Computer Program
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Wilkins School's Computer Program |
Students at Wilkins School in grades 2 - 4 attend a computer class for 1/2 of the school year. This year, the 4th grade and half of the 3rd grade will have computer class from the beginning of school until mid-January. From mid-January until the end of the school year, the 2nd grade and the other half of the 3rd grade will have computer class. Computer Class and Guidance Class alternate. This means that 2nd grade and 1/2 of third grade will have their guidance classes for the first half of the year and 4th grade and the other half of 3rd grade will have their guidance classes for the 2nd half of the year. For those of your familiar with the Computer Class/Guidance Class schedule, this is a change from previous years. We now have 2 portable laptop carts (16 laptops each) at Wilkins. Teachers use the portable lab and open time in the computer lab to provide additional computer usage for the students when technology is a component of a curriculum unit.
During computer class, students work on a variety of activities that are coordinated with their work in the regular classroom. We have a variety of software programs that enhance the student's learning. Some of the more popular programs include Math WorkShop Deluxe (2nd grade), The Logical Journey of the Zoombinis (3rd grade), The Zoombinis Mountain Rescue or Math for the Real World (4th grade). In addition, students learn names of the computer components, how to use the computer in a network environment and proper safety and etiquette around computers and in cooperative situations. Students begin to understand and demonstrate the basics of word processing, spreadsheet and drawing tools. Presentation skills are important throughout school. The students use presentation skills in a variety of formats for work that is computer generated. These range from a simple word processed document to a PowerPoint presentation.
In fourth grade the students are introduced to keyboarding using the program Type to Learn. Students attend additional classes, usually 2 half hour blocks per week, to receive instruction in typing. Most students quickly learn the keyboard and their typing speed increases significantly. We use keyboards with the letters "painted" out to encourage proper finger placement. Keyboarding skills are reviewed again at the middle school.
SAU39 is currently working on technology curriculum standards that will be aligned with the NH Curriculum Guide. These standards are based on the National Education Technology Standards for Students. These standards can be seen at http://cnets.iste.org/students SAU39 has filed the 2002-2006 Technology plan with the State Office of Educational Technology. The plan can be viewed at http://www.sprise.com/Technology/sau-39 IT/Tech Plan.htm. Our Technology Plan is being revised and will be posted on the SAU39 website when it has been accepted by all of the school boards.
Please stop by the computer lab at Wilkins School or email Sharon Verrill at sverrill@sprise.com with any questions.
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Last revised on 09/05/2006