Providing students, teachers and staff with state of the art technology is a primary objective of the JCA Technology Team. A second and equally important goal is to provide students with an environment that prepares them to be successful in high school and college as well as their future careers.

Freshman Year Course

In Computer Applications Class you will learn the following:

• Use Microsoft Word 2013 to produce a research paper as well as for creative design purposes.
• Be safe and smart in the fast world of the Internet (specifically social media). Learn how to keep an upstanding Personal Internet Profile in high school that will ensure that students will be top college prospects (with no regrets) in four years.
• Produce a video that will entertain a large audience using pictures, graphics, and music. These student-created videos are displayed for events such as football games, Step-Up Day and Open House.
• Prepare for the online college learning environment by utilizing Edmodo to receive assignments online, turning in completed work to the teacher online and taking tests online.
• How to use Microsoft Excel 2013 to average grades, balance a checking account and prepare students for the working world.
• Develop online research skills with EBSCO as well as learn MLA research writing skills.
• Use Microsoft PowerPoint 2013 as a tool for effective public speaking.

In Multi-Media Design, you will learn the following:

• To create professional and creative publications such as cards, brochures, advertisements and magazine articles using Adobe In-Design. Student-created work is used and published by JCA.
• To take photos and use photo-editing programs to have sharp and clear photos for your projects.
• Video production using both camera equipment and the iPad as well as different online tools to create both fun and serious videos to be viewed by student body and JCA Community.

JCA’s Computer Center

• Four computer labs to host classrooms for extended learning
• Open before and after school for student use
• Recently upgraded hardware and software – All PCs on Windows 7 and Office 2013
• Electives in Fine Arts, Technology, and English which require use of the Technology Department’s facilities are offered

MEET OUR FACULTY AND STAFF

Mary Ostrem is an alumnus of Mother McAuley High School and earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in English with a minor in Mass Communications from Illinois State University. She started her career at the school in 1996 and has been JCA’s Technology Teacher since 2011. Mrs. Ostrem  worked in JCA’s Development Department for 15 years prior to teaching.

Mary Ellen Reato (SFA ’73) graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from the University of St. Francis. She earned a Master of Science Degree in Computer Science from North Central College. She has experience in telecommunications R&D, software implementation, design and testing.