Student Competencies: Technology & TEKS Benchmarks Assist our students in succeeding as consumers, responsible citizens, and effective workers in the 21 st century by becoming skilled, knowledgeable, independent, and self-directed learners through equitable access to technology and meeting state academic standards. Strategy: Equitably integrate technologies in K-12 curriculums in labs, classrooms, and media centers using the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Students will use technology as a tool to write and process information, prepare presentations, solve complex problems, communicate world-wide with students and experts, and access visual, auditory, and written information. Students will proficiently use basic software applications (keyboarding, word processing, spreadsheet, database, graphs, and presentation) to help accomplish given tasks. The district adopted Learning.com to achieve these technology competencies. The district will also use Learning.com, Google Apps for Education, Prodigy, Imagine Learning, Think Through Math, IStation, and Renaissance as a comprehensive supplemental curriculum component. The instructional technology team will continue to work with teachers in development of lessons that infuse technology within the curriculum. Three campuses within Troy ISD provide enrichment opportunities for students to gain advanced knowledge and skills within the field of technology. Technology Teams at Raymond Mays Middle School and Troy Elementary produce and edit videos and learn and investigate Microsoft Office programs. Likewise, the Troy High School Video Production class will produce and edit videos as student projects. The technology skills and concepts Troy students need to learn can be found on the following pages. All included skills will be mastered by the end of the 8 th grade year. Teachers at the high school will continue to use those skills within all subject areas. The skills are separated into categories and then divided by grade level. Each teacher in grades K-8 will be responsible for providing opportunities for students to learn and use the technology skills necessary for each grade level. Copies of the grade level forms will be provided for each teacher to document how technology was integrated into the curriculum. Page 1
Student Technology Competencies Scope and Sequence garten garten is often the first formal introduction students will have to technology applications and to 21st century skills. Early starts with technology literacy have long-term benefits across fields of study. Students gain familiarity with basic computer input methods Critical concepts of online safety and digital citizenship are introduced. Internet safety topics that are required for ERate funding are taught with grade appropriate instruction that is based on research. Students learn how to gather information, what facts are, and how to organize them. They begin to use databases and graphics software to organize ideas and information and to present it visually. Students in first grade will have varying degrees of comfort with technology applications. 21st century skills are taught and reinforced as students work on projects. Students learn about computer hardware, applications, and components. Now that students have been using computers for a while, they learn to identify computer accessories like printers and hard drives and begin to understand how these function. They learn to use software interfaces, choose the correct applications for different types of tasks, and how to use built-in help tools. Students in second grade are ready to begin using technology as an integrated tool. Students gain more sophisticated knowledge of basic computer functions and software applications and how to apply technology as a problem-solving tool. Students learn to use online safety and ethical behavior while using browsers and conducting research online. Word processing, spreadsheet software and touch typing are introduced. Page 2
Students in third grade are familiar with the basics of computer technology and are ready to begin using more programs. Students are introduced to the internal structure of a computer including processors, memory and more. They are taught more advanced spreadsheet tools and are introduced to organizing ideas and communicating to a specific audience using presentation software. A fun, digital, prescriptive coach helps improve keyboarding speed and accuracy. Students continue working with visual mapping software to plan and outline projects. Email basics are introduced in this grade. Students in fourth grade are on their way to mastering basic technology skills and are ready to add even more applications to their knowledge base. In this grade, students will focus on using technology to create products that communicate with an audience. Students learn to use presentation software and email. They learn more about web browsing and how information is communicated on the Internet. More advanced word processing and formatting skills are also developed in fourth grade. Students in fifth grade are capable of learning more advanced applications and concepts. Students focus on mastering the skills introduced earlier and increase their level of expertise. Students learn to apply more complex calculations to spreadsheets and work more with databases. Students learn to use more advanced communication tools. Advanced students might also begin using basic HTML code to create Web pages. Page 3
6th-8th s Students in sixth-eighth grade have the ability to understand a variety of technology concepts. Middle school presents a progression of increasingly advanced skills and concepts with accommodations for differing levels of background knowledge. Online safety and 21st century skills are taught throughout the middle school curriculum to enable students to be safe, and college and work ready. For those students already familiar with technology, the first year should be a year of reviewing and mastering computer hardware and software skills. For those students who have little to no experience, the curriculum allows them to start from the beginning and spend the year building their knowledge base. Students will learn more advanced skills and concepts at each grade level. Gaining a solid foundation in the applications presented in EasyTech curriculum prepares students for proficiency in applying their skills to various projects. Students leave 8th grade with technology literacy skills ready for high school and prepared for college and career. Page 4
Student Technology Competencies Pre-K 5th Scope and Sequence Mouse Basics Computer Skills Mouse Basics teaches students how to use a mouse, which is fundamental to all other computer tasks. Students will learn what a pointer is and how a pointer device such as a mouse is used, what selected objects look like and how to distinguish them, and how to double-click an item. Select, Drag, and Double-click Student learns what a pointer is and how a pointer device (or mouse) is used. Student learns what selected objects look like and how to distinguish them. Student learns to select items, one at a time. Student learns to change from one selection to another. Student learns to select multiple items at a time. Student learns to double-click an item. Student begins to associate double-clicking with opening. Student learns to use a mouse. Student learns to move objects (drag and drop an item) from one location to another. Computer Fundamentals Computer Fundamentals teaches students about computer systems and software, including the ethical use issues surrounding them. This unit also contains important Online Safety curriculum. Page 5
Computer Skills Processor and I/O Devices Student becomes familiar with the components of a computer. Student learns to identify components of a computer and their uses. Student understands the concept of input ("the senses") vs. output ("communication") in regards to computer devices. Student becomes familiar with the concept of a processor ("the brain"). Student learns to properly care for a computer. Student learns to identify input, output, and processing devices. Data Storage Student understands the basic concepts of data storage devices. Student learns to identify flash drives, optical drives, USB ports, CDs and DVDs. Student understands the difference between a drive and a disk. Student learns proper care and use of flash drives, CDs and DVDs. Student learns about hard drives. Student learns the difference between read and write. Student learns to access files from storage devices. Student is introduced to basic file structure (drives > folders > files). Student understands the basic concepts of data storage devices Symbols of Technology Student understands that symbols can represent functions of technology. Student learns the technology symbols associated with specific functions. Student learns to identify functions of technology based on their symbols. Student understands that symbols can act as instructions for working with technology Page 6
Computer Skills Cyber Bullying Student learns what cyber bullying is and becomes familiar with different forms it can take. Student learns that a cyber-bully is someone that repeatedly uses technology to hurt another person, individually or as part of a group. Student learns that some ways that cyber bullies may hurt another person is by harassing them, impersonating them, intimidating them, isolating them, stalking, creating or helping to spread false rumors, extortion, name calling and flaming, tricking or terrorizing them. Student learns that some types of technology that are used by cyber bullies are social networking sites, text messages, camera phones, instant messages, email, malicious Websites, chat rooms, blogs, and phones. Student learns that cyber bullying is taken very seriously by law enforcement and schools. Student learns what they should do to make it harder for someone to cyber bully them. Student learns to create strong passwords with letters and numbers and change them often. Student learns to only share passwords with a responsible adult. Student learns to keep their page, personal information and blog private. Student learns to block cyber bullies. Student learns that treating others well online will make them less of a target for cyber bullies. Student learns what they should and should not do when cyber bullied. Student learns that they should tell their parent or guardian and their school that they are being cyber bullied. Page 7
Computer Skills Student learns that they must never reply to a cyber-bully attack, replying could make the attacks much worse, could make it difficult to prove who started the attacks, and that cyber bullies feed off of the reactions of their victims. Student learns that they should always save and print all evidence of being cyber bullied and print it, and never delete the evidence before saving it or printing it and showing it to an adult. Student learns that if it an attack is posted in a comment they should print it, tell their parent or guardian, and flag it to make sure the site provider knows what the poster is doing. Student learns to report imposter profiles to a social networking site or gaming site. Student learns why it is important to act when they know someone else is being cyber bullied and what they have a responsibility to do. Student learns to tell the school if they know of another student being cyber bullied. Student learns to never participate in cyber bullying. Student learns to tell friends to stop cyber bullying if safe to do so, if they don t feel safe they should let an adult know, is better to do so privately instead of in front of a group. Student learns ways to support targeted students, send private positive messages to befriend a student that is being targeted. Student learns about the harmful effects that cyber bullying can cause. Page 8
Computer Skills Printer Student learns the basic components of a printer--ink, toner, paper, paper tray, etc. Student learns the standard options found in a print menu--select printer, pages to print, number of copies, etc. Student learns to identify and solve common printer problems, such as low or no ink, no paper, paper jam, and disconnected cable. Student learns to print to a network printer. Student learns to use print preview to see how a file will print. Scanner Student learns the basic components of a scanner, namely the scanning surface, the scanning beam, and the cover. Student begins to understand how a scanner works. Student learns to perform a preview scan. Student learns to select an area to be scanned. Student learns to do a final scan and save the scan to a file. Computer Basics Unit Students demonstrate knowledge of universal symbols, functions, and commands. Students trouble-shoot problems common to external hardware. Students understand what cyber bullying is and how to respond. Toolbars and Menus Student learns to navigate through program menus. Student understands the connection between program menu icons and toolbar buttons. Student learns to use toolbars. Student learns to use online help and mouse over text. Page 9
Computer Skills Software Student learns to start and exit programs. Student learns to create, name, save, print, and close files. Student learns to identify software groups by function. Student learns to select software according to its appropriateness to a task. Student learns to identify and work with file formats. Student explores software programs. Network Basics Student understands networking terminology, such as online and network, LAN and WAN, intranet and Internet. Student learns the advantages of connecting a computer to a network. Student learns the concept of and difference between LAN and WAN. Student learns the concept of and difference between an intranet and the Internet. Student learns to access remote equipment, such as a printer. Student learns strategies to access information on a LAN or intranet for research and resource sharing. Student learns about intellectual property and ethical use of another's intellectual property. Student begins to understand file format and cross-platform compatibility issues. Page 10
Computer Skills Computer Navigation Unit Quiz Student demonstrates knowledge of common icons and menu commands. Student demonstrates how to move around within a word processing document. Student recalls the purpose of file extensions. Student recalls purpose of an operating system. Students demonstrates knowledge of what a network is. Keyboarding A B C D E Student gains familiarity with the placement of the keys on the keyboard. Student learns the relationship between pressing keys on the keyboard and seeing letters on the screen. Student learns to identify and key the letters of the alphabet. F G H I J Student gains familiarity with the placement of the keys on the keyboard. Student learns the relationship between pressing keys on the keyboard and seeing letters on the screen. Student learns to identify and key the letters of the alphabet. Page 11
Computer Skills K L M N O Student gains familiarity with the placement of the keys on the keyboard. Student learns the relationship between pressing keys on the keyboard and seeing letters on the screen. Student learns to identify and key the letters of the alphabet. P Q R S T Student gains familiarity with the placement of the keys on the keyboard. Student learns the relationship between pressing keys on the keyboard and seeing letters on the screen. Student learns to identify and key the letters of the alphabet. U V W Y Z Student gains familiarity with the placement of the keys on the keyboard. Student learns the relationship between pressing keys on the keyboard and seeing letters on the screen. Student learns to identify and key the letters of the alphabet. Numbers Student gains familiarity with the placement of the number keys on the keyboard. Student learns the relationship between pressing keys on the keyboard and seeing characters on the screen. Student learns to identify and key the numbers on the keyboard. Page 12
Computer Skills Words, Spaces, and Enter Student gains additional experience keying letters and learns to form words. Student gains additional familiarity with the placement of keys on the keyboard. Student learns the function of the Backspace or Delete key for correcting mistakes. Student learns to press the Enter or Return key to finish a line of text. Student learns to press the spacebar to create spaces between words. Cursor, Arrows, and Tab Student continues to use the Enter/Return key and Backspace/Delete key. Student learns to add white space with the Tab key. Student learns to identify and use the Tab key. Student learns to identify and use the arrow keys to navigate. Student learns to identify the cursor on the screen. Shift and Symbols Student continues to develop skills in keying letters to form words. Student learns to key symbols with and without the Shift key. Student learns to use the Shift key to make capital letters. Page 13
Home Row Computer Skills Student learns proper posture for keyboarding. Student learns to identify touch keys. Student understands reach keys. Student learns to type basic punctuation (without using the Shift key). Student learns to type home row keys. Student learns to type letters without looking at the keyboard. Upper Row Student learns proper posture for keyboarding. Student learns to identify touch keys. Student understands reach keys. Student learns to type upper row keys. Student learns to type letters without looking at the keyboard. Lower Row Student learns proper posture for keyboarding. Student learns to identify touch keys. Student understands reach keys. Student learns to type basic punctuation (without using the Shift key). Student learns to type lower row keys. Student learns to type letters without looking at the keyboard. Page 14
Number Row Computer Skills Student learns proper posture for keyboarding. Student learns to identify touch keys. Student understands reach keys. Student learns to type basic punctuation (without using the Shift key). Student learns to type number row keys. Student learns to type numbers without looking at the keyboard. Shift Key Student learns proper posture for keyboarding. Student learns to identify touch keys. Student understands reach keys. Student learns to type basic punctuation. Student learns to type home row keys. Student learns to type numbers in combination with letters. Student learns to type capital letters and symbols using the Shift key. Drill 1 Student practices proper touch keyboarding technique in short timed exercises. Student practices building speed and accuracy while touch keyboarding. Drill 2 Student practices proper touch keyboarding technique in short timed exercises. Student practices building speed and accuracy while touch keyboarding. Page 15
Computer Skills Prescriptive Keyboarding This lesson uses diagnostic exercises, short drills and longer story challenges to provide students at any level of skill with individualized touch typing instruction that addresses their areas of weakness Graphics Graphics curriculum teaches students learn to create digital drawings and pictures on the computer. Students learn to use brush and line tools to create basic shapes and fills. Students then practice their drawing skills in fun activities including creating a self-portrait. Brushes and Lines Student learns to use the mouse to drag, click, and select objects. Student becomes familiar with a tool palette. Student learns to combine and use colors and tools. Student learns how to use the Eraser tool. Student learns how to use the Pencil, Brush, Airbrush, and Line tools to draw lines and shapes. Student learns how to use tools and colors to draw a picture. Page 16
Shapes and Fills Computer Skills Student learns to use the mouse to drag, click, and select objects. Student learns to use the Fill tool to fill a shape with color. Student learns how to use the Oval tool to draw circles and ovals. Student learns how to use the Rectangle tool to draw squares and rectangles. Student learns how to use tools and colors to draw a picture. Visual Mapping Visual Mapping is an important skill for sorting information, comparing and contrasting ideas, and exploring complex concepts visually. Students learn to create visual maps, idea webs, diagrams, and groups of information based on classification. Students then practice their skills in interesting visual mapping practice activities. Grouping and Labeling Student gains additional experience using the mouse to drag and drop. Student identifies the basic components of visual mapping software. Student understands the concept of focus and learns to identify it. Student learns to change focus from object to object, and from object to workspace. Student learns to add clipart objects to the workspace. Student learns to use text to label clipart objects. Student learns to use the link tool to link objects. Student begins to understand visual mapping software as a way to group ideas. Page 17
Computer Skills Attributes and Linking Student learns to change the background color of the workspace. Student learns to change the color of clipart objects. Student learns to change text color. Student learns to bold, italicize, and underline text. Student learns to change arrow attributes. Student gains additional experience using the link tool. Student gains additional experience using text to label clipart objects. Idea Webs Student learns to use the create tool. Student learns to replace existing objects with other objects. Student learns to resize objects on the workspace. Student learns to use the erase tool. Student learns to use the undo command. Student understands that moving linked objects keeps those objects linked. Student gains further understanding of visual mapping software as a way to organize ideas. Page 18
Computer Skills Formats and Outlining Student gains additional experience using the create tool. Student learns to use the writing tool. Student understands the connection between the bubble tool and the writing tool. Student gains additional experience adding text to the workspace. Student begins to understand the concept of subgroups. Student learns to create diagrams of various orientations. Student understands visual mapping software as a way to organize ideas and pre-write documents. Visual Mapping Unit Quiz Student demonstrates ability to identify the main idea, supporting ideas, and details in outlines and bubble diagrams. Student demonstrates ability to create outlines and bubble diagrams. Student demonstrates ability to interpret outlines and diagrams. Student demonstrates ability to order story elements. Word Processing Students learn the essentials of word processing such as word processing basics, formatting, proofreading, spelling and grammar tools, and complete activities such as poem creation, and advanced report writing. Page 19
Creating Documents Computer Skills Student learns how to open a word processing program. Student learns how to create a new document. Student learns how to use the cursor. Student learns how to save a file. Student learns how to close a file. Student learns how to open a file. Student learns how to print a file. Student learns how to exit a word processing program. Formatting Text Student learns how to open a file. Student learns how to select text. Student learns how to change font size. Student learns how to change font style by applying bold, italic, and underline formatting. Student understands the clipboard. Student learns to use the cut, copy, and paste commands. Word Processing Basics Unit Quiz Student demonstrates the ability to open and close software. Student demonstrates the ability to open, save, and close documents. Student demonstrates a knowledge of the most common toolbar button icons. Student demonstrates the ability to cut, copy, and paste text. Student demonstrates the ability to select text with the mouse and remove text with the Backspace or Delete key. Page 20
Creating and Organizing Content Computer Skills Student learns to create bulleted and numbered lists. Student learns to identify and create materials for a specific audience. Student learns to insert pictures into a document. Revising and Formatting Student learns to insert symbols. Student learns to insert page breaks. Student learns to format paragraph alignment and spacing. Student learns to format font style, color, and size. Student learns to rearrange pictures and specify text wrap. Student learns to move text around and revise a document. Proofreading and Editing Student learns to use spell check and to identify spelling mistakes not found by a spell checker. Student learns to use the thesaurus tool. Student learns to use the word count tool. Student understands the importance of proofreading written documents. Page Layout Student learns to set page margins. Student learns to specify page orientation. Student learns to format columns. Student learns to adjust page size. Student learns to insert page numbers. Page 21
Desktop Publishing Computer Skills Student learns to create documents using more than one software application. Student creates documents incorporating a variety of data types such as text and graphics. Student uses print preview to evaluate work progress and final product. Student considers document design and layout to ensure appropriateness for audience and media. Student learns to create checklists. Proofreading and Correcting 1 Student practices proofreading skills in a word processing environment. Student identifies spelling errors as valid or invalid in a spell checker. Student identifies and corrects punctuation errors in a word processing document. Student identifies and corrects capitalization errors in a word processing document. Student identifies and corrects homonym errors in a word processing document. Page 22
Proofreading and Correcting 2 Computer Skills Student practices proofreading skills in a word processing environment. Student identifies spelling errors as valid or invalid in a spell checker. Student identifies and corrects punctuation errors in a word processing document. Student identifies and corrects capitalization errors in a word processing document. Student identifies and corrects homonym errors in a word processing document. Word Processing Unit Quiz Student demonstrates knowledge of how to use formatting features common to word processing software. Student demonstrates knowledge of how to select formatting options for effective communication. Student demonstrates knowledge of common word processing terms. Student demonstrates knowledge of the limitations of Spell Checker features. Spreadsheets Students are introduced to spreadsheets and their many uses in this unit. Students learn basics like creating basic tables of data, data formatting, formulas, and creating various graphs, Students then practice their spreadsheet skills using data from real-life situations. Page 23
Computer Skills Parts of a Spreadsheet Student learns to identify and name the components of a spreadsheet, including worksheet, cell, row, and column. Student learns the concept of a cell. Student learns the concepts of rows and columns, including number and letter labels. Student learns that a cell location name is based on the cell's row and column. Student learns to enter data in individual cells. Tables and Data Student learns organization skills in a spreadsheet. Student navigates through a spreadsheet. Student places titles on columns. Student learns how to select entire rows and columns. Student learns how to delete cells, rows, and columns. Cell Formatting Student learns how to perform cell alignment. Student learns to indent content inside cells. Student learns how to add color to a cell or group of cells. Student learns how to add borders to a cell or group of cells. Student learns how to format cells data, including number, date, and general formats. Student learns how to merge cells. Student learns how to select a group of cells. Page 24
Computer Skills Columns and Rows Student learns how to insert rows and columns. Student learns how to resize rows and columns. Student practices entering data into a spreadsheet. Student learns how to use alphabetical and numerical sort functions. Student learns how to use the summation function. Student uses alphabetical order to organize information in a table. Spreadsheet Basics Unit Quiz Student demonstrates knowledge of what cells, rows, and columns are. Student demonstrates knowledge of how to format cells, rows, and columns. Student demonstrates knowledge of how to format text. Pie Charts Student is introduced to the pie chart wizard. Student learns to label pie charts made in a spreadsheet. Student learns to use a spreadsheet wizard to create a pie chart. Student practices reading and interpreting data on a pie chart. Bar Graphs Student is introduced to the bar graph wizard. Student learns to label bar graphs and their axes. Student learns to use a spreadsheet wizard to create a bar graph. Student practices reading and interpreting data on a bar graph. Line Graphs Student learns to use a spreadsheet wizard to create a line graph. Student practices reading and interpreting data on a line graph. Student is introduced to the line graph wizard. Page 25
Computer Skills Graphing in Spreadsheets Unit Quiz Student demonstrates ability to interpret a variety of graphs. Student demonstrates ability to create graphs. Student demonstrates knowledge of when to use different graph types to present information. Student demonstrates knowledge of when to use different graph types to present information. Student demonstrates ability to update graphs by updating table data. Adding and Subtracting Student learns to enter formulas in cells. Student gains additional experience using the sum command. Student learns the correlation between what is typed into a cell and what appears on the screen. Student learns the advantages of using cell names in formulas rather than numbers. Student gains experience entering data into a spreadsheet. Multiplying and Dividing Student learns the advantages of using cell names in formulas rather than numbers. Student learns to enter cell names in formulas to perform mathematical calculations. Student gains experience entering data into a spreadsheet. Student gains experience using numerical formulas in a spreadsheet. Page 26
Computer Skills Copying Formulas and Functions Student gains additional experience with formulas in spreadsheets. Student learns that copying and pasting formulas in a spreadsheet is relative and not exact. Student understands copy and paste in spreadsheets. Formulas in Spreadsheets Unit Quiz Student demonstrates ability to write formulas with numbers and relative cell references. Student demonstrates ability to identify and use operators. Student demonstrates knowledge of how the information displayed in the formula bar and a cell interrelate. Student demonstrates ability to select a range of contiguous cells and use them in formulas. Student demonstrates the ability to find the sum and average of a range of contiguous cells. Databases The EasyTech Databases curriculum teaches students how to use and create databases for real-life situations. Students learn to create and search different types of databases, create queries and reports, and learn advanced topics such as graphics, audio/video, and desktop publishing. Databases: Data Classification Student learns to identify data. Student gathers data. Student is introduced to rows, tables, and fields Student learns and uses database table vocabulary Page 27
Computer Skills Databases: Tables, Records, and Fields Student groups and compares data. Student learns the parts of a database, namely field, record, and table. Student gains familiarity with multiple interfaces that perform the same or similar tasks. Student gains familiarity with the parts of a database Databases: Search and Filter Student learns about using a keyword for an online search. Student learns to perform a keyword search in an online database. Student learns about categories in databases. Student learns to perform a category search in a database. Student learns to apply a simple filter in database software. Student learns to perform an OR filter in database software. Student learns to use a database search to solve information needs. Databases: Sort and Filter Student learns to perform a sort to organize information in a database. Student learns how to perform a descending sort to sort data from biggest to smallest or alphabetically from Z to A. Student learns how to perform an ascending sort to sort data from smallest to biggest or alphabetically from A to Z. Student gains additional experience finding information in a database. Data and Database Basics Unit Quiz The Data and Database Basics unit quiz assesses student ability to classify data, use a database, search, filter, and sort. Page 28
Databases: Database Creation Computer Skills Student learns how to plan for a database. Student learns to start a new database file. Student learns to create and define fields. Student learns how to enter data into a database record. Student learns how to review and edit data. Student learns how to delete records and fields. Databases: Queries and Reports Student begins to understand the role of queries in databases. Student gains experience navigating through a database. Students learns how to query data to find answers. Student learns how to save queries and reports for future use. Student learns how to share data by creating and printing reports. Database Creation, Queries, and Reports Unit Quiz Assesses student ability to plan and build a database, create a form, enter data, edit data, delete records and fields, design basic queries, and create reports. Computer Navigation Unit Quiz Student demonstrates knowledge of common icons and menu commands. Student demonstrates how to move around within a word processing document. Student recalls the purpose of file extensions. Student recalls purpose of an operating system. Students demonstrates knowledge of what a network is. Page 29
Computer Skills Email and Online Communication The Communicating Online unit teaches students the fundamentals of online communication such as email, instant messaging, blogs, online mapping, podcasting, and digital collaboration. It also addresses Internet safety and ethical usage of these technologies. Sending Email Messages Student identifies the parts of an email address (username, @, domain name). Student uses a username and password to login to an email program. Student learns about an email program's interface. Student identifies the parts of an email message form (to, from, subject, and body). Student sends an email message. Student learns to not open email messages from people they don t know. Responding to Email Messages Student uses an email inbox (opens and reads messages). Student replies to an email message. Student forwards an email message. Student responds to multiple recipients simultaneously. Student deletes junk mail and old messages. Page 30
Computer Skills Email Basics Unit Quiz Student demonstrates knowledge of email-specific vocabulary. Student demonstrates knowledge and use of email icons and commands. Student demonstrates ability to compose, open, forward, and reply to email. Student demonstrates knowledge to read and use email addresses. Student demonstrates knowledge of basic security precautions that apply to email usage. Presentations Students learn basic presentation skills and use of common presentation software titles. Topics include presenting to audiences, slide organization, design and special effects, and adding hyperlinks. Audience and Organization Student learns that presentation software is used to make slide shows on a computer. Student learns that presentations are made up of a series of slides that tell a story or present an idea. Student learns how to navigate through a computer slide show. Student is introduced to concepts of audience and story structure and sequence. Student begins to understand that a slide show should progress like a story, sequentially, and with a clear purpose or plot. Student learns to consider audience when creating a slide show. Student learns to consider purpose when creating a slide show. Student learns to use slide show previews and other views to evaluate work progress and final product. Page 31
Computer Skills Composing Slides Student learns to insert and alter text in a slide show. Student learns to insert new slides. Student learns to add graphics from a file and from clip art to a slide. Student learns to use white space effectively in placing components on a slide. Student learns to alter the background of a slide show. Student learns to use a template to create a slide. Student learns to use preview panes to help in the design of a slide show. Student combines data types such as text, audio, and graphics to create projects. Enhancing Slides Student learns to add simple drawn objects to a slide show, including shapes, lines, and arrows. Student learns to add effective audio components to a slide show. Student learns to duplicate a slide. Student learns to select an appropriate color palette for a slide show. Student learns to modify text color in a slide show. Student learns to modify the color of objects in a slide show. Student learns to use preview panes to help in the design of a slide show. Student combines data types, such as text, audio, and graphics to create projects. Student learns to add audio and visual effects to a slide show. Student learns to add animation effects to a slide show. Page 32
Computer Skills Evaluating and Presenting Student learns to use the Slide Sorter view to change the order of slides. Student learns to use preview panes to help in the design of a slide show. Student learns to use the Outline pane, slide show previews, and other views to evaluate work progress and final product. Student learns to present slide shows to an audience. Student learns to add consistent slide transitions to a slide show. Presentation Basics Quiz Student demonstrates the ability to identify and use tools, menus, and views common to presentation software. Student demonstrates the ability to combine design elements for a specific purpose or audience. Web Browsing Web Browsing teaches students vital skills for successfully navigating and searching the World Wide Web. They learn browsing basics, keyword searches, research strategies, information sourcing and ethics, and examination of information validity. Basic Components Student understands what the Internet and the World Wide Web are and knows the difference between them. Student learns the difference between a web page and a website. Student learns to browse the World Wide Web by following a series of links. Page 33
Computer Skills Browsing and URLs Student learns to use a browser to find and view information online. Student learns the components of a URL and understands their meanings. Student learns to enter a URL to navigate to a web page. Student learns to use the back and forward buttons to navigate through web pages. Student learns to add and use bookmarks for web pages. Keyword Searches Student learns to perform online searches using search engines. Student learns to perform both real text and keyword searches. Student learns to perform category searches to find information. Student learns to determine the success of a search. Student recognizes the privacy issues involved with providing personal information to web pages. Sourcing and Ethics Student develops knowledge of search strategies for finding information online. Student learns to respect intellectual property of others by citing information found online. Student learns to determine the validity of information found online. Page 34
Computer Skills Web Browsing Basics Unit Quiz Student demonstrates a knowledge of terminology pertaining to the Internet and the World Wide Web. Student demonstrates a knowledge of links and how to use them to browse for information. Student demonstrates the ability to use the common features of browser software. Student demonstrates the ability to interpret information from URLs. Student demonstrates a knowledge of intellectual property rights on the Internet. Student demonstrates an awareness of the need to interpret and assess information on the Internet critically. Basic HTML Students learn basic HTML tags, text and page formatting, and inserting images into their pages. HTML and Body Tags Student learns that web pages are made up of a series of text and tags called HTML. Student learns to open and close HTML tags. Student begins to correlate what tags are used in an HTML document and what appears when the file is opened in a browser. Student learns to begin and end an HTML file with HTML and BODY tags. Student learns how to nest tags. Student learns to open, save and close a new text file to create a web page. Student learns to open an HTML file in a browser. Page 35
Tag Basics Computer Skills Student learns to use the bold, underline, and italic tags to format text on a web page. Student continues to correlate what tags are used in an HTML document and what appears when the file is opened in a browser. Student continues to learn that most tags must be both opened and closed. Attributes Student learns to distinguish tags and their attributes. Student learns to use the paragraph (or P) tag to break text into block paragraphs. Student learns to use the ALIGN attribute with the paragraph tag to change the horizontal alignment of text. Student continues to correlate what tags are used in an HTML document and what appears when the file is opened in a browser. Student continues to learn that most tags must be both opened and closed. Student learns to add the BGCOLOR attribute to the BODY tag to change the background color. Page 36
Font Color and Size Computer Skills Student continues to distinguish tags and their attributes. Student learns to use the COLOR and SIZE attributes with the FONT tag to change the size and color of text on a web page. Student learns to use the TET attribute with the BODY to change the color of the text on the entire web page. Student continues to correlate what tags are used in an HTML document and what appears when the file is opened in a browser. Student continues to learn that most tags must be both opened and closed. Image Tags Student learns to use image tags to add images to a web page. Student learns to save images in an images folder to organize their images. Student learns that GIF is a common image file type. Anchor Tags Student continues to distinguish tags and their attributes. Student continues to correlate what tags are used in an HTML document and what appears when the file is opened in a browser. Student continues to learn that most tags must be both opened and closed. Student learns to use anchor tags to create links to other web pages. Student learns to use anchor tags to create links to different spots on the same web page. Page 37
Basic HTML Unit Quiz Computer Skills Student demonstrates of programs that create and display websites. Student demonstrates the ability to control the appearance of font in an html document by using tags for bold, italics, underlining, size, and color. Student demonstrates knowledge of the concept of nesting tags and identifies properly nested html code. Student demonstrates the ability to add attributes to tags. Student understands the purpose of tags and the difference between the application of tags with similar functions. Student demonstrates the ability to reference graphics in an html document. Student demonstrates the ability to create internal and external hyperlinks in html. Student demonstrates the ability to reference graphics in an html document. Student demonstrates the ability to create internal and external hyperlinks in html. Page 38
Computer Fundamentals Computer Skills Student Technology Competencies 6 th - 8 th Scope and Sequence Sixth Seventh Eighth Computer Fundamentals teaches students about computer systems and software, including the ethical use issues surrounding them. This unit also contains important Online Safety curriculum. Basic Components Student learns the names and functions of the basic components of a computer system, namely the processor, input and output devices, and data storage devices. Student learns the differences between digital and analog systems and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Student gains introductory understanding of how each component of the computer works. Student gains a proficiency in input devices such as the keyboard, mouse (pointer devices), microphone, printer, monitor, scanner, etc. Keyboarding Student learns the basic layout of the keyboard and proper keying practices. Student learns correct posture and technique for keyboarding. Student continues to increase speed and accuracy of keyboarding skills. Student learns digital keyboarding standards such as one space keying. Student learns to use a number pad for keying numbers quickly and efficiently. Keyboarding Drill Student practices proper touch keyboarding technique in short timed exercises. Student practices building speed and accuracy while touch keyboarding. Page 39
Program Menus and Toolbars Computer Skills Student learns to open programs on a computer. Student learns to navigate through program menus in a program. Student learns to use the toolbar for common program tasks. Student learns to create, print, and save documents in a program. Student learns to use help documentation and functions to perform a task in a program. Operating Systems and Browsing Student is introduced to file structure in terms of data storage. Student is introduced to the concept of an operating system, or OS. Student learns to identify various OS groupings by layout. Student is introduced to the concept of a Graphical User Interface, or GUI. Student learns to identify differences and similarities in OS type. Student learns to transfer knowledge learned in one OS to another - considering differences in GUI. Student gains a proficiency in data storage devices such as hard drives, CD-ROMs, floppy disks, etc. Student learns to access and manipulate information from various storage devices. Student learns to use the desktop and its elements to navigate through a computer. Software, Buttons, and Controls Student learns various software types and what they are used for - namely word processing, spreadsheet, database, slide show/presentation software, email, and browser. Student learns to identify primary software by function and use. Student learns to select type of software by appropriateness to task, effectiveness, and efficiency. Student learns to use dialog boxes and common buttons and controls. Sixth Seventh Eighth Page 40
Navigating Ribbon Interfaces Computer Skills Students learn that in software that uses the ribbon interface, the file menu they may have used with other programs has been replaced by a rectangular or round Application button." Students learn that the Application button is located at the top left of the screen, positioned at or slightly above where the file menu would be if this were a menu interface, just before the Home tab. Students learn that when the Application button is round, it is called the Office button. Students learn what commands are available from the Application button. Students learn that the home tab provides the most commonly used commands, such as the editing and formatting commands. Students learn that most tabs are named for activities you are doing, like Review, which provides tools such as Spell Check. Students learn that if they don't know what a command does, they can hover over it to see a tooltip that will explain. Students learn how to access help in software that uses the ribbon. Students learn that the parts of the ribbon interface are Tabs, Groups and Commands and can identify each part and explain what it does. Students learn about contextual menus and how to use them. Students learn what Galleries are and how to use them. Students learn that galleries feature Live Preview so they can instantly see the changes they will make. Students learn that below groups there are often arrows you can click on to open dialog boxes with more commands. Students learn about the Quick Access area and how it can be customized. Students learn that they can right click (or, on a Mac with one mouse button, Ctrl-mouse click) for a context menu of commands that are relevant to what they last clicked on or selected. Students learn how to insert an illustration into a report. Sixth Seventh Eighth Page 41
Computer Skills Sixth Seventh Eighth Networking Student understands how a network functions and the benefits of using a network. Student can identify and use basic network components. Student understands the difference between LAN and WAN, and intranet and Internet. Student understands the concept of file servers and networked peripherals. Student learns to store, locate, and retrieve files from a networked file server. Student learns to print to a networked printer. Student gains a basic understanding of cross-platform connectivity and compatibility issues. Computer Fundamentals Unit Quiz Student demonstrates familiarity with keyboarding. Student demonstrates knowledge of how electronic data can be stored, retrieved, and transferred. Student demonstrates ability to find and understand information on a desktop. Student demonstrates knowledge of universal menu design. Student demonstrates knowledge of what different types of software programs do. Word Processing The Word Processing Software unit teaches students how to use the tools and commands required to create a variety of documents, how to use word processor collaboration tools, as well as an understanding of copyright, fair use, and how and when to cite sources (in either APA and MLA styles). Page 42