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For Teachers

The Middle School computer lab is equipped with 19 iMac G5 computers running OS X Tiger. In addition, it is equipped with an LCD projector for large screen presentations. Digital still and video cameras are also available. All computers are fully multimedia capable with CD/DVD drives offering CD & DVD burning capabilities, and are networked to the SSFS campus network and the Internet. Software packages commonly used include Microsoft Office (Microsoft Word, Excel), Photoshop Elements, Adobe InDesign, Apple i-Life multimedia suite, and Inspiration.

Topics of 6th Grade Computer Literacy, and 7th/8th Grade Technology Integration during the 2005-2006 school year include:

6th Grade Topics:

• General computer literacy and vocabulary - such as basic hardware, the Mac OS, and more advanced internal or external hardware.
• Basic word processing and more advanced paragraph formatting.
• Graphics utilizing a digital camera and scanner, in conjunction with Photoshop Elements software.
• Power Point presentations using the "Content Wizard" or building from a basic template.
• Excel usage to study data entry, information in a table and also graphs.
• Internet and e-mail etiquette; safety and good judgment regarding personal information as well as viruses; search engines; and evaluating quality of resources.

7th/8th Grade Topics:

• Web sites/Webquests
• Internet safety and etiquette
• Word processing
• Research
• Spreadsheets
• Graphics/Multimedia
• Use of presentation software
• Similarities and differences of Windows and Mac systems

Sixth Grade

Sixth grade Technology Skills is a trimester long class that meets once per weekly cycle. Study begins with an introduction to various computer media and hardware standards. Units and projects allow students to further develop word processing and spreadsheet skills. Sixth graders continue building their keyboarding skills through a variety of computer writing projects. Students utilize digital cameras, and use graphic-editing tools as well. The development of critical tools necessary to evaluate web sites and Internet information is included in this course. Students also explore various multimedia and presentation tools that they incorporate into projects that tie in to various areas of the overall curriculum.

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Seventh Grade

Seventh grade Technology Skills is a trimester long class that meets once per weekly cycle. Students are introduced to more advanced aspects of word-processing and presentation software, and the use of spreadsheet software is explored in greater detail. Multimedia applications are used in a variety of ways and students become familiar with various file and media types. This course of studies also intends to cover researching skills, how to effectively evaluate website content, and how to properly cite Internet sources. The Technology Skills class is intended to help students strengthen and broaden their computer abilities, while integrating their use of technology as a tool across the curriculum.

Eighth Grade

Eighth grade Technology Skills is a trimester long class that meets once per weekly cycle. Students are introduced to more advanced aspects of spreadsheet, word-processing and presentation software. Multimedia applications are explored and students become familiar with a wider range of media types. This course of studies also intends to review computer privacy, Internet ethics, and software and media copyright issues. Finally, the similarities and differences between the Windows XP and Mac OSX systems are covered. The Technology Skills class is intended to help students strengthen and broaden their computer abilities, while integrating their use of technology as a tool across the curriculum.

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