General Curriculum Outcomes

Students will:

Demonstrate an understanding of specific software, applications and keyboarding.
Explore and adhere to the ethical and social issues related to technology.
Use computer systems to enhance learning, increase productivity and promote creativity.
Use technology to locate, research, and evaluate information from a variety of sources.

Curriculum

The computer class is a once-a-week special areas class that is conducted by the computer teacher. All activities are based on a Windows XP platform using a variety of educational software applications. A sample of the software in use for the Lower School is Microsoft WORD 2007, Type to Learn (keyboarding), KidPix Deluxe (creative program), and Internet Explorer. Other subject specific software is Unite the World (geography), Numbers Recovered, AtoZap, Thinkin’ Science, Oregon Trail (4^th grade). Students in grades 1-4 are introduced to the World Wide Web through a variety of delivery systems. This includes teacher selected age appropriate sites, subject research techniques and basic web research techniques. All websites are for academic purposes only.

Age Appropriate Websites

http://www.cosmeo.com/ a homework help site and research tool. Username: mypage password: walden

http://www.merriam-webster.com/ online dictionary and activities

http://www.magickeys.com/books/ online children’s storybooks

http://www.funbrain.com/ fun activities for students

http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/ -Kids version of National Geographic-great for activities maps and research

http://pbskids.org/ Public Television shows and activities on line

http://thegreenguide.com/ published by National Geographic this site addresses ways people can “go green”

Walden’s website also provides a list of online resources for Lower School students and their families. Click on http://www.walden-school.org/ and go to the “resources” then click on Lower School” for a list of websites.

Classroom Connections

Much of the content presented in computer class is based on classroom curricula. The computer teacher will discuss with classroom teachers subjects they are studying in class and a connection is made during computer class. Examples are; class writing projects that need to be typed, research on the internet or teacher directed internet activities and subject reinforcement using school software. This in turn provides relevant subjects for the students while they learn the operation of computer applications.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child or the computer program, please contact me at school. Please leave a telephone message on extension 306 or e-mail me at lfitts@walden-school.org

Linda Fitts

K-8 Computer Teacher