The computer lab is up and running very well and hopefully the Internet is
operational for use in completing some school tasks. I don't have to remind you
that the students of today live in a world of "School House Rock - Grades 1
and 2", "Kidpix for Grade One" and "Gizmos and
Gadgets". All of these software packages are great and provide our young
students with a sense of accomplishment and knowledge. These are all admirable
choices for the home and the classroom - but in the computer lab, our objective
is to provide an opportunity to develop those skills that will:
A. Direct them to use their fingers in a disciplined manner
B. Develop their sense of logic (Computereze)
C. Encourage them to follow and use computer directions
D. Respect the power of the machine and of each other's work
It is hoped that this will provide a foundation for them to be able to seek, understand and use the components necessary to utilize newer programs, updated programs and all of the wonderful and unthought-of now applications in their computer age.
As you are aware, the lab has installed Mavis and Mario keyboarding software. These two applications are a very good practice opportunity for the students. We realize that the development of their fingers and the span of their reach will determine when they are "really" keyboarding. In the meantime, they will be encouraged to use the proper fingering when using these packages.
Developing their sense of logic is another mysterious and wondrous avenue to explore. It has been found that tasks relating to and utilizing color, shapes, as well as words are the most advantageous projects that will accomplish this goal. In the Microsoft Word package, there is a "subprogram" called AutoShapes that provide the basic shapes (either pre-drawn or hand-drawn) that can be accessed by students. Computer assignments will be given (usually holiday based) that will require the boys and girls to create, produce and correct their given screens. Once their pictures satisfy both the requirements of the project and the student, they will be asked to print (on-line). Most of them already know how to do this.
Our students will insert margins, insertion of pictures and drawings, borders, and artwork at the appropriate times. In order not to place undue pressure on completion, the students will taught to save to disk - and this always includes recalling from disk to begin work on another day. Sometimes it takes more than 40 minutes to complete, what they think, is an acceptable paper to take home to you. Expect quite a few.
As you know, reading and following computer software directions are most frustrating; but if our children can understand the directives given by a machine early in life, they will not have the problems that most adults do. Reading the symbols, seeing what is wrong, recognizing a problem and then using their own thoughts to solve it is something high on our list of accomplishments. This takes time, patience and opportunity. The most important part of this phase is encouragement and giving them a sense of their control over the machine. Hopefully we can gain inroads here.
With all of the adverse publicity about the misuse of machines, it goes without much explanation the necessity to review and consistently encourage the importance of respect for others, for information and for what they are responsible for writing.
You are welcome to visit us with appropriate clearance from the office, of course. The children like to see you and I would like to meet you. Any concerns that you have at any time should be addressed immediately. Don't wait to discuss a problem that you see developing. Please call me: Betty Killmeyer 351-5403 at any time.
We are looking forward to a wonderful and fun-filled year!!!
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