Computer Education

Teacher:  Mrs. Platt

Computer Education at HMS consists of two different strands of study.  Grades 4 through 6 focus on Computer Applications and Grades 7 and 8 focus on Engineering & Design.

Grades 4-6

Computer Applications

In Grades 4 and 5 the students spend time developing their keyboarding skills using the Type to Learn keyboarding software.  They are introduced to the HMS network and time in class is spent developing their ability to understand and effectively use the network to access and store the files they need.   They learn to use the Microsoft Office programs - Word, Excel, PowerPoint - as technology tools to accomplish tasks for all of their subject areas.  Projects are appropriate for their grade level, and, as much as possible, are integrated with units of study in their classrooms.  The 4th graders, for example, utilize PowerPoint to create slide shows about sea creatures.  Students in Grades 4 and 5 attend Computer Class once a week for the entire school year.

Grade 6 is the last year of a "traditional" computer class for students at HMS.  By this time, they should be using the Microsoft Office programs effectively and independently.  Focus in this year is on using these tools well and on discovering new features of the programs to enhance the work they do for their other classes.  They are introduced to new software tools such as Inspiration, MovieMaker and PhotoStory.  Students in Grade 6 attend Computer Class 4 days in the 6-day rotation for one third of the school year.

The curriculum for Grades 4 through 6 is a "dynamic" curriculum that will continually change in response to new and emerging tools and technologies that become available to the students.  At all times, the safety and anonymity of the students is strictly safeguarded in the use of any Internet tools.

Grades 7-8

Engineering & Design

Students in Grades 7 and 8 are following a new curriculum called Engineering & Design that focuses on "technology" in a larger sense.  Technology is not just "computers", but can be more broadly seen as those tools and resources that humans design and develop as they respond to needs and tasks that people face on a daily basis.  Topics covered in these classes include:

 Grade 7 -

• Construction Technology (Bridges)
• Information Technology (Robotics)
• Communication Technology (Webpages)

   

 Grade 8 -

• Construction Technology (Home Design)
• Information Technology (Advanced Robotics)
• Communication Technology (Video Editing) 

   

The Grade 7 Engineering & Design curriculum is in its third year of implementation.  The Grade 8 curriculum was new in the 2008-2009 school year and is still being revised and enhanced.  Activities in these classes involve students in hands-on projects and virtual simulations.  Students work hands-on as they build bridges out of playing cards, program LEGO robots, and record video using mini DV camcorders.  They build virtual constructions as they use the West Point Bridge Designer and the Building Homes of Our Own software.

 Students in Grades 7 and 8 attend Computer Class 5 times in the 6-day rotation for one third of the school year.  At all times, the safety and anonymity of the students is strictly safeguarded in the use of any Internet tools.