Dear Parents:

Greetings, My name is Mrs. Hegstrom and I am your computer technology teacher for the year.  I look forward to a fun and educational experience with each one of your children.  I am a strong believer in using technology to be productive and will be teaching each grade typing skills.  Grades K-1 will be using Type to Learn Jr.   Grades 2-6 will be using a variety of typing programs.  We will focus on typing for 10 minutes in each class. 

This year we will be focusing on the following goals:

Grade K

We will learn about computer basics and correct computer terminology.  Along with identifying the parts of a computer, we will also learn how to shut-down and turn the computer on and off. We will use the mouse to point, click & drag.  We will also begin to identify and begin practicing basic keyboard keys and functions.

Students will learn to use developmentally appropriate software such as, interactive books, educational software, and elementary multimedia encyclopedias to support learning.

Grade 1

Students will learn about the windows operating systems and all programs/commands that come with it.  We will learn to use keyboards and other common input and output devices efficiently and effectively.  Students will learn how to type in various software programs. Appropriate use of the internet will also be reviewed.

Grade 2

We will focus on accessing a word processing program and opening a new document, entering and formatting text, saving and exiting a document in a word processing program along with retrieving and printing saved documents.  Students will also learn how to use the Help menu to solve word processing problems. Students will learn how to type in various software programs. Appropriate use of the internet will also be reviewed

Grade 3

Students will begin to use a variety of media and technology resources for directed and independent learning activities, this includes educational software, word processing skills and appropriate internet skills such as identifying the parts of a web page and website addresses, access the Internet by using a browser icon or the Start menu. Students will also learn given a web address, (URL) how to access the appropriate web site using a web browser, navigate and find information on a particular web site by scrolling, clicking on links, and using the browser navigation and drop down menus.

Grade 4

Students will focus on using technology resources (e.g., puzzles, logical thinking programs, writing tools, digital cameras, or drawing tools) for problem solving, communication, and illustration of thoughts, ideas, and stories.  Use technology tools (e.g., multimedia authoring, presentation, web tools, and scanners) for individual and collaborative writing, communication, and publishing activities to create knowledge projects for audiences inside and outside the classroom.

Grade 5

Students will use telecommunications and online resources (e.g., e-mail, online discussions, web environments) to participate in collaborative problem-solving activities for the purpose of developing solutions or projects for audiences inside and outside the classroom.  With assistance, each student will set up a personal email account, use email to send and receive messages, and use a web directory to find information. 

Grade 6

Students will learn how to create their own cd’s to store music and projects.  Students will also learn how to create a presentation using Microsoft PowerPoint.  All visual and artistic aspects of this program will be addressed.  For the main project, the students will create a five page presentation on the vacation place of their choice.  Students will focus on content information as well as graphics and all aspects of presenting a project using PowerPoint.

I believe communication is the key to success, please feel free to email me at any time at computerlab@stbenedict.org.  I check my email daily and will respond to you within 24 hours.