Technology

Computer Applications/Technology:
Below is a cross section of what students learn in each grade at St. Agatha
Overall students branch out in various areas depending on their age and developmental levels. Building blocks include gaining understanding of operating systems, BIOS properties, hardware, keyboarding, applications, problem solving, techology advancements, and the future. Students are given presentations and tutorials and then they apply the information through specific activities.

Montessori students enjoy learning how to open different applications, which helps them learn better ways to manipulate the mouse for better productivity.

First grade is exploring various applications as part of their spontaneous self expression. They enjoy being creative in the class and challenging each other to improve on their keyboarding ability.

Second grade-The class creates different projects through the age appropriate applications they have in the St. Agatha folder. They have learned to manipulate the mouse well and how to locate specific files on the computer.

Third grade- Throughout the year the class learns how to use PowerPoint well so they are better prepared for their major presentations in the mainstream classroom. They also increase their basic understanding of computers, keyboarding, and research skills.

Fourth grade- In the beginning, students from 4th grade through 8th grade improve keyboarding skills to set the pace for improved productivity within each class and their grade. Through their available applications, students explore animation and create his or her own animated short features. Final products are presented in the class.

Fifth grade- In addition to keyboarding and improving their knowledge of computer technology, the class reviews the Windows Movie Maker application. They create storyboards, write scripts, learn how to direct and they act in their own public service announcement related to healthy lifestyles.

Middle School
Sixth grade- The class gains a deeper understanding of computer information. They complete projects on operating systems, input and output devices and they have create their own versions of peripheral devices. Toward the end of the year, they have the opportunity to enter the gaming world through an interactive website that promotes problem-solving skills while teaching them how to design video games. The final product will be their own individual video game that others across the country can play and critique.

Seventh grade- The class increases their keyboarding skills through typing lecture notes in class. Lectures are presented on problem solving, which prepares them to better solve world problems. In the last trimester students are put in small groups to explore areas of need in various countries. They have explored ways to improve their creative problem solving skills, how to break barriers that hinder creativity and proper solutions from being realized. The final project is for them to identify a country, explore its demographic information, and problem areas the culture faces. The information they have learned on problem solving is use it to solve one area of need for that country. In the past groups have developed water purification systems, proposed resolutions to transportation issues, and improved upon a family’s quality of life through various devices.

Eighth grade- Students explore Boolean research methodology, develop intermediate to masery levels within application software, improve keyboarding skills in preparation for high school, and improve upon their comprehension of computer skills and knowledge. Groups learn additional video features related to marketing and advertising. The project includes each group developing a promotional plan, creating storyboards, writing release/permission forms for filming, creating an action plan, filming, learning about different coding and decoding issues, editing, and burning final products for review.

I trust each of you will have a wonderful year full of surprises to share with the class!