Beacon students are encouraged to access the most up to date information and to develop proficiency in the use of the most cutting-edge technological tools. Regardless of previous interest and socioeconomic status, all Beacon students are given access to a world of technological knowledge and skills needed to thrive at Beacon and beyond.

Technology is often misperceived as a solution to all of the problems facing society. We recognize the fact that technology is in no way an educational panacea. The use of technology at Beacon is designed to supplement and enhance regular classroom instruction, taking full advantage of new technologies and programs. Beacon is committed to the process of ensuring that technology serves education as opposed to education serving technology. It is our belief that technology, when used correctly, can enhance the educational experience for both teacher, student, and community.

Beacon's goal is for its graduates to emerge comfortable with the use of computers and technology as one of the main tools they will use in their careers, both academically and professionally.

In recent years we have been extremely lucky to have benefited from grants, including VTEA, New York City Council, and The Gates Foundation, which allowed us to equip the school with state-of-the-art equipment and computer labs.

At Beacon we offer a range of classes that will count for the arts and technology credits required for graduation. In these classes, students will learn a range of programs including: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, In-Design; Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint; Macromedia Flash, Fireworks, Dreamweaver; Final Cut Pro; IMovie.

Beacon technology courses for 2005-6 include:

Ninth Grade Technology
This course begins with an introduction to basic computer literacy skills, moving on quickly to more complex skills such a web design and web logging, HTML programming language, digital photo and animation, multi-media persentations using packages such as PowerPoint.
Our aim is to develop skills that will not only make students thoughtful, effective users of technology, but also enhance the way they navigate their way through Beacon. The skills they acquire during this course will, without a doubt, be ones that they’ll use throughout their Beacon classes.

Digital Film and Advanced Digital Film
Students start these courses by analysing a range of film techniques and styles. Students will learn to use new vocabulary to describe the filmmaking process as they begin to pick up camera and editing skills. Individually or in pairs, students plan, storyboard and make a short film lasting anything from 2 minutes to 6 minutes long. Using digital cameras, sound and lighting equipment, they will take their footage and digitally edit their work using Final Cut Pro.
Previous film projects have included narrative film, documentary, trailers, adverts, music video and montage, claymation and animation.
The Advanced Film classes allow students to further these skills, making more complex and sophisticated films, and experimenting more with audio and lighting equipment.
Many films can be viewed online in the Film Showcase and are shown at Beacon’s annual film festival in June.