Programs and hardware used in class

·   Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, and PowerPoint

·   UltraKey for Keyboard skills

·   Inspiration, a graphic organizer

·   Scanner, floppy drive, USB drives, CD burner, File server, and Digital camera

·   Students receive help in “technology class” for completing technology assignments given by their various teachers.

Keyboarding

·   Students will develop, improve, and maintain correct keyboarding techniques using UltraKey.

Word Processing

·   Students will be able to complete from start to finish a written document using the word processor.

·   Students will use many options offered by Microsoft Word, including bold, italics, underlining, changing font size and color, creating columns, numbering and bullets, and page layout options, just to name a few.

Database

·   Students will review the construction of a database, make any changes to the information in the database, as well as find and sort information within their own database.

Spreadsheet

·   Students will be introduced to basic concepts of spreadsheet construction and then use the spreadsheet to create graphs displaying the information contained in the spreadsheet.

Using the Internet

·   Students will learn the importance of internet safety, use searches to research information, learn to copy and paste material from the internet, and learn appropriate systems of giving credit to the authors of the material.

Using PowerPoint

·   Students will learn the basics of PowerPoint. This will include choosing a template, adding in pictures and text boxes, adding new slides, and presenting a slide show.

Using Publisher

·   Students will learn to use Publisher to create business cards, letterhead, and brochures.

·   Students who join the Yearbook Committee will use Publisher to create the school’s yearbook.

Class work, Homework, and Projects

·   Throughout the year, students will be working on specific computer projects.  Projects may have a direct link to other grade-level subject matter, or they may be designed to teach a specific computer skill. The majority of work can be completed in class. However, the students may need to spend extra time on certain projects at home.

·   We have just started posting some of the completed projects.  You can check them out at: http://slcsec.wikispaces.com/ .

Grading Factors

·   Accurate completion of assignments and projects

·   Keyboarding skill

Grading System:

v    A= 100-93%

v    B= 92-85%

v    C= 84-77%

v    D= 76-70%

v    F= Below 70%

Performance Indicators: Grades 4 – 5

All students should have opportunities to demonstrate the following performances. Prior to completion of Grade 5 students will:

1. Use keyboards and other common input and output devices (including adaptive devices when necessary) efficiently and effectively. (1)
2. Discuss common uses of technology in daily life and the advantages and disadvantages those uses provide. (1, 2)
3. Discuss basic issues related to responsible use of technology and information and describe personal consequences of inappropriate use. (2)
4. Use general purpose productivity tools and peripherals to support personal productivity, remediate skill deficits, and facilitate learning throughout the curriculum. (3)
5. Use technology tools (e.g., multimedia authoring, presentation, Web tools, digital cameras, scanners) for individual and collaborative writing, communication, and publishing activities to create knowledge products for audiences inside and outside the classroom. (3, 4)
6. Use telecommunications efficiently and effectively to access remote information, communicate with others in support of direct and independent learning, and pursue personal interests. (4)
7. Use telecommunications and online resources (e.g., e-mail, online discussions, Web environments) to participate in collaborative problem-solving activities for the purpose of developing solutions or products for audiences inside and outside the classroom. (4, 5)
8. Use technology resources (e.g., calculators, data collection probes, videos, educational software) for problem solving, self-directed learning, and extended learning activities. (5, 6)
9. Determine when technology is useful and select the appropriate tool(s) and technology resources to address a variety of tasks and problems. (5, 6)
10. Evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources. (6)

As suggested on Profiles for Technology Literate Students. http://cnets.iste.org/students/s_profiles.html.  Accessed June 21, 2005.

Performance Indicators: Grades 6 - 8

All students should have opportunities to demonstrate the following performances. Prior to completion of Grade 8 students will:

1. Apply strategies for identifying and solving routine hardware and software problems that occur during everyday use. (1)
2. Demonstrate knowledge of current changes in information technologies and the effect those changes have on the workplace and society. (2)
3. Exhibit legal and ethical behaviors when using information and technology, and discuss consequences of misuse. (2)
4. Use content-specific tools, software, and simulations (e.g., environmental probes, graphing calculators, exploratory environments, Web tools) to support learning and research. (3, 5)
5. Apply productivity/multimedia tools and peripherals to support personal productivity, group collaboration, and learning throughout the curriculum. (3 , 6)
6. Design, develop, publish, and present products (e.g., Web pages, videotapes) using technology resources that demonstrate and communicate curriculum concepts to audiences inside and outside the classroom. (4, 5, 6)
7. Collaborate with peers, experts, and others using telecommunications and collaborative tools to investigate curriculum-related problems, issues, and information, and to develop solutions or products for audiences inside and outside the classroom. (4, 5)
8. Select and use appropriate tools and technology resources to accomplish a variety of tasks and solve problems. (5, 6)
9. Demonstrate an understanding of concepts underlying hardware, software, and connectivity, and of practical applications to learning and problem solving. (1, 6)
10. Research and evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources concerning real-world problems. (2, 5, 6)

Numbers in parentheses following each performance indicator refer to the standards category to which the performance is linked. The categories are: 

1. Basic operations and concepts
2. Social, ethical, and human issues
3. Technology productivity tools
4. Technology communications tools
5. Technology research tools
6. Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools

As suggested on Profiles for Technology Literate Students. http://cnets.iste.org/students/s_profiles.html.  Accessed June 21, 2005.

Great Links for St. Louis

Searching for Information

Study Sphere

StudySphere provides fast, easy and free access to a wide variety of research-quality child-safe websites organized for education online from home, school, study abroad and home school. StudySphere’s goal is to help students, teachers, librarians, and other researchers find both highly targeted and closely related information quickly.

http://www.studysphere.com/

Ramapo Catskill Internet Guides

This site is like a one-stop search site since it includes on its site links to Wordsmith, Merriam Webster’s Dictionary, Encarta, Yahooligans, and others.

http://www.rcls.org/ksearch.htm

KidsClick!

KidsClick! was created by a group of librarians at the Ramapo Catskill Library System, as a logical step in addressing concerns about the role of public libraries in guiding their young users to valuable and age appropriate web sites.  KidsClick was designed specifically for kids after the Ramapo Catskill Internet Guide listed above was developed.

http://www.kidsclick.org/

Awesome Library

Awesome Library organizes the Web with 33,000 carefully reviewed resources, including the top 5 percent in education.

http://www.awesomelibrary.org/

Ask for Kids

Ask for Kids (formerly known as Ask Jeeves for Kids) is a fast, easy and kid-friendly way for kids to search online. Designed to be a fun destination site focused on learning and "edu-tainment," Ask for Kids uses natural-language technology that allows kids to ask questions and perform web searches.

http://www.askforkids.com/

Librarian’s Internet Index

You can search and browse this website for the “best of the Web.” They have over 20,000 entries maintained by librarians and organized into 14 main topics and nearly 300 related topics.

http://lii.org/

Fact Monster

Perhaps you are looking for facts.

http://www.factmonster.com/

Graphics and Pictures

Pics4Learning

Pics4Learning is a copyright-friendly image library for teachers and students. The Pics4Learning collection consists of thousands of images that have been donated by students, teachers, and amateur photographers.

http://www.pics4learning.com/

Kid's Image Search Tools

Are might try this one if you are looking for art, animals, astronomy, history, space, or society pictures.

http://www.kidsclick.org/psearch.html