Technology

PCA’s technology program is designed to engage students in learning, so that they reach their God-given potential as outlined in PCA’s portrait of a graduate.

Classroom Technology Integration

Today’s students live in a digital world, in which technology is the primary medium for learning and communication. Just as Jesus spoke to fishermen and farmers in words familiar to them, infusing technology in the classroom enables PCA teachers to reach these students in what is practically their native language. To meet this goal, PCA has recently announced the "Apples for Everyone" program, a priority of the PCA Initiatives. Beginning in the 2012-2013 school year, PCA students in grades 1-6 will be issued an iPad, while students in grades 7-12 will be issued a MacBook Air. Pre-K and K students will have access to iPads via shared iPad carts. PCA is also adopting the Blackboard Learning Management System, which will allow teachers to engage students with digital content.

If you would like to submit a question about the "Apples for Everyone" program, please click the following link: Apples for Everyone Program Question Submission Form.

In addition, PCA teachers use digital projectors, document cameras and streaming video to engage students visually and aurally. They assess student understanding with leading diagnostic programs in math and reading. They help students connect ideas with concept-mapping software such as Inspiration and Timeliner. They encourage students to express their learning through video presentations, word clouds, digital art, and blogs. In science, students use tools such as netbooks, student response systems, and probes to explore concepts and interact with the teacher.

Technology Enrichment/Elective Classes

Students in PK through Sixth Grade have scheduled technology enrichment classes as age-appropriate. PCA has two dedicated technology labs in the Lower School building, where the enrichment classes encompass a broad curriculum including office applications, Lego robotics, photo and video production, and introductory programming.

In the Upper School building, 7th-12th grade students in technology electives classes use industry-standard programs such as Microsoft Office, Photoshop, InDesign and Final Cut Pro to master skills they can apply to future careers. The goal of these classes is for PCA graduates to be able to do the following:

• Demonstrate confidence in their use of technology through risk-taking and problem-solving guided by Biblical principles
• Use godly discernment  and critical thinking skills in their application of technology and media
• Incorporate a variety of tools and methods as effective users of technology
• Analyze and interpret media messages from a biblical worldview

School/Home Connection

Technology is also used to strengthen the home-school connection. NetCommunity allows students and parents to view upcoming assignments, track progress in classes, check attendance records, and access resources such as class newsletters, study guides and project rubrics. Please visit the links at the side of the page for online resources including NetCommunity.

PCA’s technology program is guided by a comprehensive technology plan and overseen by a steering committee. The recommendations from the technology plan are incorporated in the PCA Initiatives. If you are interested in seeing how you can be a part of fulfilling the vision of PCA’s technology plan, please contact the Development Office.