he Briarwood School computer facilities consist of approximately 170 computers, four network servers, numerous Laser printers, Color Laser printers, scanners, CD-ROM towers all networked on a dual platform system. All computers have direct access to the Internet via a pair of fast ISDN lines to provide all computer users with a complex but well integrated electronic network which has become indispensable to staff and students alike. The Briarwood School has taken precautions to restrict access to controversial Web Sites by installing SurfWatch^TM filtering software in order to manage Internet usage and provide a safe and productive environment to all of our students and staff members. All Briarwood staff have personal e-mail accounts to facilitate communications within the school and to improve communications with parents.

The school houses a number of computer facilities in both PC and MAC platforms. In addition to a computer in every classroom, the Briarwood School has seven computer laboratories with systems selected to match the requirements of courses and the needs of students.

Throughout their years at Briarwood, students use and explore a variety of generic and subject- specific software programs and use the Internet as an information and research tool.

Examples of curriculum-linked software used at Briarwood include CornerStone^TM and SkillsBank^TM, the award-winning core skill software packages, which help teachers individualize instruction, track student progress and generate reports in core subject areas. CornerStone and SkillsBank address the following core subject areas: Language, Mathematics, Reading, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Writing, and Study Skills.

Another basic skills software package used in Briarwood's computer labs is CEI's Essential Learning Systems^TM (ELS). ELS helps students improve reading, math and test scores and targets low-performing and Special Education students. ELS uses a therapeutic approach with activities that link visual, auditory and motor-kinesthetic skills to improve the students' reading and math skills.

With a building-wide information network in place, our library collection is searchable from the Main Library as well as other locations. The Library also maintains subscriptions to a number of CD-ROM based general reference databases that contain full-text articles and graphics exploring social, scientific, health, historic, economic, political, and global issues.