Technology is integrated throughout the curriculum, with all new students taking a required technology class. Research indicates that when technology is embedded in the curriculum, not only are students provided the opportunity to learn necessary skills for success in the 21st century, but they become more engaged in their learning, leading to greater comprehension, retention of information, and use of that academic knowledge in later life. At-risk students show substantial improvement when technology is introduced into their curriculum. Experts believe the reason for this is that technology gives educators and opportunity to individualize instruction and meet the needs of individual students.

There are three primary components to the UPA technology program. Initially, during the academic summer bootcamp (described below) each student is tested to determine his/her technology proficiency. Based on the outcome of these tests, students are placed in one of three technology tracts. The first level focuses on basic technology skills acquisition, such as basic computer use, hardware and software concepts, trouble shooting and word processing. Students at the second level focus on email, utilization of electronic information sources, networking and the basics of digital imaging. The third level will cover spreadsheets and database development and web design. It also covers the basics of web media, and multi-media development such as web-based audio and video. After completing all three levels, students take a final exam to evaluate students’ learning across all three levels. Students successfully passing this final exam will receive a “Certificate of Technology Proficiency.”

Teachers are required to integrate technology use throughout the curriculum. UPA has purchased several mobile computer labs for use in classrooms and provides science labs that are equipped with up to date technology. We also have a projector, TV, DVD players in the classroom. Interactive white boards and other “nice to have” technology tools are added as funding permits. Students develop course projects and course work in which they are required to use the technology skills at their level described above for the successful completion of their work. The skills they typically are required to use for completion of coursework will be word processing, spreadsheets, presentation technology, database, audio and visual conferencing, and creating complex multi-media projects. Students develop skills and positive attitudes concerning technology that support communication, collaborative projects, grade-level integration, creativity and productivity. UPA uses technology to enable students to learn to search and discover knowledge, actively communicate with others, and solve problems so that they can become productive, life-long members of our society.