Specials
Technology Education, Computer Literacy, and Internet Safety
At BMS, we are committed to advancing digital age learning. Students receive formal technology instruction at different times during the school year. As part of the specials rotation, they spend 22 days in technology education, 22 days in computer literacy, and participate in 4-5 internet safety lab classes during the school year.
The first and most important of the technology NETS Standards requires students to demonstrate creativity and innovation. In technology education classes, students are building wood products, programming robotic functions, designing computerized floor plans, building bridges, and designing CO2 cars. In computer literacy, students are taught how to handle digital cameras and learn how to see through the camera’s eye. They design Escher-like tessellations and produce iMovies. Students use the CS5 Adobe Suite to publish web-based digital portfolios, experiment with image editing techniques, and create frame-by-frame, motion tween, and shape tween animations. During the music rotation’s lab period, they learn about the importance of digital citizenship when using 21st century tools.
The BMS Industrial Technology department continually updates its computer software. We are currently using the latest versions of Auotdesk Inventor Professional 2012, a mechanical computer-drafting program, and Revit Architecture 2012, architectural computer software. Additionally, West Point Bridge Builder 2011, used to teach structural engineering concepts, has gone through a significant upgrade. The high school uses these programs, so when students enter BHS, they have a base from which to start.
A significant amount of time is spent on research and training in the fields of mechanical and architectural engineering to provide an enhanced learning environment for our students. To meet the New Hampshire State Technology Standards, the Industrial Technology staff has been using traditional methods as well as researching and creating some new design problems using new software programs. The tech ed program is in the process of implementing the latest Architectural & CADD software into the curriculum while still reassuring the need for a “hands on” approach. The department's goal is to provide an up-to-date facility and curriculum that will enhance critical thinking and challenge the creativity of the students at BMS.