Bloom into EdTech: The Blog

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. Ma...

Teaching Kindergartners about the Internet may be a challenging task, or one that comes more naturally, depending if they are allowed to use the computer at home. In a typical class you may find that it is usually a mixed pot of pro's and newbies. This lesson will give your novice Internet users a chance to explore while you giving you a chance to help the beginners practice. This is also great for their fine-motor skills. Objective: Internet Classes: 2-3 NETS Standards: 5. Digital Citizenship 6. Technology Operations and Concepts Materials: Projector Electronic Whiteboard Computer Internet ABCya! Kindergarten Elementary Pages Preparation: It may be easier to have the Website http://www.abcya.com/kindergarten_computers.htm   on each of your Kindergartner's computers. Motivation: Have the ABCya! Website presented at the front of the computer room. ***Tip*** I usually keep the monitor off until they are ready to work! Activity: 1. Discuss with your class the parts of the Internet...

Major Topic: URL’s and search engines Week/Weeks: 2-3 classes NETS for Students: 3. Research and Information Fluency Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. Students: a. Plan strategies to guide inquiry. b. Locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media. c. Evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks. d. Process data and report results. 6. Technology Operations and Concepts   Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. Students:   a. Understand and use technology systems. Materials: Whiteboard and projector Computer with Microsoft PowerPoint or a .ppt reader on it Basic Internet for 2 nd Grade PowerPoint URL Checklist Worksheet Internet Search Engine Worksheet   Motivation: Have the PowerPoint, Basic Internet for ...

When I was a Educational Computing Grad Student, I created a PowerPoint game for a class I that was about utilizing Microsoft Office in the classroom. It was my cumulative learning experience about the program. My game was simple-“Adventures in American Art” for grades 5 and 6 where a detective tries to recover all of the missing American artwork. You got the right answer by clicking on the correct corresponding American art- you moved onto to the next question (slide) and was one step closer to saving the American artwork from being stolen. But answer wrong and you had a chance of having your cover blown and all the artwork would be lost- forever! I would love to show you this as an example, however I am sure that it violates every copyright law known to man! For educational purposes it was fine for me to show my classes, just not for thousands of viewers! Therefore, here is an example of a very simple game sample and how it functions: I learned a lot about PowerPoint creating this g...

Do your students continuously interchange the terms "Internet" and "World Wide Web"? They are not synonymous! Teach your students the difference between the two! Great informational sites include: Webopedia How Stuff Works Diffen Quick project ideas: Use Inspiration or Kidspiration Software to visually map out the differences between the two. Use PowerPoint to create a slideshow. Divide the class into two- one half will create facts about the Internet and the other about the World Wide Web. Create a Spreadsheet or Word Document listing the differences between the Internet and World Wide Web.

Major Topic: Mouse, Microsoft Paint Week/Weeks: 3 classes NETS for Students: 1. Creativity and Innovation   Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. Students: a. apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes. b. create original works as a means of personal or group expression. c. use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues. d. identify trends and forecast possibilities. 6. Technology Operations and Concepts   Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. Students:   a. understand and use technology systems. b. select and use applications effectively and productively. c. troubleshoot systems and applications. d. transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies. Materials: Projector and whiteboard Mi...