CSS,
JavaScript, XML, AJAX, C++, and ActionScript. Bay School students may also choose Digital Imaging,
Digital Video Production, and Electronic Music Studio as electives, working in the school’s Media
Lab equipped with 18 Mac computers.

Technology also plays a crucial role in extracurricular programs at Bay. The major goal of the Engineering
Club is to make math, science, and engineering more meaningful by using the knowledge
and experiences of professional scientists and engineers. Students learn to work as a team to
design and build real-world products. In past years, they have studied alternative energy production
and storage, which involved building a full-scale prototype electric car. The club has also
designed and built underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and VEX-brand robotics which
have participated in regional competitions.