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.
Fourth and Fifth year students will emphasis word processing skills. This will include more comprehensive keyboarding techniques. A commercial program will be used and the title of the software package being used will be made available to the parents. Practice is necessary to become proficient at this or any other skill.
As we begin the fourth level, accessing Microsoft Word, designating the students own SAVE patterns, the proper techniques of word processing and respect for viewing other's work will be emphasized. Students will be instructed on the various commands in the menu bars and how to insert some graphics and word art into their documents. They will be given various assignment packages (according to individual ability) that will emphasize spacing, margins, capitalization and selection of several editing commands. The fourth year will also emphasize the history and uses of computers in society and the responsibility of such use by all people.
As we progress into the fifth year, similar instruction will be given to reinforce the skills that were used in the fourth year. However, this year the emphasis will be placed on editing. Columns, borders, color selections, tabulation techniques and other devices that allow a student to present an individually styled paper will be encouraged. Along with outside research components in their writing classes, the students will be shown proper accessing of electronic encyclopedias and the correct manner of designating sources.
It is at this time, that Internet accessing skills will be emphasized. Accessing the Internet and its information sources will be the major thrust of the last half of the year. What they find out there and how they use and interpret this information is of utmost importance. Downloading and proper identification of sources will be emphasized. The students will be given various simple assignments and asked to research them on the Internet. They will, then, be asked to compose a paper on the Word document and, using proper reference skills, write a report on such a project.
With the make-up of the new computer lab, all students should find access to the Internet daily. They will have the time and the accessibility to complete these projects. It is requested that this work be done in the classroom and not at home. Since this is a skill that the students will be using throughout their lives, proper use and reporting of it is essential.
If you have any questions, please call Betty Killmeyer 351-5403.
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