GHCA'S COMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

WELCOME TO GHCA'S COMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

NEW - Visit the System Administrator's Technology Blog to read the lastest endeavors of Mr. Surran in the realms of science and technology!

Featured in the publications Linux Journal and Technological Horizons in Education, Greater Houlton Christian Academy offers both facilities and curriculum that have earned international recognition. GHCA was one of the first schools in Maine to offer a completely Linux-based computer lab and curriculum. Our decision to use open source software has allowed us to provide our students with the latest in computer technology at a fraction of the cost paid by schools using proprietary offerings.

Our lab currently consists of 20 AMD PC computers equipped with modern hardware (3D acceleration, i686 processors, etc.). These computers are networked to a primary file and account server, as well as an Internet proxy server with on-site caching, filtering, and firewall support. Our software includes the latest Gentoo Linux, OpenOffice, GIMP, KDE and it's supporting applications, and a myrid of web-based educational tools. We also use the latest in open source educational software such as Celestia, Stellarium, GCompris, and others.

CURRICULUM

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CHANGES FOR THE FUTURE - We are currently phasing in our Laptop Initiative. This initiative will bring some major changes to our current Computer Science program. The biggest change will be in the High School, where the integration of technology (laptops in the classroom) will become the primary focus of this department. This will impact the computer-specific classes now being offered, though we are not ready to release details at this time. We ask that you be aware that the following discription of courses will change to some degree for next year.

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It is the mission of the Computer Science department to train students in the fundamentals of computer technology, ensuring a proficiency in the computer skills necessary to excel in our technology-based society. We do this by offering the following courses:

• Computer Skills (grades 2-8) - Computers are intergrated into the learning process starting in grade 2. We use tools such as Web Quests that not only allow students to become proficient in using the computer, but enhance the study of other subjects as well. As the student progresses through the Elementary grades, they learn more advanced concepts such as keyboarding, word processing, research and presentation, spreadsheets, graphics and media, etc.
• Computer Programming (grade 9) - Students learn some of the basic principles behind software design and deployment in this class, but more importantly, they are provided an environment where they can practice their thinking and logical reasoning skills. Important life skills such as problem solving, attention to detail, logic, and applied mathematics are learned. We use the Python programming language.
• Computer Technology (grade 10) - This class deals less with applications and more with theory, specifically relating to how computer technology works. Students learn basic electronic theory, digital logic, fundamental computer subsystems such as memory, the processor, storage, etc. We also look at software execution, the operating system, peripherals, networking, and other advanced concepts. This 1 credit class prepares students by teaching them how the technology that drives so much of the world's economy and infrastructure works on a fundamental level.
• Research and Presentation (grade 11) - This course compliments the previous course, this time focusing on the actual use of the technology as applicable to a college and career setting. Students learn how to use information technology to research a topic, collect data, and organize that data in a variety of ways, including research papers, visual presentations, spreadsheets, web-based media, etc. A large focus of this 1 credit class is to train students how to evaluate the quality of the information they gather, and how to assimulate and adequately present such information in their own way. Students learn to think and to learn on their own during this very important course.
• Microcontrollers (grade 12) - This elective class teaches the fundamentals of digital technology and microprocessor design. Students work with their own development board, learning the intimate details of a simple 8-bit microcontroller. The focus is both software (specifically PIC assembly language) and hardware, as students build simple electronic devices throughout the course.

In addition to these core courses, our school also offers the following after-school clubs:

• Computer Repair - Grades 10-12
• Photography - Grades 9-12
• Programming - Grades 10-12
• Robotics - Grades 11 & 12
• Yearbook - Grades 10-12

INTEGRATION

The computer lab is not just used for computer science classes. The lab is a most powerful tool in the academic progression of our students. A world of information is at the fingertips of students working on reports and projects. Multimedia can bring to life a page from history or a normally invisible scientific concept. Using a computer for math drills and testing purposes can cement key concepts in a student's mind. In short, the GHCA computer lab is an integral part of the overall academic experience of a student attending our school. We thank God that through generous donations from both private and professional interests, we can provide one of the best computer technology programs in our region!

PUBLICATIONS

Below are links to published articles, interviews and presentations by system administrator and computer science teacher Mr. Michael Surran.

• Harnessing the Power of Open Source Software - I had the priviledge to speak at the 2007 ACSI New England Convention about Open Source software. The provided link pulls up the Google video of this seminar. The audio and the slides from this presentation are also available (click links).
• Do It Yourself Robots With Linux - this article in Linux Journal describes our robotics program, specifically focusing on the robot created by the 2005-2006 class.
• WAGM TV Sci Tech Flash - "Robotics" - this video clip features our Robotics class students and their sentry bot.
• WAGM TV Sci Tech Flash - "Gentoo" - this is a video clip of a feature WAGM did regarding our recent upgrade to Gentoo Linux.
• WAGM TV Sci Tech Flash - "K9" - this is a video clip of a feature WAGM did regarding Mr. Surran's new creation, K9 the robot dog.
• Making the Switch to Open Source Software - this article is featured in the September issue of T.H.E. Journal. This article details the process and advantages of switching to open source.
• Linux from Kindergarten to High School - this article is featured in the February issue of the Linux Journal magazine. I recommend everyone interested in learning more about using Linux in the classroom purchase a copy.
• Linux Case Study - this case study details our transition from second-hand donated computers to all-new computers running open source software.
• Of Prayer and Penguins - learn about the real force behind the new equipment in our state-of-the-art computer lab.

HISTORY

Here are some links to previous stories covering the "early days" of the GHCA computer lab. You can see much God has blessed us and how far we have come:

• GHCA - A 21st Century School (2/28/01)
• The GHCA Computer Lab - a Summary (11/13/00)
• GHCA Goes High-Tech (2/25/00)