Bloom into EdTech: The Blog

If you are like me, and have a very limited budget, you may be finding yourself searching for resources that are free or real cheap to enhance your students' learning experience. I have mentioned several typing Web sites on KCL now and want to introduce you to yet another fantastic resource for your technology toolbox! TypingWeb, located at http://www.typingweb.com/ , “ is a free online typing tutor & keyboarding tutorial for typists of all skill levels. TypingWeb includes entertaining typing games, typing tests, and free official typing certification” {Verbiage taken from the Website itself!} I have been using TypingWeb now for three months to teach my 4th graders how to type and instantly feel in love with this program. Aside from being completely free, it houses a teacher portal where you can easily upload classes to help you assess your student’s typing needs. At the end of each lesson, your student’s also have an option to print out a certificate and play games that enhan...

Lesson Name: Microsoft Word Grade: 2 Major Topic: Word Processing Week/Weeks: 5 NETS for Students : 1. Technology Operations and Concepts Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. Materials: Microsoft Word- any version Electronic White Board Computer Projector (if needed) Activity: Week 1- Introduce Microsoft Word: Show how to open/close the program from their desktop Depending on the version of Word you are using, give your students the grand tour of the menu or ribbon. Demonstrate how to type words, change font, and indent. For this intro they need not to worry about spelling or grammatical errors. This week’s Intro Lesson: With Microsoft Word open at each student’s computer, have them type in his or her first and last name. You may have to remind students at this grade to use the shift key to make the first letter in their first and last name capital. Have them highlight their name by clicking and ...

Lesson Name:Using Paint Program to Illustrate Sentence Grade: 1 Major Topic: Fine motor skills, typing, Drawing, Saving, Printing Week/Weeks: 2 Classes  This is a great review of typing and Windows Paint for your first grade computer class. 1st Grade Lesson- Using Paint Program to Illustrate Sentence {sample} NETS for Students : Basic operations and concepts Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems. Materials: Whiteboard and projector  Computer Microsoft Paint Motivation: Have this sentence displayed for all to see: "This is what I learned in school…." Activity: Have students open up Windows Paint Program. Show them how to use the typing feature. Have them type the above sentence by stressing the importance of using capital letters. Demonstrate the shift key. Have the students draw a picture on the same page of what they learned in school. Teach them how to send to the printer if this is an op...