West Middle School Computers

BASIC OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS

By the end of Grade 8 each student will:

1. use proper keyboarding posture, fi nger positions, and touch-typing techniques to improve accuracy, speed, and general

efficiency in operating a computer

2. use appropriate technology terminology

3. use a variety of technology tools (e.g., dictionary, thesaurus, grammar-checker, calculator) to maximize the accuracy of

technology-produced products

4. understand that new technology tools can be developed to do what could not be done without the use of technology

5. describe strategies for identifying and preventing routine hardware and software problems that may occur during

everyday technology use

6. identify changes in hardware and software systems over time and discuss how these changes affected various groups

(e.g., individual users, education, government, and businesses)

7. discuss common hardware and software difficulties and identify strategies for trouble-shooting and problem solving

8. identify characteristics that suggest that the computer system hardware or software might need to be upgraded

9. identify a variety of information storage devices (e.g., floppies, CDs, DVDs, fl ash drives, tapes) and provide a rationale

for using a certain device for a specific purpose

10. identify technology resources that assist with various consumer-related activities (e.g., budgets, purchases, banking

transactions, product descriptions)

11. identify appropriate file formats for a variety of applications

12. use basic utility programs or built-in application functions to convert fi le formats

13. proofread and edit writing using appropriate resources (e.g., dictionary, spell check, grammar check, grammar references,

writing references) and grade level appropriate checklists both individually and in groups

SOCIAL, ETHICAL, AND HUMAN ISSUES

By the end of Grade 8 each student will:

1. understand the potential risks and dangers associated with on-line communications

2 . identify security issues related to e-commerce

3. discuss issues related to acceptable and responsible use of technology (e.g., privacy, security, copyright, plagiarism, spam,

viruses, file-sharing)

4. describe possible consequences and costs related to unethical use of information and communication technologies

5. discuss the societal impact of technology in the future

6. provide accurate citations when referencing information from outside sources in electronic reports

7. use technology to identify and explore various occupations or careers

8. discuss possible uses of technology (present and future) to support personal pursuits and lifelong learning

9 . identify uses of technology to support communication with peers, family, or school personnel

TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS

By the end of Grade 8 each student will:

1. apply common software features (e.g., thesaurus, formulas, charts, graphics, sounds) to enhance communication and

to support creativity

2. use a variety of technology resources, including the internet, to increase learning and productivity

3. explore basic applications that promote creativity (e.g., graphics, presentation, photo-editing, programming, video-editing)

4. use available utilities for editing pictures, images, or charts

5. use collaborative tools to design, develop, and enhance materials, publications, or presentations

TECHNOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS TOOLS

By the end of Grade 8 each student will:

1. use a variety of telecommunication tools (e.g., e-mail, discussion groups, IM, chat rooms, blogs, video-conferences, web

conferences) or other online resources to collaborate interactively with peers, experts, and other audiences

2. create a project (e.g., presentation, web page, newsletter, information brochure) using a variety of media and formats

(e.g., graphs, charts, audio, graphics, video) to present content information to an audience

TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH TOOLS

By the end of Grade 8 each student will:

1. use a variety of Web search engines to locate information

2. evaluate information from various online resources for accuracy, bias, appropriateness, and comprehensiveness

3. identify types of internet sites based on their domain names (e.g., edu, com, org, gov, au)

4. know how to create and populate a database

5. perform queries on existing databases

6. know how to create and modify a simple database report

7. evaluate new technology tools and resources and determine the most appropriate tool to use for accomplishing a specific task

TECHNOLOGY PROBLEM-SOLVING AND DECISION-MAKING TOOLS

By the end of Grade 8 each student will:

1. use database or spreadsheet information to make predictions, develop strategies, and evaluate decisions to assist

with solving a basic problem

2. describe the information and communication technology tools to use for collecting information from different sources,

analyze findings, and draw conclusions for addressing real-world problems