Technology Overview for the 1st Trimester:

The new school year has started out exciting in the computer lab. We have a wonderful computer lab filled with brand new iMac computers. The students are as excited about getting to use them, as I am to teach with them. We also have a new Promethean Board (digital whiteboard) that is used weekly in different lesson plans.

Below is a list of some of the things students will be working on in Technology..

Kindergarten

8 Technological Awareness - Students will learn about the hardware and software used in the lab and how to properly operate the computer.

8 Graphics Program - Students will learn how to use the drawing program called KidPix and will start to add text to their drawings and become more familiar with the keyboard and the letter location.

8 Typing - Type to Learn Jr. program will enable students to and work on keyboard awareness.

8 Learning Software - students will usual partner up and play games such as Jumpstart Kindergarten, Reader Rabbit Math, and Magic School Bus. They will learn how to play on the computer with a partner and how to load and start the software.

8 Printing - Students will learn how to print items to the lab printer and when and how the process works when you have 24 students printing at the same time.

Grades 1 & 2

8 Technological Awareness - Students will continue to learn about the hardware and software in the class and how it compares to other computers outside of the Apple systems. Students will discuss other technologies such as DVD and MP3 players and their use in the world.

8 Keyboarding - Students will continue to use Type to Learn Jr. to enhance their typing skills. They should begin to type with 2 hands on the keyboard and understand where the home row is located.

8 Software - Students will be introduced to programs like Microsoft Word and Power Point. They will learn the functions of the software and situations they would best be used. They will create some of their own basic documents and slideshows.

8 Learning Software - Students will continue to use some of the learning software with a partner or on their own. This continues to give them a chance to work on the computer and learn how to operate CD's.

Grades 3 & 4

8 -Technological Awareness- Students will learn about the Internet and how some websites can be trusted and others can be misleading or dangerous. They will learn how the Internet was started and how it is a system of connected computers across the globe.

8 Keyboarding - Students will graduate from the junior typing program to Type to Learn 3. They will have to type entirely with 2 hands and will start to have the keyboard covered so they cannot see the keys and must learn the location and teach their fingers where to type without even thinking about the location.

8 Power Point and Word - Students will continue to learn how to use these programs and get tips and shortcuts to finish assignments. Students will start to work on small projects where they can put together information about themselves.

8 Timeliner 5.0 - This software is used to build timelines. Students will create their own personal timeline in 3rd grade and in 4th grade they will do a timeline of an important person in history.

Grades 5-8

8 Technological Awareness - Students will take quizzes on knowledge of computer hardware and other technologies discussed in class. Students will also do research projects on technology.

8 Keyboarding - Students will type with the keyboards covered and will be expected to start typing at certain levels of speed and accuracy.

8 Spreadsheets - Students will be introduced to Microsoft Excel in 5th grade and learn how to build tables. The middle school students will start to add charts and formulas.

8 Power Point/Word - Students will continue to use this software to create presentations and documents for projects and will use the Internet to do research. Students will be expected to properly document their research sources when completing their project.

8 Web Page Design - Students will learn about HTML coding and build web pages.

I am looking forward to an exciting first trimester. For further questions I can be reached at the phone number or e-mail listed above.