Computers have become a great influence on our daily lives: at home, at work, within the community, and in the schools. Whether using word processing to complete a writing assignment, a spreadsheet to display mathematical data, telecommunications to find information for a research paper, e-mail to correspond with a pen pal in another country, or multimedia for a presentation, students must acquire the technological skills for tomorrow, while meeting their needs today.
Kindergarten: Focus areas: Physical components of a computer system; keyboard utilization; grouping and sequencing; respect for the work of others; responsible care of the computer; exploring multimedia; and the Internet and online resources.
Ethical Issues
- Computers used in both work and play
- The Ten Commandments for computer ethics
- Respect for other’s work
- Ownership of created work
Terms and concepts
- CPU, monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer
Keyboard
- Use letters, numbers, and special keys on a keyboard
Word Processing
- File, menu bar, cursor, open, save, print
- Identify word processor as a tool to enter letters, numbers, and words
Graphing terms and concepts
- Collecting, organizing, and classifying data
Multimedia
- Use multimedia software (KidPix) for problem solving, communication, and illustration of thoughts, ideas, and stories
Online
- Using the Internet as a source of information
- Use of teacher selected internet resources as reinforcement of reading, math, and science skills
Programs used in Kindergarten: Jump Start Kindergarten
Jump Start Phonics
Type to Learn, Junior
KidPix
Microsoft Word
First Grade: Focus areas: uses of technology at home and at school; physical components of a computer system; respect for the work of others; keyboard utilization; word processing, spreadsheets; grouping and sequencing; use of multimedia; and online resources.
Ethical Issues
- Identify ways computers are used at home and at school
- Ownership of computer created work
- The Ten Commandments for computer ethics
Terms and concepts
- CPU, monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, input, device, output device
- Understanding the function of each computer part
Keyboard
- Use letters, numbers, and special keys on a keyboard
Word Processing
- File, menu bar, cursor, open, save, print
- Identify word processor as a tool to enter letters, numbers, and words
- Write stories; create calendars and posters using the computer
Spreadsheets
- Gather, organize, and display data
- Group items by different attributes
- Use spreadsheets to compile data and create graphs
- Interpret information from charts and graphs
- Make predictions based on experiences
Multimedia
- Use multimedia software (KidPix) for accessing, analyzing, interpreting, synthesizing, applying, and communicating information
- Create patterns using multimedia software
- Participate in the creation of a class slide show
Online
- Use of teacher selected internet resources as a reinforcement of reading, math, and science skills
- Exploring and using the research processes to meet information needs
- Use the internet to gather, organize, and use information
Programs used in First Grade: Jump Start First Grade
Type to Learn, Junior KidPix Microsoft Word STAR AR
Second Grade: Focus areas: uses of technology in the community; respect for the work of others, keyboard utilization; using a database to locate information; word processing; spreadsheets; drawing tools; use of multimedia; and online resources.
Ethical Issues
- Identify ways computers are used in the community
- Digital technology
- Online safety and appropriate behavior
- Rights of ownership of computer created work
- The Ten Commandments for computer ethics
Keyboard
- Use correct finger placement for home row keys
Word Processing
- Use word processor to enter text, edit, print, and save assignments
- Use of menu/tool bar features in word processing documents
- Use basic terms for word processing concepts: desktop, menu, tool bar, document, text
Spreadsheets
- Use spreadsheets to enter, display, and identify data
- Organize, calculate, and graph data to make predictions
- Edit data in a spreadsheet as a group
- Observe changes that occur to make predictions based on experiences
Databases
- Compare print vs. electronic databases
- Recognize as a way to collect, organize, and display information
- Use of electronic encyclopedia
Multimedia
- Key terms/concepts: storyboard, audio/video clips, images
- Use multimedia tools to combine text and graphics as a class assignment
- Site resources for a class project
- Modify/edit a multimedia story to include student narration as a class activity
Telecommunications/Internet
- Use teacher selected Internet resources to locate, discuss, and compare information about our community
- Key terms/concepts: online, browser, navigation, resources, web address, webpage, web links
Programs used in Second Grade: Reading Blaster (ages 6-9)
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel STAR AR
Third Grade: Focus areas: awareness of copyright law; responsible and safe use of resources; exploring information technologies; building word processing techniques; using multimedia tools; and exploring spreadsheets.
Ethical Issues
- Identify, discuss, and chart uses of technology in the community
- Identify the function of common computing devices
- Online safety and responsible behavior
- Rights of ownership of computer created work
- Copyright Laws and Fair Use guidelines
- The Ten Commandments for computer ethics
Keyboard
- Demonstrate correct finger placement for home row keys
Word Processing
- Use word processor to enter text, edit, print, and save assignments
- Use of menu/tool bar features in word processing documents to format and change the appearance of documents
- Use basic terms for word processing concepts: desktop, menu, tool bar, document, text
- Use word processing as a tool to write, edit, and publish sentences, paragraphs, and stories
Spreadsheets
- Recognize spreadsheets as a tool to organize, calculate, and graph information and make predictions
- Key spreadsheet terms: cell, column, row, values, labels, chart, graph
- Enter data in spreadsheet and perform calculations
- Recognize, discuss, and use graphs to display and interpret data
- Determine which graph best represents given data
Databases
- Identify databases in the community to collect, organize, and display information
- Key database terms: data entry, field, record, list, sort, search/filter, keyword
- Search, filter, and sort alphabetically/numerically in ascending/descending order
Multimedia
- Key terms/concepts: storyboard, audio/video clips, images
- Use multimedia tools to combine text and graphics as a class assignment
- Site resources for a class project
- Modify/edit a multimedia story to include student narration as a class activity
Telecommunications/Internet
- Use teacher selected Internet resources to locate, discuss, and compare information about our community
- Key terms/concepts: online, browser, navigation, resources, web address, webpage, web links
Programs used in Third Grade: Reading Blaster (ages 6-9)
Microsoft Word
Microsoft
Excel STAR
AR
Fourth Grade: Focus areas: using databases and spreadsheets; responsible and safe use of online resources; locating information on the Internet; evaluating information found through telecommunications; and developing word processing documents.
Ethical Issues
- Discuss ways technology has changed the lives of people in NC
- Online safety and responsible behavior
- Rights of ownership of computer created work
- Copyright Laws and Fair Use guidelines – citing sources
- The Ten Commandments for computer ethics
- Occupations/careers that use computers/technology in NC
Keyboard
- Recognize, discuss, and use proper keyboarding techniques
Word Processing
- Use of menu/tool bar features in word processing documents to format and edit documents
- Use basic terms for word processing concepts
- Use word processing as a tool to write, edit, and publish documents
Spreadsheets
- Key terms (cell, column, row, values, labels, chart, graph, formula)
- Enter data in spreadsheet and perform calculations using formulas
- Use spreadsheets and graphs to organize, calculate, and display data
- Enter data into prepared spreadsheets and select appropriate graphs
- Use spreadsheet data and graphs to make predictions, solve problems, and make decisions
Databases
- Identify databases in NC to collect, organize, and display information
- Develop simple databases in content areas to enter/edit, collect, organize, and display content data as a class
- Key database terms: data entry, field, record, list, sort, search/filter, keyword
- Search, filter, and sort alphabetically/numerically in ascending/descending order
Multimedia
- Use of multimedia tools to report information
- Terms/concepts: navigation buttons, transitions, link/hyperlinks, animation
- Cite sources as a group activity
- Modify multimedia projects with menus, branching and/or multiple outcomes
Telecommunications/Internet
- Use search strategies to find information online about NC
- Key terms/concepts: browser, keyword, URL, hypertext
- Locate, select, organize, and present information from the Internet, citing sources
Programs used in Fourth Grade:
Reading Blaster 1 and 2 Reading Blaster Vocabulary
Microsoft Word
Microsoft
Excel
Microsoft
Access
Fifth Grade: Focus areas: using search strategies; responsible and safe use of online resources; awareness of copyright and Fair Use guidelines; exploring the need for protection against viruses and vandalism; developing word processing documents using proper keyboarding techniques; developing multimedia presentations and citing resources; developing a product using a database; evaluating resources and information for accuracy and usefulness; and selecting and using a variety of technology tools.
Ethical Issues
- Discuss changes in information technologies and their impact
- Key terms/concepts related to the protection of computer networks and information: virus protection, network security, passwords, firewalls, privacy laws
- Online safety and responsible behavior
- Rights of ownership of computer created work
- Copyright Laws and Fair Use guidelines – citing sources
- The Ten Commandments for computer ethics
Keyboard
- Recognize, discuss, and use proper keyboarding technique
Word Processing
- Use of menu/tool bar features in word processing documents to format and edit documents
- Use basic terms for word processing concepts
- Use word processing as a tool to write, edit, and publish documents
Spreadsheets
- Discuss how spreadsheets are used to calculate, graph, and represent data
- Use spreadsheet terms/concepts and functions (median, range, mode) to calculate data
- Create spreadsheets to solve problems by performing calculations using simple formulas and functions
- Create spreadsheets to enter/edit, calculate, organize, and display data
Databases
- Discuss how and why databases are used in society
- Use database concepts to find information in prepared databases
- Create and modify simple databases to enter/edit, collect, organize, and display data
- Use databases to analyze, evaluate, organize, and compare information
Multimedia
- Use of multimedia tools to report information
- Terms/concepts: menu, branching, navigation, design
- Cite sources
- Modify multimedia projects with menus, branching, and/or multiple outcomes
Telecommunications/Internet
- Use search strategies to find information online about the Western Hemisphere
Programs used in Fifth Grade: Ice Cream Truck Microsoft Word
Microsoft
Excel
Microsoft
Access
Microsoft
PowerPoint
