Computer Science Department

In the Pingry Computer Science Department, technological competency is viewed as a necessity in the rapidly changing society for which Pingry prepares its students to become leaders. Pingry graduates must possess technical skills as well as know how to use those skills to be more adaptable problem-solvers and life-long learners. Integral to this competence is a critical awareness of the benefits of technology and the moral and ethical issues related to it.				Quoc Vo Department Chair Brian Burkhart Faculty Introduction to Computer Programming, Computer Operations, AP Computer Science Quoc Vo Department Chair Shelley Hartz Faculty, Academic Technology Facilitator, Grades 7-8 Technology and Research Susan Ferris Rights Faculty, Academic Technology Facilitator, Grades K-6 Technology Instruction, Grades K-5 Elaine Krusch Faculty Word-processing, Keyboarding Grades 4-6, Study Skills Grade 6
In the Lower School students are provided with the opportunity to explore, experience, and understand computer technology. They are involved in graphics, story-writing, multimedia presentations, and critical thinking and decision-making challenges. This positive interfacing of skills and knowledge prepares students to actively contribute to their community. The Middle School program is designed to equip students with the technology tools they need to research, collaborate, synthesize, and present information they learn. Emphasis is on using technology tools efficiently to do research and present their results in a manner that reflects effective use of the learning tools of our time. The program in the Upper School remains flexible and places its emphasis on understanding the logic behind technology use. Students use technology in their class work while developing a foundation of logical thinking for continued computer science education which includes introductory and advanced courses in computer operations and programming. In both the Middle and Upper Schools, students are encouraged to make use of Pingry e-mail accounts for communication within the Pingry community, and to use their assigned network space as file storage and/or backup. Students can access e-mail, complete class assignments, and do research with online data bases and the internet in the classrooms, labs, library, or off campus.