Students are introduced to several different software applications. Programs contain activities that allow students to work on both Language Arts and Math Concepts. Students also use Type 2 Learn Jr., a great way to locate letters and numbers on the keyboard. This program is an introduction to keyboarding, an essential life skill. Students love KidPix where they can make their own creations and explore the capabilities of computer art.
The basic parts of the computer are the monitor, keyboard, central processing unit (CPU), headphones and mouse. These are terms we use to communicate in the lab daily.
Second and Third Grade
Each Student is given a user name and password through which they log on and off of the computer. Students are introduced to Microsoft Word. In Microsoft Word, they learn how to save and open documents using their network accounts. Another great program students use is Keyskills. Activities in this program reflect the students grade level and are more challenging each year. The Type 2 Learn program demonstrates keyboarding by using the home row keys in a right and left hand manner. Focus is on posture, technique and accuracy.
We continue to review computer vocabulary and have added new terms like hard drive, compact disk and modem to name a few. Students will have a better vocabulary to express the components of the computer they already know how to use.
At the begining of each school year students sign the OSNET agreement. Students know they are responsible for their actions, "access is a priviledge, not a right." We stress safe internet usage, at these grade levels, as students are required to do more research. The school web page provides several safe reference and research sites for students to use.
Students use their network accounts to log on and off in the lab. From these accounts students are able to save and access documents from any location in the building. Using accounts properly permits students to type in the Lab or Media Center, then go back to the classroom to edit projects. We discuss proper format for documents. Students are very creative and love to use colorful, large fonts. Lab emphasis is on: using a capital at the beginning of a sentence, punctuation at the end of a sentence, use tab to indent paragraphs, use text wrap, spell check document for errors and other proper document formats.
