Second Quarter Begins

We have made it through the first quarter and now we begin our adventure through the second quarter. The elementary classes seem to enjoy coming across the street to the Big Computer Lab and using the brand new computers. Most students have memorized their passwords and can sign onto the computer with no help.

The middle school students are working on several applications, as well as their science fair projects and their history day projects.

First Quarter Coming to an End

The first quarter is coming to an end. We have had so much fun in the computer classes. The fifth, fourth and second graders have learned how to make a power point slide show. The third graders have just finished writing and typing stories in Microsoft Word. The first graders and kindergarteners have been practicing finding letters on the keyboard and using the mouse by making pictures on Tux Paint.

The Middle School classes have learned the basics in Microsoft Word, Power Point and are now working on spreadsheets. I have been sending home weekly progress reports for middle school students. If they are not getting home, please let me know and I will email a copy to you.

Having Fun!

We are having a great time in computer class this year. I really like the new online curriculum and the students seem to have a lot of fun with it, too. All grades, except kindergarten, are logging onto the computer, the internet and to the K to the 8th Power program. Each student has lessons I have assigned that we will complete in class. These lessons can also be done at home if an internet connection is available. If you would like to know your child's user name and password for the program, send an email to me at tmatthews@bps14.org. Please include your name, your child's name and grade. I will then email that information back to you.

The website for the computer curriculum is kto8.com.

New Year!!

Welcome to the new school year. I am very excited about the new class we are adding for elementary students this year---computers!!! Elementary students will have computer class weekly this year and middle school students will alternate computers with P.E. (I think) We have an online computer curriculum this year so students will be able to access it anywhere they can get on the internet. Students will be working on applications such a word processing, publisher, spreadsheets, and presentations. They will also be learning about ethical computer use, computer skills, operating systems and files, internet browsing, email, and multimedia applications. Our goal is to have all students ready for post-high school education and/or the job market when they graduate from high school. My goal is to have the students ready to learn at the high school level when they leave middle school.

If you have questions, concerns, or comments, you can contact me by leaving a post on this blog, email me, or call the elementary or middle school offices. I will be updating this blog and sending newsletters home to keep parents updated on what the students are learning in computers.