Comp Interm Rev 10-04

Computers Explorations I

Page 1

West Ada School District

MIDDLE SCHOOL COURSE OUTLINE

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Students will learn basic skills needed for the use of a word processor, spreadsheet, and database including how to edit, format, change, and manipulate documents for a variety of school and personal projects. Emphasis will be placed on real world applications of the software presented. A review of Internet safety, research strategies, and copyright laws will be integrated into assignments as they apply. This class is a prerequisite for Computer Explorations II.

OUTLINE OF CONTENT AND TIME ALLOTMENT: (18 weeks)

The course of study includes skills in using and applying various applications. The skills covered in this course are foundational computer skills based on the National Educational Technology Standards for Students. The sequencing and time allotments are recommendations and may be modified to meet student needs.

• Help Feature
• Bullets and Numbers
• Word Art/Graphics
• Headers and Footers
• Page Breaks
• Find and Replace
• Formatting
• Spellcheck/Thesaurus

• Add, delete, move rows and columns
• Merge cells
• Set cell attributes (percent, number, date, currency etc.)
• Enhance cells using border and shading tools
• Use fill options
• Formulas
• Functions
• Charts/Graphs

• Templates
• Text Box
• Shapes
• Wrap Text
• Formatting Pictures

• Templates
• Graphics – Drawing Toolbar and WordArt
• Inserting/moving slides
• Sound
• Video
• Timing
• Master Slide

• Understand Automatic Sync
• Add Sections and Pages
• Add Templates, Color, and Lines
• Move Containers, Sections and Pages
• Create a Table
• Add a File
• Insert a Printout
• Add an Excel Spreadsheet
• Dock to the Desktop
• Screen Clipping
• Draw
• Ink to Text
• Ink to Math

• Legal, ethical, copyright issues
• District Acceptable Use Policy
• Privacy/safety issues
• Citation of sources (MLA)

• Identify appropriate resources
• Identify useful information for research
• Evaluate for accuracy, relevance, appropriateness and bias
• Compare information from at least two sources
• Take notes and paraphrase

METHODS: A variety of instructional strategies will be utilized to accommodate all learning styles including, but not limited to:

Active Participation

Differentiation Strategies

Project Based Learning

MATERIALS USED IN TEACHING THE COURSE: A variety of instructional tools will be used to meet the needs of all students –

• PCs

• Internet Access

• Word-processing application

- Microsoft Word

• Spreadsheet application

- Microsoft Excel

• Multi-media application

- Microsoft PowerPoint

• Digital Notebook

- Microsoft OneNote

• Publication

- Microsoft Publisher

STANDARD GRADING SCALE

A = 90% - 100%

B = 80% - 89%

C = 70% - 79%

D = 60% - 69%

F = Below 60%

EVALUATION: Student achievement in this course will be measured using multiple assessment tools including but not limited to:

• Formative Assessment

• Quizzes/tests

• Projects and/or Portfolios

The standard grading scale is used to determine grades on quizzes and tests. The performance criteria determine the proficiency level of students in using and applying computer skills.

IDAHO CONTENT STANDARDS

Grades 6 – 8 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Standard 1: Creativity and Innovation

Goal 1.1: Demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and use information and communication technologies to develop innovative products and processes.

Objective(s): By the end of Grade 8, the student will be able to:

6-8. ICT.1.1.1 Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes.

6-8. ICT.1.1.2 Create original works as a means of personal or group expression using student selected resources.

6-8.ICT.1.1.3 Build models and simulations to explore systems, issues and trends.

Standard 2: Communication and Collaboration

Goal 2.1: Use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively to support individual learning and to contribute to the learning of others.

Objective(s): By the end of Grade 8, the student will be able to:

6-8.ICT.2.1.1 Inquire, interact, and communicate ideas, employing a variety of digital media and environments.

6-8. ICT.2.1.2 Collaborate with others, using digital tools and media to identify and research an issue, compare solutions and make a decision.

Standard 3: Research Skills and Critical Thinking

Goal 3.1: Exercise critical thinking to plan and conduct research using a variety of information resources including print, digital and other sources

Objective(s): By the end of Grade 8, the student will be able to:

6-8.ICT.3.1.1 Organize and analyze information needs to formulate research questions to solve an information problem or make an informed decision.

6-8.ICT.3.1.2 Compare and select information resources to solve an information problem or make an informed decision.

6-8.ICT.3.1.3 Demonstrate navigation skills in accessing a variety of information resources and begin using advanced search skills.

6-8.ICT.3.1.4 Collect, analyze and organize data and information to make decisions, draw conclusions, and create new understanding.

Standard 4: Digital Citizenship

Goal 4.1: Understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to information and communication technologies and practice legal and ethical behavior.

Objective(s): By the end of Grade 8, the student will be able to:

6-8.ICT.4.1.1 Practice safe, ethical, legal, and responsible use of information and technology.

6-8.ICT.4.1.2. Use and cite all information and sources in an ethical and responsible manner.

Standard 5: Technology Operations & Concepts

Goal 5.1: Demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.

Objective(s): By the end of Grade 8, the student will be able to:

6-8.ICT.5.1.1 Differentiate, use and integrate technology tools.

6-8.ICT.5.1.2 Select and use software applications.

6-8.ICT.5.1.3 Troubleshoot technology tools and software applications.

6-8.ICT.5.1.4 Apply previous knowledge to new technologies.