Basic Computing Skills for Juniors

Basic Computing SkillsBy Lianne Montgomery

Abstract
I found that in my year 3 and 4 class children werestruggling with the basics when it came to publishing theirwork on the computer.

Their typing skills and knowledge of Word was very limited and frustrating for everyone concerned.

I wanted to address their lack of basic word processing skills thinking that this was the major problem.

Broad Aim
Initially To look at ways to improve childrens basic word processing skills

How?Collect baseline data by setting up a worksheet that the children could work through using Word and PowerpointThen, design a programme based on the results to improve their basic word processing skills

Baseline Data - Word
Open the word processing program.Change your font to Lucida Sans, size 14Type your full name using a capital letter where appropriate Type your full address Type your date of birth eg:Insert WordArt and type your name in any style you like. Keep the size at 14Insert a star from AutoShapesHighlight your address and make it boldPrint your pageSave your document in My Documents and call it Test Sheet

Baseline Data - PowerPoint
Open a Powerpoint documentCreate a title and set the font size to 36, call it CatsMove the title to the top of the pageType the following sentence My cats name is Nelson Insert a picture from ClipArt of a cat underneath and make it bigger Create another pageCreate a title, set the font size to 36, call it DogsMove the title to the top of the pageRepeat the steps but change the sentence to.My dogs name is JasperPrint the powerpoint as a handout, 2 slides on 1 pageFinally save the document Go to My Documents open the folder called Test Samples and save it there. Call it PPsample 1

Findings after collection
Children didnt understand the language, menus, iconsHow to work a touch pad and/or a mouseLocate files, use drop down menusHighlight textLeft and right clicking. The data collection was to limited in that it focussed just on Word and PowerPoint

The lack of skills were far more generic than I hadanticipated and not just application based as in word processing

A shift in my thinking

To identify the generic skills that can be used to navigate through any application software.

Transferable/Generic Skills
Using a mouse/touchpad left and right click menusHold, drag and dropFile Management/PathwaysScrollingMenus and iconsOpening and closingErasing/Back/UndoHighlightingSaving/printing/insertingTaskbar/Start menuShift key/shortcut keys/function keys/enter key Hover and promptsDesktopKeyboardCameras, filming, email

Ideas on how to teach these skills
Techie sessions (weekly)Availability (computers)Opportunity (to practise)One to one or small group sessions with parent supportChecklist I can.Use a variety of software applicationsIncorporate ICT across the curriculum not just in Literacy This offers variety, creates opportunities, interest and enthusiasmModelling and peer teachingMake use of experts (other staff/parents/ICT facilitators)Encourages and builds confidence and risk taking

Continuum why does it matter?

The junior schoolhttp://sarataylor.wikispaces.com/Green-Blue+Screening

If kids can do this at junior level imagine what they could be doing by the time they get to the senior schoolImplications for teachers are hugeDont confuse confidence for competence!

My attempt at trying something new!

Schools should explore not only how ICT can supplement traditional ways of teaching but also how it can open up new and different ways of learning(NZ Curriculum)

In the classroom chn taking a long time to do anything on the computers particularly publishing of writing. I assumed that basic wp skills were the problem. So I got some BL data that would give me an understanding of the chns current level of skill and that I would put in place a programme to build on that.
What I actually found was that the lack of skills were far more generic than I had anticipated and not just application based as in word processing.

Start menu, desktop, recognising the language ie: WORD,

File Mngmt pathways finding where things are, where to save themMenu and icon one or other (printer icon, save, save as, Saving/printing picking printersCameras downloading photos into ppt, word, kid pix etcShift key for !@# shortcut keys ctrl v, c function keys along the topHover over menus and arrows will tell you what they meanPrompts - do you wish to save?

Automatic, we do it without thinking - Assumed that children would have a lot of the skills that as adults we take for granted.

Finding the timeCommitment whats your focus?

Digital StorytellingUsing Kid PixAnimationCreating posters for Inquiry using sites like Glogster, ComicLife, WordleSelf assessment and reflection ie: goal setting and then filming chn achieving their goals (PE) ties in with Key Comps Managing Self, Participating and ContributingBlogs/WikisPoem and letter of the weekRetelling stories

Typing is secondary
This is why it mattersKeep in mind that this is after 3 yrs in an ICT contract so it didnt happen overnight, however, if kids can do this at Jnr level imaging what they could achieve at the senior end of the school.

Implications for teachers are huge!

Teachers need to try this stuff take a risk learn something/try something yourself and then teach it to your kids

Commitment, yr 2 of the contractWhat is your schools focus for 2009? How can you teach and engage the children across thecurriculum in terms of delivery of ICT?Can you link it to your strategic goals?