At Chesapeake Bay Academy we view technology as one of the most important tools in the educational process. From the start of student’s journey in the Lower School through their successful completion of the Upper School program, we use computers and the latest technology to enhance not only academic skills, but social ones as well.
When students enter our Lower School, we find that one area where they often need attention is with written communication skills. To assist them in improving those skills, we apply our technology resources. In our state-of-the-art computer lab, Lower School students, some as young as 5 years old, begin lessons in keyboarding and are instructed in using the Microsoft Office suite of software, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Additionally, students are introduced to programming basics.
As students progress into our Middle School, we continue to integrate technology into their core curriculum. Students attend two technology classes per week where they learn design basics using Autodesk AutoCad and Inventor software. They design projects that are fun and personally relevant, developing student achievement in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. In addition, students continue to use our computers to enhance their writing and grammar skills, as well as using them for projects in all core subject areas.
When students reach the Upper School level, in addition to using computer technology in the core curriculum, they can elect to participate in one of CBA’s Technology Tracks. Digital Design instructs students in graphic design and advertising design using software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Students learn game design using 3D animation and gaming software programs in our Video Game Design track. CBA’s Upper School maintains four separate computer labs, with each one targeted toward a specific area, including graphic design; game design; writing and composition; and social sciences, such as government and geography.