The technology curriculum at Villa Duchesne is designed to support and extend the use of computers, software, and electronic information for academic purposes.

In the seventh and eighth grades, students learn keyboarding, basic applications software, research skills, and the role of computers in society. In tandem with these fundamental classes, learning the uses of technology is integrated into regular course work through the use of Tablet PCs in a 1:1 environment.  

Computing 7 introduces students to Windows based computing including familiarity with the basic functions of the Microsoft Suite software: Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel. The primary focus is on the development of proper keyboarding skills, with emphasis given to form and accuracy over speed. Students use spreadsheets for record keeping, work with Macromedia graphics tools, PhotoStory 3, cover "cyber-citizenship," and are introduced to the history and components of computers.

Computing 8 builds on the fundamentals learned in Computing 7. Keyboarding is reviewed, with development of improved speed. Subsequent units include creation and advanced use of spreadsheets, advanced PowerPoint multimedia design, PhotoStory 3, technology-based research and the social implications of technology with attention to "cyber-citizenship."

For those students who are interested in extending their knowledge and competencies in technologies, the school offers AP Computer Science, Graphic Arts, and Web Design for tenth through twelfth graders. Students enjoy learning basic programming with the use of Scratch from MIT and Alice from Carnegie-Mellon. AP Computer Science is offered through the Mathematics Department. This course is comparable to an introductory course at the university level meant for computer science majors or for students majoring in other disciplines that require significant involvement with mathematics, science and technology. Students will learn to design computer-based solutions to problems in a variety of areas; select, develop, and use common algorithms and data-structures; use the programming language Java; read and understand a large program; identify and know the roles of the major hardware and software components of a computer system; and recognize the ethical and social implications of computer use.

Graphic Arts and Web Design implements the tools of the professional through Adobe CS3. Students augment their previous courses and enhance their interests in graphic design.  This course is offered through the Fine Arts department where students employ technology as the medium. Students learn basic design skills using digital cameras and Adobe Photoshop. Dreamweaver is the software used for designing web pages. Students learn to plan content, layout, and color schemes.

The technology curriculum remains open and responsive to developments in the world of technology and the expanding interests of our students.