Welcome!!

LATEST NEWS from SEMS Instructional Technology Facilitator!

Classroom iMacs will very soon be replaced with white, Intel iMacs and our network will be running the Leopard Operating System.

8th grade students have begun a review of the 6 strands of the NC Online Test of Computer Skills in preparation for fall testing.  Testing dates have been confirmed for December 8- 16.  Please utilize the online resources listed below.

If you want to practice for the NC Online Test of Computer Skills at home, you can download NCDesk to your home computer.

Overview of NC Desk

Starting the 2005-06 school year, students in grade 8 will be administered the North Carolina Online Test of Computer Skills or the North Carolina Computer Skills Alternate Assessment in order to demonstrate computer skills proficiency. Per State Board of Education policy HSP-N-004 (16 NCAC 6D .0503), effective with the class of 2001, all students must demonstrate computer proficiency in order to receive a North Carolina high school diploma.

The online test has a total of 72 items, divided into four sections. The items are not delivered randomly, nor are they divided into specific strand (i.e. database, word processing, etc.). This test measures the 2004 curriculum and contains approximately 41 objectives. There is a 50-50 ratio of multiple choice vs. performance items.

The online test is a web-based delivery through NCDesk. NCDesk is an integrated Java Applications Suite. The testing environment includes
Text editor / word processing application
Database application
Spreadsheet application
E-mail composer application with mimic application
Window management application

This test replaces the Computer Skills Tests for the 1992 & 1998 standards and addresses the objectives of the newly revised (February 2004) K-12 Computer/Technology Skills Standard Course of Study.


Testing Calendar for 2008-2009
First Semester 2008 [Fall] October 13, 2008 through January 9, 2009
Second Semester 2009 [Spring] March 16, 2009 through May 15, 2009
Summer Semester 2009 TBD

Test Information
Strand & Percentage of Test Items
Societal / Ethical Issues 12-14%
Database 22-25%
Spreadsheet 22-25%
Keyboard Utilization / WP / DTP 18-20%
Multimedia / Presentation 10-12%
Telecommunications / Internet 10-12%

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Resources

North Carolina Online Test of Computer Skills website
http://cskills.ncsu.edu/nccs

Home Page for the NCDesk application suite and other information regarding the Online Test of Computer Skills
http://ncdesk.ncsu.edu/ncdesk

NCDesk Overview
http://cuacs8.mck.ncsu.edu/nccs/

NCDesk Technical Notes Home Page
http://cskills.ncsu.edu/ncdesk/technote/

NCDesk Test Simulation
http://cuacs8.mck.ncsu.edu/ncdesk/simulation.asp

NC Desk Sample Files
http://cuacs8.mck.ncsu.edu/ncdesk/samplefiles.asp

K-12 Computer/Technology Skills Standard Course of Study
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/computerskills

NC Computer Skills SCOS Glossary
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/computerskills/scos/20glossary

NC DPI Computer/Technology Skills page for Curriculum & School Reform
http://community.learnnc.org/dpi/tech

NC DPI Accountability Services Division: Test of Computer Skills (Graduation-Requirement)
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/testing/computerskills

NC DPI Educational Technology Implementation & Planning Services website
http://tps.dpi.state.nc.us/

NC DPI: Test of Computer Skills Handbook
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/testing/computerskills/handbook

NC DPI: Instructional Technology Division website
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/impact/div_it/?

LEARN NC Best of the Web: Educational Technology
http://www.learnnc.org/bestweb/search?subject=education+technology

Kaleidoscope
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/index.htm

Societal / Ethics Issues Resources

NC SCoS Societal/Ethical Issues
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/computerskills/scos/k-8/01societal

Societal Issues
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/techknowpark/MiniPosters/Poster1.html

Societal Scenarios
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/techknowpark/MiniPosters/Poster2.html

Societal Issues Word Search
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/techknowpark/MiniPosters/Poster3.html

Societal Issues Word Bank
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/techknowpark/MiniPosters/Poster3b.html

Crime Scene Scenario
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/techknowpark/viruses/hacker.html

Ethics Vocabulary
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/techknowpark/MiniPosters/Poster6.html

Glossary: Viruses, Vandalism, Intrusion
NC Wise Owl http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/techknowpark/viruses/glossary.html

Copyright in an Electronic Environment
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/copyright1.html

A Visit to Copyright Bay: Understand intellectual property and fair use of copyrighted materials in the classroom
http://www.stfrancis.edu/cid/copyrightbay/

Security & Ethics
http://www.kidzonline.org/TechTraining/video.asp?UnitQry=Security

Fair Use Checklist
http://www.copyright.iupui.edu/
http://www.copyright.iupui.edu/checklist.htm

Copyright Lesson
http://www.cyberbee.com/copyrpln.pdf

Copyright & Ethics Articles
http://www.techlearning.com/hot_topics/copyright.jhtml

CopyRight-CopyWrong
http://www.csus.edu/indiv/p/peachj/edte230/copyright/

United States Copyright Office
http://www.copyright.gov/

Ten Commandments for Computer Ethics
http://www.tekmom.com/tencommand/index.html

Citing Internet Resources
http://www.classroom.com/community/connection/howto/citeresources.jhtml


Database Resources

NC SCoS Database
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/computerskills/scos/k-8/02database

Database Vocabulary
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/techknowpark/MiniPosters/Poster20.html

The Great Database Page
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/Hovercraft/Jukebox/Databases/index.htm

LEARNNC Database � Search on the word �database�
http://www.learnnc.org/lessons/

Database Activity
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/techknowpark/MiniPosters/Poster22.html
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/techknowpark/MiniPosters/Poster23.html

Coasters and Countries
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/techknowpark/coasters/index.html#

Database Activities
http://www.writesite4u.com/pages/db.html

Online Database Activity
http://www.mcs.k12.nc.us/links/8th%20Grade%20Computer%20Skills/database_flash.htm

The Great Database Page � An Incredibly Inquisitive collection of Curiosities
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/Hovercraft/Jukebox/Databases/index.htm


Spreadsheet Resources

NC SCoS Spreadsheet
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/computerskills/scos/k-8/03spreadsheet

Spreadsheet Vocabulary
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/techknowpark/MiniPosters/Poster14.html

Movie Soundtracks and CDs
NC Wise Owl http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/techknowpark/MiniPosters/Poster16.html

Graphing with Spreadsheets
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/techknowpark/FreeFall/Graphing.html

LEARNNC Database � Search on the word �spreadsheet�
http://www.learnnc.org/lessons/

Online Spreadsheet Activity
http://www.mcs.k12.nc.us/links/8th%20Grade%20Computer%20Skills/seven_dwarfs_spreadsheet_flash.htm

Almost Everything You Need For using Spreadsheets in the Classroom
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/Hovercraft/Jukebox/Spreadsheets2.htm

Spreadsheet Crossword Puzzle
http://www.catawba.k12.nc.us/pages/sites/edwebsites/computerskills/quizzes/spreadsheetcc.htm

Spreadsheet Matching
http://www.catawba.k12.nc.us/pages/sites/edwebsites/computerskills/quizzes/spreadsheetmatching.htm

Spreadsheet Activities
http://www.writesite4u.com/pages/ss.html

Excel Web Tutorials
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/on-line_excel.htm

Create A Graph
http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/Graphing/

Desktop Publishing Resources

NC SCoS Keyboard Utilization/WP/DTP
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/computerskills/scos/k-8/04keyboard

Vocabulary for Word Processing
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/techknowpark/MiniPosters/Poster7.html

Vocabulary Activity
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/techknowpark/MiniPosters/Poster9.html

Diagram of a Document
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/techknowpark/MiniPosters/Poster8.html

Word Procession vs. Desktop Publishing
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/techknowpark/RaceTrk/Advantages.html

Web Related Activities for Word Proc
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/techknowpark/Suitcase/index.html

Online Desktop Publishing Activity
http://www.mcs.k12.nc.us/links/8th%20Grade%20Computer%20Skills/desktop_publishing_flash.htm

Desktop Publishing Activities
http://www.writesite4u.com/pages/dtp.html

LEARNNC Database � Search on the word �desktop publishing�
http://www.learnnc.org/lessons/

Be A Survivor
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/techknowpark/ShipSwing/survivor/menu.html


Multimedia / Presentation Resources

NC SCoS Multimedia/Presentation
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/computerskills/scos/k-8/06communications

Multimedia Vocabulary
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/techknowpark/MiniPosters/Poster31.html
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/techknowpark/MiniPosters/Poster32.html

Multimedia Fill in the Blanks
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/techknowpark/MiniPosters/Poster33.html
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/techknowpark/MiniPosters/Poster34.html

Six Weeks of Multimedia Activities
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/techknowpark/Kiosk/Wks31_36.html

Learn how to plan for and create a multimedia product with MI (Multiple Intelligences) Way!
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/techknowpark/LoopCoaster/eSmartz1.html

Multimedia Madness
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/techknowpark/Arcade/Menu.html

Using Video in the Classroom (Real-Life Examples)
http://www.west.asu.edu/achristie/dmedia/

Look Smart � Articles & Advice
http://www.3m.com/meetingnetwork/presentations/

Telecommunications / Internet Resources

NC SCoS Telecommunication/Internet
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/computerskills/scos/k-8/06communications

Cyber Speak Blossary

http://www.scholastic.com/kids/software/cyberspeak/glossary.htm

Things to Know about the Internet
http://www.deblogan.com/things2.html

Tools for Teaching Stupendous Internet Search Habits�
http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/Hovercraft/Jukebox/SearchSkills.htm

Telecommunication Activities
http://www.writesite4u.com/pages/tele.html

Collaborative Online Projects Make Easyhttp://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/techknowpark/Kiosk/Telecoms/index.html

Internet Guide: An Introduction to the Internet
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/tv/resources/technology/leu_internetguide.html?ett02

Utilizing the Internet
http://www.kidzonline.org/TechTraining/video.asp?UnitQry=Utilizing%20the%20Internet

Keeping Your Kids Internet Safe and Smart
http://www.commonsense.com/internet-safety-guide/

Searching The Web � Online Tutorial
http://teams.lacoe.edu/documentation/classrooms/gayle/search/search.html

Learning the Web � The Basics
http://www.teachersfirst.com/tutorial/webintro.htm

Internet 101 (For Beginners)
http://www.internet101.org/internet101.html

Student Preparation Materials

Gaston County Schools Computer Skills Test: 2008-09 Homepage

Computer Skills Practice Hotlist

SCS Computer Skills Review Site

http://www.pioneer.net/~mchumor/computer_cartoons.html

The Country Folk definition for

Log On is...Makin' the stove hotter

Log Off is...Coolin 'er down

Monitor is...Keepin' an eye on 'er

Download is...Gitten the farwood off'n the truck

Megahertz is...When yer not keerful gitten the farwood

Floppy Disk is...Whutcha git from tryin ta tote too much farwood

Ram is...That thar thang what splits farwood

Hard Drive is...Gitten home in the winter time

Windows are...Whut is shut when it's cold outside

Screen is... Whut ta shut when it's black fly season

Byte is...Whut dem dang flys do

Chip is...Munchies fer the TV

Micro-chip...Whut's in the bottom of the munchie bag

Modem...Whutcha do to da hay fields

Dot Matrix...Dot Com's name after she got hitched ta Dan Matrix

Laptop...Whar the kittie naps

Keyboard...Where ya hang the truck keys

Software...Them thar plastic forks 'n knifes

Mouse...Whut eats the grain in the barn

Mouse Pad...Thats jes hippie talk fer where the mouse lives

Mainframe...Hold up the barn roof

Port...Fancy schmantcie flatlander wine

Enter...Duh! How ya git in the house

Click...Whut ya hear when ya draw back the hammer of yer rifle.

Double-Click...Whut ya hear when ya REALLY mean bizness

Reboot...Whut ya have ta do right before bedtime when ya have ta go ta the outhouse

Quote...Where's the "Any" key? --- Homer Simpson

Quote..."Computers are useless. They can only give you answers." Pablo Picasso.

Quote...The manual says to insert disk three, but only one will fit. --- Anon

Quote...Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one. --- Charles Sykes

Quote...Technology is the knack of so arranging the world that we do not experience it. --- Anon

Please click on flashcards for practice of multiple-choice questions. Your challenge is to correctly answer all 97 questions!!!!

Technically, a quick quiz! by Discovery Channel

1. Computer animators took the time to place individual hairs on Sully, the huge but friendly star of the film "Monsters, Inc." Just how many hairs were needed to make up his blue and purple fur?
a. 4,000 hairs
b. 1,200,640 hairs
c. 2,320,412 hairs

2. In 1945, a programmer working on a primitive computer at Harvard University recorded the first actual case of a "computer bug." The term later came to mean a glitch in a computer program; which actual bug was found to have caused the computer problem at Harvard?
a. a moth
b. a fly
c. a cockroach

3. Electronics companies have developed a technology called "audio fingerprinting" for Internet radio. This helps the consumer
a. tell whether the song can be downloaded free as an MP3
b. see text that identifies the name of the song and its artist
c. identify the song as a bootleg version

4. True or False? The U.S. Postal Service plans to sell an electronic stamp that would certify the authenticity and delivery time of e-mail.

5. In the future, computerized robots will take over more human tasks. Which one of the following is currently not being done by a robot?
a. milking cows
b. playing soccer
c. delivering mail

6. One auto company is driving a prototype car that is guided not by a steering wheel, but by
a. a mouse
b. a joystick
c. a Global Positioning System (GPS)

7. True or False Farmers in southern Framce are replacing the clanking cowbell with silent tracking that uses the Global Positioning System, a network of 24 satellites operated by the Department of Defense.

(E-Mail me for the correct answers!!!!!!)

A Poem for Computer Users Over 30
A computer was something on TV From a science fiction show of note
A window was something you hated to clean
And ram was the cousin of a goat.
Meg was the name of my girlfriend
And gig was a job for the nights
Now they all mean different things
And that really mega bytes.
An application was for employment
A program was a TV show
A cursor used profanity
A keyboard was a piano.
Memory was something that you lost with age
A CD was a bank account
Compress was something you did to the garbage Not something you did to a file
Log on was adding wood to the fire
Hard drive was a long trip on the road
A mouse pad was where a mouse lived
And a backup happened to your commode.
Cut you did with a pocket knife
Paste you did with glue
A web was a spider's home
And a virus was the flu.
I guess I'll stick to my pad and paper
And the memory in my head
I hear nobody's been killed in a computer crash
But I've heard it plenty times said !



"Windows" Recall" Very Funny WINDERS 2005 (Arkansas Edition)

The Recycle Bin is labeled "Outhouse"
My Computer is called "This Dern Contraption"
Dial Up Networking is called "Good Ol' Boys"
Control Panel is known as "The Dashboard"
Hard Drive is referred to as "4-Wheel Drive"
Floppies are "Them little ol' plastic thangs"
Instead of an error message, "Duct Tape" pops up

CHANGES IN TERMINOLOGY
Cancel............stopdat
Reset..............try'er agin
Yes...............yep
Find...............hunt fer it
Go to.............over yonder
Back...............back yonder
Help..............hep me out here
Stop...............kwitit (WHOA!)
Start............crank'er up
Settings..........settins
Programs......... stuff at duz stuff
Documents....... .stuff ah done did
Some programs that are exclusive to WINDERS 2005 are:
Tiperiter............a word processing program
Colerin' Book..................a graphics program
Cyferin' Mersheen............calculator
Outhouse Paper................notepad I
nner-net......................Microsoft explorer 5.0
Pitchers........................a graphics viewer
I hope this helps all y'all!

Billy Bob Gates