The Schools > Middle School > Technology Assisted Learning

Technology has entered virtually all aspects of life in the 1990's and will continue to expand into the 21st century. Part of the College Community technology vision is to make technology as effortlessly and unconsciously as using paper and a pen. Prairie Middle School is working hard to make this vision a reality for both students and faculty.

Prairie Middle School is committed to helping students grow with the technology they face today and in the future. Listed below are some examples of technology at work in the middle school:

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY
Middle school students are exposed to and work with authentic technological tools found in many of today's industries. Students learn how to program computer controlled mills and lathes to produce parts and materials to exact specifications. Students learn about and work with modern high-tech machines and concepts such as: lasers, waste water management systems, internal combustion engines, robotics, flight simulators, and other 21st century technology.

THE INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY
College Community's extensive fiber optic network allows middle school students access to the Internet and World Wide Web of networked computer systems. This technology offers students the opportunity to access information never before thought in a matter of moments. Students can conduct research on virtually any topic at places like the Indiana University library and databases and research information from around the globe right from their classroom. Students can establish connections and develop dialogues with other students and experts from around the globe to share information and learn together. Up to the minute information on weather, news, sports, maps, and scientific discoveries are also available at students' fingertips.

READING COMPREHENSION AND SUBJECT ENRICHMENT
Prairie Middle School is committed to providing essential reading skills to all students. The middle school's computerized reading lab provides students with the opportunity to enhance, improve, and enrich their reading skills thorough the use of technological tools that constantly monitor, assess and challenge students as they work to improve their reading and comprehension skills. The interactive approach keeps students interested and engaged while learning and assists the middle school reading specialists in designing appropriate and meaningful reading programs for individual students. This lab also offers students opportunities to enrich their knowledge and understanding of subjects such as science, social studies, and math as well. Using 21st century technology to teach traditional and essential skills makes Prairie a cut above.

TECHNOLOGICAL LITERACY TRAINING
Middle school students are provided with on-going technological instructions via the personal computer. Students discover the power of technology in creating, manipulating, and using data and information to advance and add new dimensions of quality to their learning. Students learn how to use technology as a productive tool for learning and creating quality results for themselves and others. Students are taught everything from basic computer and technology skills to creating and using complex programs to promote their learning and understanding.

NETWORKING
Prairie Middle School continually seeks to increase the availability of usable technology in the building and beyond. In addition to several technology labs available to students, every faculty member has at least one networked computer in their teaching area. Virtually all computers are networked together across the building, across the district and beyond the boundaries of the district. Students and faculty can access their own private files, the Internet, CD-ROM's, electronic mail, and other district files from both school and home (with a personal computer and a modem).

The middle school library is fully computerized enhancing check-in and check-out procedures as well as making it quick and easy for students to access and identify useful resources in the library.