How Do Schools

Teach Computing?

By Chris Costanzo

Computers in our local high schools are alive and well, even though for the most part our schools don’t offer specific courses in computer science. But the schools do ensure that their students become proficient in the use of computers as an essential tool for studying other courses. They accomplish this training largely by integrating the use of computers into other courses.

Some schools start very early. Chelsea Principal Karl Stein told The Herald that his school introduces students to simple computer use in the elementary grades, and their skills then increase over the years as they use the computer extensively in various aspects of their other school work. Other area schools, like Randolph and South Royalton, also gradually introduce computer use in elementary years.

To make doubly sure that students have a thorough understanding of computers for academic purposes, some of the schools require a course in the basic use of computers. Rochester’s course is taken in the sixth or seventh grade, to be followed by a course in the seventh or eighth grade on the use of computers for class research projects.

South Royalton, according to principal Shawn Pickett, offers similar training. Bethel also gives a course on basic computer skills for seventh or eighth graders, followed by applications of computer skills throughout high school. These hands-on courses are all termed "exploratory" courses, and are graded on a "pass/fail" basis. At Sharon Academy, Andrew Lane, who runs the middle school, noted that all the teachers ensure that, before going on to the high school, students become familiar with the computer for research and academic presentations.

But computer training in area schools does not extend to computer science itself. The  sole purpose of the training is to ensure that students can use computers in support of their other courses, educators said.

Bethel Principal Andrew West noted that the ability to use computers is on the state’s formal list of academic expectations for Vermont school kids. However, he added, "The key word is ‘integration.’ The state emphasizes that computer training should be offered primarily as tool for learning the material in other courses."

Integration Stressed

The "integration" concept is widespread. Ray Ballou, the tech coordinator at South Royalton, said that students become proficient in the use of computers in academic research, in word processing, in publishing newsletters and yearbooks, and other areas as well. Music students at South Royalton use commercial software to help learn and practice musical composition.

Bethel does the same, not only in music classes but also in art classes, as well as social studies projects. Bethel’s business teacher Donna Stratton integrates computer use into her business courses for such tasks as spreadsheets and budgeting.

Although all our area schools use computers in many phases of education, there are very few courses dedicated solely to computers and computer science as ends in themselves, few courses in such things as programming, computer language, artificial intelligence, and the like. A number of principals said they lack the resources to offer such training, nor can they sacrifice other fundamental courses to make room for it.

But from time to time, an opportunity might present itself for special training in computer-related fields. Michael Livingston at The Sharon Academy told The Herald that his school has offered a popular elective course on the use of computers for animation. The course work and instruction is prepared by two knowledgeable high school students, but a certified adult teacher must still be present in the classroom.

At Randolph Union High School, Principal John Holmes noted that for three years his school had a full-time computer teacher who offered electives in computer science, but eventually Randolph had to terminate the program.

"It simply wasn’t cost effective in terms of the number of students interested in taking the courses," he said.

Nor is it all that clear that such specialized training belongs in high schools rather than vocational schools, colleges, or specialized institutions. What seems to be more important to the state, and to local educators, is that their students emerge with a handle on the use of computers in their other courses, and in day-to-day life in modern times. In this, local schools are succeeding, the educators say.