Ed Tech Spotlight

Utilizing both PC and Mac computers, the Sycamore Canyon Middle School Technology Academy provides students with the opportunity to foster their digital creativity. Located in Newbury Park, the Technology Academy is part of the Elective offerings for 6th through 8th graders and has been developed to cover ISTE National Educational Technology Standards for Students. Participating within the Open Source software community, students are now proficient with software programs such as Audacity, CamStudio, Scratch, Alice, Blender, GIMP, Pivot, and Google Sketch-up.

The 6th grade students are able to enroll in one trimester of Mass Communications as part of their elective. Students receive an introduction to computer procedures, file structure and storage, and practical experience with the Microsoft Office suite of application software. The 7th and 8th grade students may enroll in a year-long course based on student interest and proven competencies. Digital Arts includes video production, photo editing, animation and print design. Computer Programming covers animation, storyboarding and robotics. Finally, the students have an opportunity to learn and implement Podcasting and Netcasting procedures.

A yearlong Introduction to Game Design course will be offered in the Fall of 2010. 7th and 8th graders will receive well-rounded game development skills set by addressing game history and theory, art, animation, game mechanics, production methodologies and creative writing and storytelling.

Currently, innovative concepts and useful re-designs of consumer electronic products are the main focus of assignments. The 7th and 8th graders have reached their proficiency goals of individual software application skills and are now collaborating on projects that promote CHI (Computer Human Interaction) adaptive living. Third trimester Mass Communication students are creating stylish Microsoft Office projects to promote informative print and electronic documents. Students have worked through tutorials and teacher guided projects with the realization that creativity is bound only by the limitations they place upon their own imagination. Please enjoy the accompanying video and witness student creativity.