Computers & Technology
Peter Laimins, with Da Vinci since 2005
Contact
Phone: 847-841-7532 ext 241
Email: plaimins@dvacademy.org
Degrees Held
BS in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, Illinois Institute
of Technology
BS in Computer Science, Illinois Institute of Technology
MS in Computer Science, Illinois Institute of Technology
Certification: Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
Work Experience
Retired from a 30 year career at Motorola as Mechanical
Engineer, CAD/CAM system administrator, webmaster
What to Expect
Because technology changes so rapidly, I try to stress skills
and knowledge that will help our students understand and
embrace technology throughout their lives. This includes
awareness of things like security and safe computer usage.
One of Da Vinci Academy's principles is individual
integrity and responsibility, and along those lines I stress
the ethics of information use and respect for the intellectual
property of others. Because technology changes so quickly, I
also emphasize different ways of learning new things and the fact
that with these machines we should not be afraid to try new
things.
My curriculum for younger students includes keyboarding
skills, using the mouse, and understanding web browsing.
For older students, I teach current software packages, programming,
and computer networking. We make sure that kids
learn about the Microsoft Windows operating system, but I also give
them exposure to things like Macs and Linux so they get a more
complete understanding of current technology.
Da Vinci Academy is equipped with wireless internet access
throughout the building. We have two carts of laptop
computers linked to the school network that students may use or
reserve for class periods. We welcome students to bring their
own laptops to school for note taking and classroom assignments,
with a clear expectation that they will abide by school rules of
appropriate computer use.
All parents are required to read and sign the
school's Technology and Appropriate Internet Use
Agreement. Mr. Laimins covers this policy with all students
so they understand the school's expectations for computer and
internet use. Students in grades 3-8 are asked to sign the
agreement along with their parents.