K

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Access to technology resources

Weekly 40 minute classes in computer lab beginning in January (13-14 students per group) taught by homeroom teacher, assisted by technologist. One computer in each homeroom.

Weekly 30 minute classes in computer lab all year (13-14 students per group), taught by technologist. One computer in each homeroom.

Several integrated projects during the year scheduled in the computer lab, taught by homeroom or specialist teachers. One computer in each homeroom.

Weekly 40 minute classes in computer lab (more as needed) with homeroom teacher. Three computers in each homeroom. Math teachers schedule lab time for graphing project.

Computer lab time scheduled by homeroom and specialist teachers as needed. Three computers in each homeroom.

Laptop carts in each classroom with a 2:1 ratio. Carts are borrowed to achieve a 1:1 ratio. Students may sign out the laptops to take home overnight. Classes also use the labs. Students have access to digital cameras, projectors, scanners, and CD burners.
 

 

 

Students each have their own laptop leased or purchased from the school. Classes also use the labs. Students have access to digital cameras, projectors, scanners, and CD burners.
 

Summary

Activities are designed to introduce and familiarize students with basic computer skills (clicking, dragging, pull-down menus, etc), working on projects that relate to the core curriculum. Activities requiring counting, sorting, color, and shape identification, etc., and are geared toward developing the mechanical skills required to successfully use a computer.

First grade students focus on the use of graphics and word processing tools for productivity and creativity. Technology tools are introduced as means for exploring new ways of accomplishing familiar, practical taks. Most activities allow students to print a document to take home. Students learn to save documents in their network folder.

Second grade uses technology to enrich & extend several classroom projects during the year: stamp research and design, kente cloth design and quilt patterning, haiku poetry, and foreign language slide shows. Risk-taking and exploration are encouraged during the creative process since technology allows its users to easily manipulate designs.

Third graders learn proper keyboarding skills using “Type to Learn” – a computer program that teaches touch-typing. By third grade students show increasing strength in written expression, thus word processing is introduced and used to facilitate the writing, editing and publishing process. Students are also introduced to internet research tools

Fourth graders are expected to apply basic word processing and graphics skills in different contexts. In addition, they should be able to work independently at the computer during class periods scheduled in the lab. In fourth grade, students begin to expand their use of technology to include internet research and multimedia publishing.

5th-8th grade students have individual network accounts and teachers post all homework assignments on the school’s web site. FileServer and email access is available off-site.
 
Fifth grade students play an expanding role in determining how to use technology to organize, analyze, and display what they have learned. They learn how to integrate different technologies to take best advantage of the suite of tools available. Students make greater use of multimedia and internet tools, including email.

Sixth graders exhibit fluency and responsibility in the use of many different technologies. They are given opportunities to choose the most appropriate technology tools for a given project and are expected to apply those tools effectively.

In seventh grade students have their own laptops which enables “anytime-anywhere” access to their files and the internet. The laptops are used in many subjects for writing, note-taking, research, analysis,  organizational and communications purposes.

Eighth graders engage in increasingly sophisticated electronic learning activities and telecommunications in a variety of subject areas across the curriculum.

Approach to projects

Projects are contained to a single period, and introduce computers as a creative and fun tool. Students create and print pictures, use educational software, and become comfortable with the equipment.

Students continue using a variety of educational software for creativity and basic skills. Projects may span several weeks. Students learn how to save and retrieve files in their network folder.

Most activities are prepared in advance and presented to students as a template found in their network folder.

Much of 3rd grade tech-time is devoted to typing practice. Other activities are prepared in advance as a template, and students  do some projects from scratch. Students use the classroom computers.

In general, students follow prepared instructions when designing projects, and do not work from templates. Students often use the classroom computers.

Using laptops in fifth grade introduces students to the use of technology in a much more integrated manner.

Given appropriate instruction, students utilize the tools to individualize their assignments. 

 

Sixth grade builds on integrated technology use with more opportunities for fluid and dynamic use of technology during everyday classroom activity.

Students use technology for most computing tasks without specific tech- related instruction.

Students use technology for most computing tasks without specific tech- related instruction.

Basic Operations and Concepts Computer Literacy

·    Use mouse to:

-   launch and manipulate programs.

-   select and use drawing/painting tools

-   Move objects around on the screen

·    Delete objects or text

 

·    Open and close previously saved files.

·    Access menu items to copy, paste, print, save.

·    Use scroll bars and mouse wheel.

·    Use file and edit menus in various applications.

·    Introduction to concept of computer networks.

·    Create sub-folders within network space to organize files.

·    Move files into appropriate sub-folders.

·    Scale the screen (magnify or compress) to work more efficiently on a given project.

 

·    Identify the components of a computer: cpu, monitor, keyboard, disk drive, etc)

·    Power on/off and log on/off computers.

·    Open and close applications as needed.

·    Introduction to keyboard shortcuts for common menu items.

·    Identify and use CD-ROM and floppy disk drives.

·    Use of alpha-smart keyboarding devices for students with handwriting challenges.

 

·    Introduction to laptop computing.

·    Work with multiple files simultaneously.

·    Manage files through use of folder hierarchy.

·    Transfer files to/from floppy or zip disks.

·    Reboot computer to fix errors.

·    Access shared files stored on the network.

·    Access files remotely (from home) using MS “web folders.”

·    Integrate different file formats (word processing, graphics, spreadsheet) in single document

·    Use menus proficiently

·    Use contextual menus (right-click menus)

·    Students are multi-tasking everyday - using various applications simultaneously, switching between multiple windows.

·    Accessing the internet through a dial-up connection.

·    Use a database to store personal address book

·    Use application’s help menus.

·    Save documents in multiple formats

·    Apply strategies for identifying and solving routine hardware and software problems that occur during everyday use.

·    Demonstrate an understanding of concepts underlying hardware, software, and connectivity.

·    Select and use appropriate tools and technology resources to solve problems.

·    Save a portfolio of work onto CD

Printing

·    Use “File… Print” command with teacher direction.

 

·    Use “File… Print” command.

·    Choose between color or black&white printer.

·    Print in landscape vs. portrait orientation.

·    Refill printer with paper when needed.

·    Selecting various printers on network.

·    Clearing a simple paper jam.

·    Delete documents from print queue.

·    Use “Add Printer” wizard

·    “Offline” vs. “Ready” state.

·    Adding home printers.

 

·    Printing scanned images (dpi resolution issues)

Word Processing

·    Type name, simple words, or numbers.

 

·    Capital letters type some words.

·    Change text size.

 

·    Type short poem. Introduction to select & change: font, size, style, color; centering text on page (haiku project).

·    Use center alignment for titles, indent paragraphs, single space after punctuation, spell-checking, backspace & delete keys.

·    Use spell-check to edit own writing. Use grammar-check with teacher supervision, change magnification.

 

·    Adjust line spacing, modify page layout, use synonym function, shift-click to select portion of text.

·    Find/replace text, use columns, headers/footers, word-art.

·    Introduction to commenting feature.

 

·    Use commenting & track changes feature in Word during editing process.

·    Automatic page numbering, insert date/time. Master pages.

·    Introduction to page layout program

Typing

·    Introduction to the keyboard -  letters.

 

·    Use of keyboard for letters and numbers, shift key, enter key, control key.

 

·    Introduction to home row finger positions.

·    Type sentence from paper (stamp commemoration).

 

·    After 15-20 weeks of systematic practice (using Type to Learn 40 min/week) students type 10-20 words per minute.

·    By end of fourth grade: minimum of 15 wpm.

·    By end of fifth grade: minimum of 20 wpm. Fifth grade has a three week typing “boot camp” at the beginning of the year.

·    Minimum of 25 wpm.

·    Minimum of 30 wpm.

·    Minimum of 35 wpm.

Graphics

·    Create basic geometric shapes.

·    Color (“fill”) existing objects, or change colors.

·    Use mouse and arrow keys to move objects.

·    Resize objects.

·    Filling closed shapes in bitmapped graphics.

·    Transfer paper designs to computer.

·    Geometric shapes, color fill, and line tools.

·    Copy & paste graphic objects.

·    Inserting a picture into a Word document.

·    Wrapping text around the graphic.

·    Using MS Word “WordArt” in titles of stories.

·    Graphics: use clip art when appropriate, resize and wrap text.

·    Scanning and saving (file formats)

·    Manipulate scanned files in graphics software.

·    Opportunity to take elective class for advanced graphic skills

·    Opportunity to take elective class for advanced graphic skills

Spreadsheets

·    Introduction to graphing using GraphClub

·    Introduction to data entry and graphing using GraphClub and GraphMaster

·    Data entry (postcard project)

 

·    Input data into an Excel spreadsheet.

·    Input data into spreadsheet, adjust cell size, text alignment & size.

·    Adjust height/width of spreadsheet cells, insert/delete rows/columns.

·    Introduction to formulas.

·    Equals sign in formulas

·    Design a spreadsheet to manage complex data.

·    Use formulas to sum or average data.

·    Introduction to copying formulas

·    Sorting data

·    Median & mode.

·    Manipulate variables and formulas.

·    Keyboard shortcuts: copy, block, forward.

 

·    Use lines of best fit to interpolate and predict from data.

Charts & Graphs

·    Introduction to pictographs using GraphClub

·    Construct and interpret pictographs in GraphClub.

·    Interpret bar graph (postcard project)

·    Create bar graphs and line graphs in Excel.

·     Interpret and predict data on graphs. 

·    Construct, read, and interpret displays of data such as bar graphs, circle graphs, tables, and lists.

·    Graphs of data sets over time

·    Science probe graphing

·    Stock market project: choosing the “best” graphic representation.

 

·    Independently create and incorporate a variety of charts/graphs when useful in projects.

Multimedia Presentation

·    View teacher created slide shows.

·    Submit comments for inclusion in teacher created shows.

·    Introduction to slide shows.

·    Create a linear slide show in Storybook Weaver.

·    Import image into template

·    Class created slide show (haiku poems)

·    Foreign Language PowerPoint project – record voice, draw graphics, import images into template.

·    Including printed graphics for display on posters (U.S. States project).

·    PowerPoint template Solar System project – import and format text and images for effective presentation.

·    PowerPoint presentations: advance by clicking, timings, looping, sounds.

·    Multi-tasking between Internet and PowerPoint

·    PowerPoint animation and audio narration features.

·    Introduction to creating web sites.

·    Chapel presentations.

 

·    Choosing best presentation medium, and creating it for decades project.

·    Creating a stand-alone presentation to teach your classmates a  topic.

Social, Ethical, and Human Issues

[Several items within this category are to be taught within our Family Life Education (FLE) curriculum.]

·    Discuss and brainstorm rules for computer room

·    Understand concept of saving into a private network storage space.

·    Demonstrate responsible use of computer equipment

·    Work cooperatively with classmates – give and receive help.

·    Discuss and understand reasons for individual network storage space and privacy of this space.

 

·    Demonstrate positive social and ethical behaviors when using technology in the classroom and computer lab.

·    Practice responsible use of technology systems and software.

·    Respect the privacy of other’s files on the fileserver.

·    Understand the importance of ergonomics to preventing physical distress for computer users.

·    Cite web site addresses used in U.S. States project.

·    Understanding advertising & gimmicks on the Internet

·    Avoiding inappropriate web sites

·    Avoiding disclosing personal information on Internet .

·    Sign and abide by Norwood’s Acceptable Use Policy

·    Discuss basic issues related to responsible use of technology, communication, and information resources; describe personal consequences of inappropriate use.

·    Cite electronic sources used in any project.

·    Avoiding getting sidetracked while doing Internet research.

·    Sign and abide by Norwood’s Community Agreement.

·    Understand and abide by basic copyright guidelines.

·    Assist peers in performing computer tasks.

·    Pursue knowledge beyond school assignments.

·    Understand potential damage of computer viruses.

·    Discuss common uses of technology in daily life and the advantages and disadvantages those uses provide.

·    Sign and abide by Norwood’s Acceptable Use Policy

·    Pursue knowledge beyond school assignments

·    Know ways in which technology has influenced the course of history.

·    Understand tech skills required for careers.

·    Distinguish between public & private types of data (ethical vs. unethical access).

·    Sign and abide by Norwood’s Acceptable Use Policy

·    Demonstrate knowledge of current changes in information technologies and the effect those changes have on the workplace and society.

·    Exhibit legal and ethical behaviors when using information and technology, and discuss consequences of misuse.

·    Pursue knowledge beyond school assignments

Technology Productivity Tools

- software and peripherals

- multi-tasking

·    Use KidPix to create drawings & paintings

·    Manipulate teacher-created AppleWorks and MS Word templates for sorting, math skills, word families, etc.

·    Import Graphics into KidPix

·    Manipulate teacher-created templates in AppleWorks and MS Word for Calendar skills, Word searches, etc.

·    Use GraphClub to create bar graphs from teacher provided data.

 

·    Use a variety of media and technology resources for directed and independent learning activities.

·    MS Paint program to create stamp designs and kente cloth.

·    PowerPoint foreign language slide show and haiku project

·    Use Inspiration in whole class brainstorming.

·    MS Word - independently begin a new file; insert clip-art.

·    Operate scanner with teacher-supervision, and insert images into writing.

·    MS Excel in math and science classes for graphing.

·    Introduction to MS Internet Explorer

·    Use Inspiration in brainstorming process.

·    Add dates, text and graphics to a TimeLiner template showing expeditions of explorers or dates when states entered union.

·    Introduction to digital cameras

·    MS Excel - create new spreadsheets.

·    Use scanner with teacher assistance.

·    Introduction to PowerPoint using template in science class (planets project)

·    Use digital camera and then transfer file from disk into network space.

·    Use TimeLiner to create a timeline of ancient societies.

·    Grolier online encyclopedia

·    Mapmaker’s Toolkit to create maps for U.S. States project.

·    Develop a personal spelling list

·    Use general purpose productivity tools and peripherals to support personal productivity, remedy skill deficits, and facilitate learning.

·    Use technology resources (e.g., calculators, data collection probes, videos, educational software) for self-directed learning, and extended learning activities.

·    Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint

·    Internet Explorer: saving ‘Favorites’

·    Inspiration in writing process

 

·    Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint

·    Microsoft FrontPage for web site creation [Africa web sites – Currie, famous poets – Tyler].

·    Inspiration in writing process.

·    TimeLiner

·    Adobe PhotoShop Elements software in art class.

·    Lego Robotics elective class

·    Internet Explorer: organizing favorites, customizing links bar

·    Foreign Language CD-ROM (Glencoe)

·    Algebra Classmate CD-ROM

·    Introduction to Geographic Information System software in science class.

·    Geometer’s Sketchpad

·    School newspaper elective – PageMaker

·    Use content-specific tools, software, and simulations (e.g., environmental probes, graphing calculators, exploratory environments, Web tools) to support learning.

·    Select and use appropriate tools and technology resources to accomplish a variety of tasks.

·    Foreign Language CD-ROM (Bienvenue and Systeme D)

·    Excel for graphing temperature (Pakaluk)

·    Use electronic calendar and task list to plan for personal and school projects.

 

Technology Communications Tools

- email, chat room, bulletin boards, conferencing

·    Send/receive a teacher-typed email to principal or kindergarten teachers.

·    Send/receive a teacher-typed email from the class to both on and off campus locations.

·    Communicate with others using telecommunications, with support from teachers, family members, or student partners

·    Create a letter in proper format to print and mail.

·    Use class email account to interview subject experts and first person sources.

·    Introduction to individual email accounts and netiquette.

·    Use Norwood web site from home to access online resources.

·    Share knowledge in topic-specific grade appropriate online discussion forums.

·    Query subject experts and first person sources.

·    Engage in online activities that are subject-specific and grade appropriate.

·    Understand how to compose, edit, print, delete, reply-to, and attach documents to email messages.

·    Utilize email to communicate with teachers and classmates, and to submit assignments.

·    Videotaping of student created “commercials.”

·    Use web quests and tutorials for online learning.

·    Use shared folders on the network.

·    Utilize email to communicate with teachers and classmates.

·    Utilize online bulletin boards for discussion and problem solving (7/8 math board).

·    Participate in a multi-user text-based environment.

·    Use a chat room for virtual office hours, evening help, or online collaboration.

·    Collaboratively edit shared files stored on the network.

 

·    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.

·    Foreign Language email pen-pals (digital photos).

Technology Research Tools

- CD-ROMs, software, probes, calculators, microscopes, portable data collection devices

 

 

·    Use technology resources (e.g., puzzles, logical thinking programs, writing tools, digital cameras, drawing tools) for communication and illustration of thoughts, ideas, and stories.

 

·    Use developmentally appropriate multimedia resources (e.g., interactive books, educational software, elementary multimedia encyclopedias) to support learning.

·    Use a variety of media and technology resources for directed and independent learning activities.

·    Use of heart monitors in PE (4th-8th)

·    Use probes in science class

·    Calculators

·    Publish the results of an experiment or project (science fair / invention convention)

·    Use Intel microscopes during microbiology unit

·    Electronically collect and/or track scientific data

·    Use an outline format during research paper process

·    Use digital microscopes in zoology unit

·    Determine when technology is useful and select the appropriate tool(s) and technology resources to address a variety of research tasks.

 

·    Use content-specific tools, software, and simulations (e.g., environmental probes, graphing calculators, exploratory environments, Web tools) to support research.

- Internet Research

·    Viewing teacher selected web sites in Internet Explorer

·    Following hyperlinks in Internet Explorer to view teacher selected web sites of photos relating to science class themes.

·    Arctic animals web site research (from teacher-selected web sites)

·    View teacher selected sites for stamp project.

·    U.S. States Research project: teacher-selected sites and Grolier Online’s “America the Beautiful”

·    Use an internet search engine to find web sites

·    Online Dictionary

·    Image search engines

·    Citing sources

·    Use the Norwood library card catalog to find books of interest.

·    Use teacher selected web sites, online encyclopedias and image search engines during class projects.

·    Use an internet search engine to find web sites.

·    Search string operators: use quotes

·    Introduction to  assessing web sites

·    Save text and graphics from web sites during research process.

·    Internet research with teacher oversight.

·    Use image search engine (AP Photo Archive)

·    Search string operators: use quotes and + or – to improve searches.

·    Assess authenticity of web sites – COCA system.

·    Evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources

·    Independently research a topic on the internet.

·    Access remote library catalogs (Montgomery County Library System)

·    Use eLibrary

 

 

·    Research and evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources concerning real world problems.

Technology Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Tools

·    Practice math facts in MathBlaster

·    Coin values with money templates.

·    Letter sounds in Jumpstart Phonics

·    Use ClockShop to match the hands on an analog clock to the hour displayed on a digital clock.

·    Practice math facts in MathBlaster

·    Adding coin and bill values with money templates.

·    Use ClockShop to match the hands on an analog clock to half and quarter hour digital display.

·    Use technology resources (e.g., puzzles, logical thinking programs, writing tools, digital cameras, drawing tools) for problem solving.

·    Use “Fizz & Martina” software for mathematics problem solving and cooperative group work.

·    Compare timelines of related events to draw conclusions

·    Use “Math Mysteries” software for problem solving and cooperative group work.

·    Science CD-ROMs on force & motion (Zap, Roswell Labs, Plate Tectonics)

 

·    Fizz & Martina,  Math Mysteries, and Prime Time Math software for mathematics problem solving and cooperative group work.

·    Inspirations in writing process - organize related ideas, and plan writing.

·    Use technology resources (e.g., calculators, data collection probes, videos, educational software) for problem solving.

·    Use of spreadsheets to display data for Invention Convention or Science Fair

·    Prime Time Math

·    Create multimedia presentations to persuade, sell, entertain, or inform an audience

·    Evaluate and critique multimedia presentations for content value, style, delivery, etc.

·    Independently, interpret and present data in numerical and graphical forms.

·    Compare and contrast references from various sources.

·    Select and use appropriate tools and technology resources to solve problems.

 

·    Demonstrate an understanding of concepts underlying hardware, software, and connectivity, and of practical applications to problem solving.

·    Graphing calculators

·    Interactive CDs

 This document was created by Demetri Orlando, adapted from the ISTE Standards for students.