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Middle School Computer/Technology Standards and Curriculum

6-8 Computer Standards of Learning

DESCRIPTION OF MIDDLE SCHOOL COMPUTER/TECHNOLOGY CURRICULUM
Begun during the 1997-98 school year at Elkton and Montevideo Middle Schools and during the 1998-99 school year at Wilbur S. Pence and J. Frank Hillyard Middle Schools, , all seventh and eighth graders take a full year of computer technology each year. By the end of the eighth grade year, all students are expected to have attained: 1) the Virginia Standards of Learning for Computer Technology for 8th grade 2) the objectives of the current high school keyboarding class and 3) the objectives of the current high school computer concepts class. Students who pass the grade 8 course will be awarded one credit toward graduation.

The topics and objectives for the middle school curriculum are listed below.

Seventh Grade Curriculum

Computer Theory
Discuss the historical development of the computer
Define and explain bits, bytes, binary logic
Discuss principles of data storage, retrieval, transmission
Demonstrate acceptable and ethical use of the computer (ethics, copyrights, security)

Computer/Technology Terminology
Identify and explain key technology terms (hardware,software, RAM, ROM, processor, diskette, CPU, icon,cursor, mouse, network, LAN, WAN, operating system,monitor, keyboard, mouse, peripheral devices, scanner, hard drive, modem, laser disk, and others)

Machine and Software Operations
Demonstrate proper machine controls (power, monitor, other)
Boot, access, and exit an operating system
Use icons, function keys, pull-down menus, help screens, information bars where applicable
Demonstrate proper use of computer equipment and peripherals
Use safety precautions for protecting hardware and data storage
Perform troubleshooting of computer hardware problems
Demonstrate proper file management and printing

Touch Typing Skills (minimum of four weeks of concentrated drill and practice, 10 minutes of drill and practice per day thereafter)
Constantly display correct fingering, posture, and hand position
Demonstrate knowledge of key location with drill and practice

Word Processing Skill Development
Enter text and save as a file
Proofread and edit text electronically (delete, move, cut, paste, other)
Use spell check and thesaurus
Name, rename, save and retrieve files to floppy and hard disks
Change text appearance (size, bold, underline, italicize, fonts)
Format a document (center, left and right justify, tab settings, page numbers, margins, landscape)Proofread and edit a document for accuracy, content, spelling, and punctuation
Input and edit a document from a rough draft
Produce a business letter that is correctly formatted and error free

Computer Graphics
Find and retrieve graphics
Use drawing tools to create or alter graphics
Import images into documents

Data Bases
Use given data bases for solving problems
Construct a simple data base
Add and edit data
Search, sort, and arrange data
Design a report layout
Print a data base report

Spreadsheets
Use given spreadsheets for solving problems
Construct a simple spreadsheet
Save and retrieve spreadsheet files
Enter data and formulas that add, subtract, multiply, and divide
Format a report layout
Print a spreadsheet report

Computer Communications
Discuss computer networking
Define and explain E-mail

Eighth Grade Curriculum

Note: To reinforce keyboarding skills ten minutes of each day must be devoted to keyboard drill and practice.

Computer Skill and Knowledge Review
Correctly operate the computer and its peripheral devices
Demonstrate proper keyboarding techniques
Demonstrate proper file management (locate, name, rename, save, retrieve,save/retrieve files of different software versions and platforms)
Use help screens and information bars
Perform troubleshooting of hardware and software problems

Word Processing Skills
Manage text (edit, format, font choice, size, style)
Use writing tools to improve composition
Format documents (page numbers, headers, footers, pagebreak, writing tools)
Copy, paste, and import text
Use drawing tools in text documents
Produce a multi-page document with acceptable format and accuracy
Create a format letter from rough draft
Change document layout (margins, landscape) and printer settings
Construct a personal resume'

Graphics Skills
Use drawing tools to create graphics
Edit images
Import images to other applications
Use advanced graphics software to produce a graphics document
Use presentation software to produce slide shows and movies

Spreadsheet Skills
Enter and edit data (move, copy, paste, fill, cell and character formats)
Use formula operators and functions (add, subtract, divide, multiply, round, average, others)
Arrange and sort columns and rows
Format and print a spreadsheet report
Construct graphs and charts from spreadsheet information
Import spreadsheets into word processing documents

Data Base Skills
Create data bases
Interpret status panels/bars
Edit fields and records
Show data in different views
Sort information
Use calculations in data bases
Format a data base report
Produce a mail label report
Produce a mail merge document

Computer Communications
Demonstrate proper use of e-mail using LAN and WAN networks
Conduct search using Internet and LAN (school library)
Develop a personal homepage
Discuss computer networking
Download and save information from networks

Computer Ethics
Demonstrate adherence to the RCPS acceptable use policy
Discuss security issues related to hardware, software, and data
Discuss the importance of integrity and confidentiality of data files
Demonstrate ethical use of the Internet
Define and explain: shareware, freeware, public domain
Display knowledge of and respect for copyright laws and software
licensing agreements
Discuss software viruses and methods to detect/prevent them

Computer/Technology Standards of Learning

Grades 6-8

Basic Operations and Concepts
C/T 6-8.1        The student will demonstrate knowledge of the nature and operation of technology systems.

Describe how technology impacts learning.

Explore how software and hardware are developed to respond to the changing needs of technology.

Describe compatibility issues, between various types of technology.

C/T6-8.2         The student will demonstrate proficiency in the use of technology.

Understand that hardware and software have different operating systems that may affect their use.

Use self-help features such as online tutorials and manuals to learn to use hardware and software.

Social and Ethical Issues

C/T 6-8.3        The student will demonstrate knowledge of ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology.

Demonstrate knowledge of current changes in information technologies.

Explain the need for laws and policies to govern technology.

Explore career opportunities in technology related careers.

C/T 6-8.4       The student will practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.

Demonstrate the correct use of fair use and copyright regulations.

Demonstrate compliance with the school division’s Acceptable Use Policy and other legal guidelines.

C/T 6-8.5        The student will demonstrate knowledge of technologies that support collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.

Work collaboratively and/or independently when using technology.

Practice preventative maintenance of equipment, resources, and facilities.

Explore the potential of the Internet as a means of personal learning and the respectful exchange of ideas and products.

Technology Research Tools
C/T 6-8.6        The student will use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.

Use databases and spreadsheets to evaluate information.

Use technology resources such as calculators and data collection probes for gathering information.

Use Internet and other electronic resources to locate information in real time.

C/T 6-8.7        The student will evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on the appropriateness for specific tasks.

Use search strategies to retrieve information.

Evaluate the accuracy, relevance, and appropriateness of electronic information sources.

Problem-solving and Decision-making Tools
C/T 6-8.8        The student will use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.

Employ technology in the development of strategies for solving problems.

Use a variety of technologies to identify and provide possible solutions to real-world problems.

Use content-specific tools, software, and simulations such as environmental probes, graphic calculators, exploratory environments, and web tools.

Participate in collaborative problem-solving activities.

Select and use appropriate tools and technology resources to accomplish a variety of tasks.

Technology Communication Tools
C/T 6-8.9        The student will use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences.

Choose the appropriate tool, format, and style to communicate information.

Independently use technology tools to create and communicate for individual and/or collaborative projects.

Produce documents demonstrating the ability to edit, reformat, and integrate various software tools.

When it comes to learning, we click!

Rockingham County Public Schools
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Middle School Computer/Technology Standards and Curriculum
6-8 Computer Standards of Learning

DESCRIPTION OF MIDDLE SCHOOL COMPUTER/TECHNOLOGY CURRICULUM Begun during the 1997-98 school year at Elkton and Montevideo Middle Schools and during the 1998-99 school year at Wilbur S. Pence and J. Frank Hillyard Middle Schools, , all seventh and eighth graders take a full year of computer technology each year. By the end of the eighth grade year, all students are expected to have attained: 1) the Virginia Standards of Learning for Computer Technology for 8th grade 2) the objectives of the current high school keyboarding class and 3) the objectives of the current high school computer concepts class. Students who pass the grade 8 course will be awarded one credit toward graduation. The topics and objectives for the middle school curriculum are listed below. Seventh Grade Curriculum Computer Theory Discuss the historical development of the computer Define and explain bits, bytes, binary logic Discuss principles of data storage, retrieval, transmission Demonstrate acceptable and ethical use of the computer (ethics, copyrights, security) Computer/Technology Terminology Identify and explain key technology terms (hardware,software, RAM, ROM, processor, diskette, CPU, icon,cursor, mouse, network, LAN, WAN, operating system,monitor, keyboard, mouse, peripheral devices, scanner, hard drive, modem, laser disk, and others) Machine and Software Operations Demonstrate proper machine controls (power, monitor, other) Boot, access, and exit an operating system Use icons, function keys, pull-down menus, help screens, information bars where applicable Demonstrate proper use of computer equipment and peripherals Use safety precautions for protecting hardware and data storage Perform troubleshooting of computer hardware problems Demonstrate proper file management and printing Touch Typing Skills (minimum of four weeks of concentrated drill and practice, 10 minutes of drill and practice per day thereafter) Constantly display correct fingering, posture, and hand position Demonstrate knowledge of key location with drill and practice Word Processing Skill Development Enter text and save as a file Proofread and edit text electronically (delete, move, cut, paste, other) Use spell check and thesaurus Name, rename, save and retrieve files to floppy and hard disks Change text appearance (size, bold, underline, italicize, fonts) Format a document (center, left and right justify, tab settings, page numbers, margins, landscape)Proofread and edit a document for accuracy, content, spelling, and punctuation Input and edit a document from a rough draft Produce a business letter that is correctly formatted and error free Computer Graphics Find and retrieve graphics Use drawing tools to create or alter graphics Import images into documents Data Bases Use given data bases for solving problems Construct a simple data base Add and edit data Search, sort, and arrange data Design a report layout Print a data base report Spreadsheets Use given spreadsheets for solving problems Construct a simple spreadsheet Save and retrieve spreadsheet files Enter data and formulas that add, subtract, multiply, and divide Format a report layout Print a spreadsheet report Computer Communications Discuss computer networking Define and explain E-mail Eighth Grade Curriculum Note: To reinforce keyboarding skills ten minutes of each day must be devoted to keyboard drill and practice. Computer Skill and Knowledge Review Correctly operate the computer and its peripheral devices Demonstrate proper keyboarding techniques Demonstrate proper file management (locate, name, rename, save, retrieve,save/retrieve files of different software versions and platforms) Use help screens and information bars Perform troubleshooting of hardware and software problems Word Processing Skills Manage text (edit, format, font choice, size, style) Use writing tools to improve composition Format documents (page numbers, headers, footers, pagebreak, writing tools) Copy, paste, and import text Use drawing tools in text documents Produce a multi-page document with acceptable format and accuracy Create a format letter from rough draft Change document layout (margins, landscape) and printer settings Construct a personal resume' Graphics Skills Use drawing tools to create graphics Edit images Import images to other applications Use advanced graphics software to produce a graphics document Use presentation software to produce slide shows and movies Spreadsheet Skills Enter and edit data (move, copy, paste, fill, cell and character formats) Use formula operators and functions (add, subtract, divide, multiply, round, average, others) Arrange and sort columns and rows Format and print a spreadsheet report Construct graphs and charts from spreadsheet information Import spreadsheets into word processing documents Data Base Skills Create data bases Interpret status panels/bars Edit fields and records Show data in different views Sort information Use calculations in data bases Format a data base report Produce a mail label report Produce a mail merge document Computer Communications Demonstrate proper use of e-mail using LAN and WAN networks Conduct search using Internet and LAN (school library) Develop a personal homepage Discuss computer networking Download and save information from networks Computer Ethics Demonstrate adherence to the RCPS acceptable use policy Discuss security issues related to hardware, software, and data Discuss the importance of integrity and confidentiality of data files Demonstrate ethical use of the Internet Define and explain: shareware, freeware, public domain Display knowledge of and respect for copyright laws and software licensing agreements Discuss software viruses and methods to detect/prevent them Computer/Technology Standards of Learning Grades 6-8 Basic Operations and Concepts C/T 6-8.1 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the nature and operation of technology systems. Describe how technology impacts learning. Explore how software and hardware are developed to respond to the changing needs of technology. Describe compatibility issues, between various types of technology. C/T6-8.2 The student will demonstrate proficiency in the use of technology. Understand that hardware and software have different operating systems that may affect their use. Use self-help features such as online tutorials and manuals to learn to use hardware and software. Social and Ethical Issues C/T 6-8.3 The student will demonstrate knowledge of ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology. Demonstrate knowledge of current changes in information technologies. Explain the need for laws and policies to govern technology. Explore career opportunities in technology related careers. C/T 6-8.4 The student will practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software. Demonstrate the correct use of fair use and copyright regulations. Demonstrate compliance with the school division’s Acceptable Use Policy and other legal guidelines. C/T 6-8.5 The student will demonstrate knowledge of technologies that support collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity. Work collaboratively and/or independently when using technology. Practice preventative maintenance of equipment, resources, and facilities. Explore the potential of the Internet as a means of personal learning and the respectful exchange of ideas and products. Technology Research Tools C/T 6-8.6 The student will use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources. Use databases and spreadsheets to evaluate information. Use technology resources such as calculators and data collection probes for gathering information. Use Internet and other electronic resources to locate information in real time. C/T 6-8.7 The student will evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on the appropriateness for specific tasks. Use search strategies to retrieve information. Evaluate the accuracy, relevance, and appropriateness of electronic information sources. Problem-solving and Decision-making Tools C/T 6-8.8 The student will use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions. Employ technology in the development of strategies for solving problems. Use a variety of technologies to identify and provide possible solutions to real-world problems. Use content-specific tools, software, and simulations such as environmental probes, graphic calculators, exploratory environments, and web tools. Participate in collaborative problem-solving activities. Select and use appropriate tools and technology resources to accomplish a variety of tasks. Technology Communication Tools C/T 6-8.9 The student will use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences. Choose the appropriate tool, format, and style to communicate information. Independently use technology tools to create and communicate for individual and/or collaborative projects. Produce documents demonstrating the ability to edit, reformat, and integrate various software tools.

When it comes to learning, we click!