As the students return for the 2000-2001 school year at St. Maurice, they will find a newly installed computer lab. The transfer to IBM - Windows Based software will, by its similarities and differences to the MAC system, require several sessions dedicated to the unique characteristics of the installed software programs and these machines. Students will have their own computer and the only items they will share are the printers. Each computer will have Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, Power Point and access to research vehicles such as the Internet and encyclopedias.
The students will need time and instruction in the use of the newly installed banks of computers and the proper procedures for accessing their own files and finding their way through an on-line system. They will be reviewing the correct terminology of the various hardware components, their uses and capabilities.
Additional time will be given to keyboarding procedures that will be computer generated. The title of the software program that has been selected is Mavis Teaches Typing and, if, in fact, you have this at home, please encourage your child to practice.
As we progress into the fall, the main emphasis of the 7th year curriculum will begin. Seventh year students are instructed in the various elements of a spreadsheet program that is available from a desktop. Columns, rows, formulae and data transfer is the main emphasis of this year's work.
The students will be given a packet of problems that they will need to be set up. These include test score averages, bowling scores, batting averages, budgets, etc. As you can see, this information can be applied to their own test scores or any mathematical information that they are keeping.
As the second semester begins, they will be instructed on the application of percent functions to an income tax situation. Instruction of a very general nature about taxes and taxing bodies is fundamental to understanding why tax rates are they way they are. Graphs, as a necessary function to understanding numbers and their comparisons, are encouraged and taught at this time. Although there may be many graphs that lend itself to various situations - there is always one that is most relevant. Students are encouraged to "discover" this - rather than be told which one to use.
As time presents itself, the remaining part of the school year will be devoted to exercises using two functions of the software packages: the Internet and Power Point. As the student progresses through their income tax situations and the stock market problems, the Internet can be used as a source of much practical information. They certainly will be encouraged to do so.
If you have any questions at any time, please call - Betty Killmeyer 351-5403
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