Technology Curriculum for Grades K - 8

The purpose of the computer program is that each student is able to comfortably use a computer.  Computer skills will be introduced in the primary grades and mastered as students advance to the middle school level.  Through this exposure, students will gain a positive view of computers as tools for learning.

Introduction of Concepts and Skills

Grades K – 2 will:

• follow classroom rules for responsible use of computers.
• develop an understanding that each student must work cooperatively with each other and their teacher.
• use correct terminology for basic components of a computer system:  e.g., monitor, keyboard, disk, CD, printer, and mouse. 
• develop basic skills for using hardware and applications such as:  open/close a program, navigate using scroll bars, arrow keys, and mouse.)
• develop keyboarding skills with the use of software.
• develop skills in word processing using teacher templates.
• print documents/projects.
• explore the use of drawing & painting applications for class projects.
  

Developing the Use of Acquired Concepts and Skills

Grades 3 – 4 will:

• be able to follow classroom rules for responsible use of computers.
• develop an understanding that the computer is a tool for learning.
• learn the need to respect the work of their peers.
• use correct terminology for basic components of a computer system:  e.g., monitor, keyboard, disk, CD, printer, mouse, hard drive, and window.
• develop good keyboarding skills with emphases on correct finger placement.
• identify the menu bar.
• develop word processing formatting skills.
• use spell check with teacher direction.
• insert images (clip art) into word processing documents.
• save a document to a folder created in the student’s name.
• print documents/projects.
• develop an understanding of the school’s rules for safe and ethical Internet use.
• do an Internet Search from a teacher-selected Web site.
• learn how to create a presentation program. 
  

Understanding and Mastering Concepts and Skills

Grades 5 – 8 will:

• demonstrate an understanding of classroom rules regarding responsible use of computers, responsible behavior around equipment, respect for other people’s work, and appropriate collaborative behavior.
• build keyboarding skills from the intermediate level to advanced level emphasizing correct finger placement.
• develop word processing skills to facilitate the writing process.
• develop advanced formatting skills.
• insert images from clip art, CD’s and the internet to an application.
• use spell check and editing skills.
• develop the use of the thesaurus to enhance their writing skills.
• follow print instructions for printing various documents, such as word processing or spread sheets.
• follow directions to create a presentation by using PowerPoint software inserting graphics, sound, and transitions.
• be introduced to multiple uses of a spreadsheet.
• use software to support math and language arts.
• be introduced to the use of the scanner for projects and a grade 8 video project.
• describe and demonstrate knowledge of the schools’ Acceptable Use Policy, and know the consequences of violating that policy.
• understand and demonstrate ethical behavior in copying files from the internet, by properly identifying the source of the information in a bibliography (MLA citation).
• required to do a research project in conjunction with the library program and present the work on a PowerPoint Presentation to the class.