Technology: Mrs. Ritz

According to the National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS) from ISTE and the Albany Diocesan Technology Standards, the following skills should be included in the computer curriculum:

Basic operations and concepts

Social, ethical, and human issues

Technology productivity tools

Technology communications tools

Technology research tools

Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools

The lessons taught in the Holy Spirit Computer Lab will enable students to learn the skills needed to use technology effectively and meet the National and the Diocesan Standards.

Program Goals and Curriculum

Kindergarten & Grade 1 & 2:

Students are taught how to use computer devices.  Introduction to graphics programs using the interactive websites such as  www.learning.com.  Use graphics programs to create posters, signs, cards etc using the software KidPix Deluxe and Microsoft Paint.   Begin to learn the home keys and command keys on the keyboard.  Use websites to learn phonics and to read stories.  Begin to learn word processing tools to enable them to write stories.  Use the SmartBoard Interactive WhiteBoard.

Grades 3 – 5

Students effectively use computer devices.  Use a word processing program (Microsoft Word) to write letters, reports and stories.  Understand which technology tools can be used to communicate information to others.  Use the internet to locate and evaluate information through webquests and E-Sheets.  Creates slide shows using Microsoft Power Point.  Understands the dangers that are present on the internet and is taught how to avoid those dangers using websites such as http://www.netsmartz.org/ and http://www.ikeepsafe.org.

Grades 6-8

Students are able to define and use advanced computer vocabulary.  They are able to independently operate school computers and understand the Holy Spirit network. They are also able to retrieve documents and save them onto the network.  Use correct fingering positions on the keyboard and are able to type at least 20 wpm with accuracy.  We use www.learn2type.com.   Each student has his own user name and password so he can access the site from any computer.  Lean how to use search engines for research. Students understand and observe cyber safety rules.  Learn how to cite sources for reports and assignment.  Learn how to create spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel.  Learn how to create a database using Microsoft Access.  Students learn how to transfer what they have learned in technology class to other subjects and projects so that technology is integrated throughout the curriculum.

Search Engines:

http://www.google.com

http://www.izquick.com

http://www.answers.com/bb/

http://www.dogpile.com/

http://www.askkids.com/

http://www.ala.org/gwstemplate.cfm?section=greatwebsites&template=/cfapps/gws/default.cfm

http://www.vrd.org/locator

http://www.ithaki.net/kids

http://www.rcls.org/ksearch.htm

http://www.northvalley.net/kids/index.shtml

http://www.kids.net.au/

http://www.kidsclick.org

http://kids.nypl.org

http://wwwscout.cs.wisc.edu/scout/toolkit/searching/indes.html

http://www.surfnetkids.com/

WEBSITES

http://go2web20.net Go2Web20 is a visual directory to hundreds of Web 2.0 tools; mouse over a logo to get a brief description of the tool, and move through the pages one at a time to find all types of exciting new sites!

http://kids.yahoo.com    Yahoo’s guide to the World Wide Web that is just for kids.

http://www.mamamedia.com  There are collections of links, called sandwiches, plus a place to make your own home page and digital signatures.

http://www.ipl.org/  The Internet Public Library site contains books, magazine, and newspapers from around the world that are freely available via the Internet.

http://www.cybersmartcurriculum.org/home/  This is a free K-8 curriculum site empowering students to use the internet safely and responsibly.

http://www.ccc.comment.edu/grammar - A guide to Grammar and Writing.

http://www.learn2type.com – Students can practice their keyboarding skills.  Middle School Students have their own user name and password.

http://www.learning.com – An interactive website where students learn word processing, spreadsheets and basic technology skills.  Students have their own user names and passwords.

Research

How the Internet Works:

Internet 101:  A very simple explanation of the basics of the Internet.  It was designed for beginners.
www.internet101.org/
Learn the Net:  This animated web site explains in simple terms how the Internet works.
www.learnthenet.com/english/index.html

Web monkey for Kids - How the Internet Works:  Web monkey for kids is a Lycos site designed for teaching kids about the internet.
hotwired.lycos.com/webmonkey/kids/lessons/web_page2.html