technology

Technology is a full partner in the HCIS education community. The “information environment” of HCIS is a crucial and organic component of school culture and operations. Our high level of access to intranet/internet based resources and fully integrated technology education allows for flexibility, creativity and innovation from students and staff.

It is important to first define technology within the auspice of Harbor City International School.
HCIS sees technology not only as a set of tools to accomplish our educational objectives, but as an opportunity to help define one’s place in society; a “talking point” for the community.
By far, the vast majority of technology at HCIS is centered on our networked computer workstations, wireless laptops and our “information environment”. The hub of this environment is several servers clustered in our data center.

At HCIS, technology is a powerful tool but it is also, as in society, a lightning rod for discussion. Our technology curriculum is based in skill development and reflection. It is perhaps the most experiential of the curriculum focuses of our school. Students are daily at workstations using technology to facilitate project based education, explore new concepts and express themselves creatively. Physical features of the technology opportunities at HCIS include:

• Powerful workstations with productivity software from Microsoft, Adobe, Macromedia
• Media Lab with Macintosh based Non-Linear Video/Audio Editing, Animation, MIDI Music Production, Graphic Design
• Wireless Student Laptops
• Several Digital Video Projectors

HCIS has long been a center for open source advocacy. All of our students use Linux as a part of being productive. We use K12LTSP for the majority of our workstations.