Computer Class Computer Class Curriculum Curriculum

Lesson Plans and tips for Lesson Plans and tips for teaching computer to teaching computer to

elementary school kids.elementary school kids.

Determining Skill LevelsDetermining Skill Levels

►Where are your students at?Where are your students at?►Ask old teachers or staff.Ask old teachers or staff.►Ask the kids themselvesAsk the kids themselves

How often do they use computers?How often do they use computers? Do they have computers at home?Do they have computers at home? What do they use computers for?What do they use computers for?

Determining Skill LevelsDetermining Skill Levels

►Students of varying levelsStudents of varying levels Plan aheadPlan ahead Add a twist for quick studentsAdd a twist for quick students

Microsoft WordMicrosoft Word

►Use to teach kids computer basicsUse to teach kids computer basics Mouse clickingMouse clicking HighlightingHighlighting Simple keyboard commands (e.x. Simple keyboard commands (e.x.

delete/backspace)delete/backspace) Other basic computer functionsOther basic computer functions

►Opening and closing filesOpening and closing files►Menu bar and task barMenu bar and task bar

InternetInternet

►The final frontierThe final frontier

►EmailEmail►ResearchResearch►WeatherWeather►DirectionsDirections

Internet SafetyInternet Safety

► Imperative for kidsImperative for kids►Take the time to learn it wellTake the time to learn it well►Warn but do not scareWarn but do not scare►Look into filtering softwareLook into filtering software

►LinksLinks www.netsmartz.orgwww.netsmartz.org www.netsmartzkids.orgwww.netsmartzkids.org www.nsteens.orgwww.nsteens.org

GoogleGoogle

►Great for introducing all kinds of thingsGreat for introducing all kinds of things GmailGmail Google DocumentsGoogle Documents Google Maps/EarthGoogle Maps/Earth Google SearchGoogle Search

►Safe SearchSafe Search http://www.safesearchweb.com/http://www.safesearchweb.com/

google.htmlgoogle.html

TypingTyping

►Use a typing programUse a typing program Does not have to be fancyDoes not have to be fancy Does not have to be kid-centeredDoes not have to be kid-centered

►Skill-based motivationSkill-based motivation►Give lots of time to typing—it is Give lots of time to typing—it is

importantimportant

Entertaining KidsEntertaining Kids

►Young kids will get boredYoung kids will get bored►Have fun!Have fun!►Use the internet to find interesting Use the internet to find interesting

thingsthings►Kids already enjoy using computers—Kids already enjoy using computers—

show them new reasons whyshow them new reasons why

RepetitionRepetition

►An important part of learningAn important part of learning►Bring up old skills again and againBring up old skills again and again► Integrate old skills into new lessonsIntegrate old skills into new lessons

DisciplineDiscipline

►Take away computer timeTake away computer time►Assign boring work while everyone Assign boring work while everyone

else looks up the tallest building in the else looks up the tallest building in the world on Google Earthworld on Google Earth

Project DocumentsProject Documents

►One year’s worth of lesson plansOne year’s worth of lesson plans►Suggestions for further developmentSuggestions for further development►Skills chart for Pui Tak School classesSkills chart for Pui Tak School classes