Bloom into EdTech: The Blog

Being a computer teacher has its rewards- one of which is working collaboratively with your coworkers. Study Island can provide just that.

Are you a daycare center, private in-home child care or preschool and are considering setting up a computer lab for children ages 3-4? You may be asking yourself- where do I start? What type of equipment will I need? My students look so little- what is the best computer hardware for their little hands? How long should a preschool computer class be?

Well, I am here to answer a few questions for you! First we will start with some suggested technology hardware for the preschool-aged child:

Suggested Keyboard to use- color coded. Try to find one that has vowels and constants in separate colors (helps with many lessons- of which you will find here) and that all the numbers are another color.





Suggested Mouse: Small and multi-color is key. I personally found it easier to tell the 3-4 year old child to press on the blue-left side of the mouse than to say "left click".

Suggested office furniture: Small- age appropriate desks like the one you see below that is best suited for ages 2-6. Th…

Unit Name: Intro to Typing Grade:  3 Major Topic: Typing- Memorizing the Keyboard Week/Weeks: 7-9 classes

NETS for Students: 6.Technology Operations and Concepts   Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. Students:   a. understand and use technology systems.
Materials: Blank Computer WorksheetBlank Computer Test Printable WPM WorksheetWebsite:  http://www.powertyping.com/qwerty/lessonsq.htmlTyping PowerPointInternetWhiteboard and projectorComputerWord ProcessorRefer to  http://www.customtyping.com/tutorials/kb/Correct_fingering.htm for correct finger placements.
Motivation: Show Typing PowerPoint and discuss the basics of typing.
Activity: Week 1- The main goal of this typing year is to have the students memorize the keyboard! After the introduction of the Typing PowerPoint, have them fill in the left hand home row keys: ASDF onto their blank keyboard.  Have them then open up any Word Processor and practice the follow…

If you would like to take a break from the norm, holidays are the perfect opportunity to kick back, relax and enjoy some holiday-themed games. Some are more educational than others- but sometimes it's okay to just play!

http://www.primarygames.com/holidays/thanksgiving/games.htm

http://www.thekidzpage.com/thanksgiving_games/index.html

http://funschool.kaboose.com/fun-blaster/thanksgiving/games/index.html

http://www.akidsheart.com/holidays/thanks/thgame.htm

 Major Topic: Microsoft Excel Class/Classes: 1-2 class periods
NETS for students 3.  Research and Information Fluency Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. \
4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resourcesMaterials:
Microsoft Excel Microsoft Excel Notes (PowerPoint)- Student and Teacher VersionsExcel Shopping Budget TutorialProjector Electronic Whiteboard Excel Shopping Budget Grade Sheet Motivation: Have Microsoft Excel Open as well as the Microsoft Excel Notes (PowerPoint)-Student and Teacher Versions. Go over the notes PowerPoint while students fill in the blanks.

Activity:
Make one copy per student of the Microsoft Excel Notes for Students. Have the Teacher’s version open in the front of the room. Go over the notes and demonstrate as you discuss ea…

Typing is a very important topic to cover in computer class if a "Keyboarding class" is not provided as a separate unit. It is never to early to introduce the correct finger position. Fourth graders are more than ready to learn how to type without looking at the keyboard. In the past I used a blank sheet of scrap paper and simply taped the top so the students typed under it. What a pain! I would suggest purchasing a Learn to Type Keyboard skin like the one you see here:



I have taught computers to students in schools where typing software was not an affordable option. The following lesson provides you an option if typing software is not available, or you would like to try a different approach.

Major Topic: Typing- Memorizing the Keyboard Week/Weeks: 6-8 classes

NETS for Students: 6.Technology Operations and Concepts   Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. Students:   a. Understand and use technology systems.
Materials: WPM …