| Kindergarten through Second Grade |
Kindergarten |
Students in kindergarten come to school with a continuum of skills, not only academic ones, but technological as well. Students at this age need to be comfortable with the tools of technology and familiar with the basic keys and procedures needed to access programs and produce products. Much time is spent on modeling and following simple directions. The software programs used usually include Pixie, Photostory3, MS Shapes, and Kidspiration2.
The kindergarterners learn the log in process and how keys on the keyboard make things happen. Students also learn how to use the shift key when they type their names. Graphic libraries in Pixie and Kidspiration2, and the use of "handles" to make those graphics larger and smaller, will be the main focus this first marking period. |
First Grade |
First graders continue to master the skills needed to access programs and files and use basic key procedures to successfully use technology. Students use models and follow simple two and three step directions to create products. Programs such as MS Shapes,Pixie, Kidspiration2, and Microsoft Word and PowerPoint are used to support the new learning happening in first grade classrooms. Teacher selected Internet sites are accessed and basic Internet safety is stressed.
First graders review how to log on to the network and successfully open the file or program being used. Making choices of what graphic, from a wide variety of libraries, to use to complete a task is one educational objective. Using the mouse and tools to manipulate graphics (ask your child about handles)helps to develop fine motor skills. All children are encouraged to use two hands (or one finger on each hand) as they locate the keys they need to type their names with appropriate upper and lower case letters.
. |
Second Grade |
By second grade, students are more familiar with the computer as a learning tool. They use Pixie, Photodraw and Kidspiration2 (think-mapping software) to extend classroom learning and to create products. Teacher selected Internet sites are used with more frequency to build background knowledge while students use their reading skills in a different setting. Second graders are encouraged to use problem solving and decision making strategies as they are faced with some technological challenges.
Second graders use a variety of programs to create products and learn new technology skills. Being able to select graphics to suit a purpose and using basic word processing skills to write about those graphics is often the focus of the lessons in the lab. |
