Kindergarten- Our kindergarteners have great fun in the computer lab learning about the basics of computer use and exploring learning sites. They learn terminology such as mouse, keyboard, monitor, menu cursor, desktop, icon, and log-on. The kindergarteners learn to log on to the network using a default password. There is also practice clicking, dragging, and exiting programs. They use bookmarked sites on the net and learn to navigate through them using links and the browser's back button. Tool menus are used in painting and drawing applications. The youngest students also begin keyboard awareness by finding the spacebar, shift, escape, and cap lock keys.
1st grade- In 1st grade, we build on all the skills learned in kindergarten. Logging onto their Y-drive with their own assigned number is introduced. Saving to this drive is the next step. Children also begin to select drawing and painting tools to best communicate an idea or message. These students also begin to practice very basic typing skills using "Type Me", a keyboard awareness activity . Applications are used to type in their own creative writing. The 1st graders begin instruction on how to enter and edit text. These students also begin to use bookmarked sites to investigate authors.
2nd grade- In 2nd grade, we build on all the skills learned in 1st grade. One objective here is to have these students be able to log on to their Y-drives without their reminder card. All saving is done to their Y-drives. They begin formal keyboarding skills using home row positioning, rhythmic keyboarding strokes, and sitting form The students utilize applications such as New Key for Kids and Type to Learn Jr. Software applications are used to enter writing as the students expand their layout and formatting skills. Acceptable use policies are stressed as students are taught to respect the electronic property of others. Navigation of the browser extends to URL's and searching bookmarked sites for information. Students will be capable of opening existing documents and initiating new ones. Saving, printing, editing, formatting text and spell checking are all stress skills. 2nd graders will practice copying and pasting text and images. These students also will learn to navigate multiple windows to facilitate this practice. Applications are used to teach basic concepts of the graphic organizer, charting and graphing.
3rd grade- In 3rd grade, we build on all the skills learned in 2nd grade. All students at this point will be proficient at logging onto the network and accessing their Y-drive. The concept of the R-drive (a common HR folder) is introduced. Their keyboard training now takes the form of Type to Learn. The 3rd graders begin instruction of multimedia techniques in the form of card/slideshow presentations. These activities include storyboarding, formatting text, and importing/formatting graphics. Printing using the print preview option and the selection of the desired printer is stressed. Students are taught to recognize documents with different file extensions. They also are taught to rename files and organize them in their Y-drive using a folder system. Respecting electronic property now extends to a more formal bibliography format. Independent troubleshooting is introduced as help feature of applications are demonstrated. Problem solving is highlighted by asking the children to choose specific sites to find detailed information, or by asking the student to choose a specific type of graph to best represent certain information.
4th & 5th grade- In these grades the students build on all the skills that have formed the foundation in the lower school. Keyboarding makes the transition from Type to Learn to TTL III as student progress is tracked by completion and accuracy. Advanced text formatting is taught and applied. Students are now regularly saving to their Y-drive and the R-drive. They are also becoming proficient with the Westport Learning Network or WLN. This is a intra-net system for the school that allows teachers to post assignments, for students to email teachers, and for students to access their Y-drives from home. There is now a more extensive use of spreadsheets through Excel as the children get into cell formatting, data sorting, and formula functions. Copyright laws and acceptable use are discussed as proper policies are followed. Graphic organization and outlining of research strategies is practiced through Inspiration. Traditional and technology based research techniques are integrated sometimes culminate in multimedia projects. These often take the form of Hyper Studio stacks and Power Point shows that now involve text, digital pictures, scans, sounds, transitions and an emphasis on presentation skills.