Barry County Christian School

2999 McKeown Rd., Hastings, MI 49058
269 948-2151

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The Current State of Technology at Barry County Christian School
and Plans for the Future

The Technology Committee is responsible for planning and implementation of all technology-related purchases and use.

Today Future
Software
Operating System
  • Operating system: MS Windows XP Professional
  • Server operating system: Windows Server 2003
    Application Software
  • Microsoft Office 2003, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • Typing Tutor 7
  • Music Ace Maestro® for use in the music program
  • Various programs used in elementary classrooms
  • Anti-virus software is updated regularly.
    		• Operating system software and application software will be upgraded as required and as funds become available.
    Hardware
    Hardware consists of:
  • Laptop computers on a mobile cart that can be moved from classroom to classroom as needed.
  • Laptop computers for teacher use.
  • Desktop computers in the office, library and some classrooms.
  • A server
  • Printers
  • Firewall
  • Most classrooms are equipped with televisions and VHS/DVD players. Teachers may use their computers in conjunction with the television.
    		• Hardware will be upgraded on a five-year plan, as finances become available.
    Internet
    The office has Internet access, as do teachers. Internet access for students is not yet available. Internet access is via satellite dish. With the access that we have, there is a limit on the bandwidth we are legally permitted in any 24-hour period. Because of this, students currently do not have Internet access at school. Our goal is to provide reliable, affordable, high-speed wireless Internet to students. This will give us the opportunity to offer Advanced Placement classes and other state-mandated computer learning experiences for our students. When Internet access becomes available to students, the Technology Committee will have a strict use policy in place.
    Computer Curriculum
    One semester of computer instruction for junior high (seventh and eighth grade) students which includes:
  • Keyboarding
  • Word processing (MS Word 2003), including instruction on using the MLA style requirements for formatting research papers.
  • Spreadsheet (MS Excel 2003)
  • Slide presentations (MS PowerPoint 2003)
  • The yearbook is done entirely online.
    		• Integrate computers into every classroom setting at every grade level. Elementary students will have access to web-based programs that help them learn. Junior and senior high class assignments might involve using a PowerPoint slide show for an oral presentation; typing a paper using proper MLA format; using a spreadsheet for a math or science assignment.

    A more comprehensive computer curriculum for high school students. These classes will help prepare students for what they will face after high school, either in college or in the work place. More comprehensive classes in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint will be added. MS Access (database), HTML (web site design and programming), programming and hardware classes could also be included.

    Opportunities for computer learning experience is planned, per state guidelines.

    A Note on the Use of School-Owned Technology and Access to Our Local Area Network

    Although we have computer equipment and Internet access, we must limit who is able to use it.

  • There is a limit of bandwidth (how much uploading to and downloading from the Internet we can do) that is available to us. This must be available first to staff members; therefore we cannot allow access to the Internet to anyone else at this time.
  • The computers in the library and on the cart are here for student use. In order to protect our investment in this hardware, and to be sure students can use it when they need to, we must limit the number of other people who use it.
  • Access to our network is by password. Only staff members and students are given passwords.
  • When we upgrade our Internet access and have enough computers available for students, it is possible that this will change.
  • If a student wishes to bring his/her own laptop to school, this is permitted as long as there is an approved request on file. The request form is required so that we may keep a record of what equipment is in the school that is not school-owned, mostly for insurance purposes.
  • Personally-owned computer equipment is not permitted access to the network.

    Minimum Requirements for Donated Computers

    We are glad to receive donated equipment. The information below may help you decide whether or not you would like to donate your equipment.

  • 1.5 ghz processor
  • 40 GB hard drive
  • 512 MB memory
  • CD-ROM
  • Windows XP or later
  • Other equipment will be accepted with the understanding that the school may refurbish the equipment and sell it..

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    Last updated: 04/30/10