Computer use in the primary grades is centered on having the students become comfortable with using the keyboard, mouse, and printer. Proper terms for components as well as proper care of the computer are stressed. A variety of software is used to reinforce math and language arts skills.

Computer use in the upper grades expands on the skills learned in the primary grades with further exploration of technological advances. Students will see the computer as a programmable device as they learn programming languages. Students will also view computers as a research tool through the use of the Internet and reference oriented software. Instructional material taught in the classroom is reinforced in the lab through a variety of software packages, and skills needed for the information age will be taught. The goal is to ensure students departing St. Joseph School are fully prepared for the requirements of middle school and beyond.

St. Joseph School is one of the leading schools in the diocese for computer technology. The entire school is networked with a 100 Mb Ethernet backbone with connections to all classrooms, the computer lab, special rooms (e.g. Art, Learning Center), administrative offices, and the teacher’s lounge. A server (with redundant backup) provides a domain for login accounts and central storage for all staff and students (grades 3 and up).

The computer lab has 30 multimedia computers providing a 1:1 ratio of computers to students during lab periods. Students using the library have access to three multimedia computers.

All of these systems are connected to the school’s network and have high-speed Internet access. A router/firewall protects the environment from intrusion. The network is attached to a special advanced proxy server, maintained by the Diocese of Rochester, that virtually eliminates access to undesirable sites and content. Use of email and chat rooms are prohibited without direct staff supervision and permission. This policy is documented with all students in grades 3 and up required to sign an Internet Usage Policy with their parents.