We do many things here in Exploring Technology.  Students build web pages, make films, do internet-based research and give multimedia presentations. 

This year we will learn about computer mechanics and pilot a digital storytelling project. Students will also create Web Quests where they research websites that can answer academic questions of their choice.

Both Elementary and Middle students will do graphic arts projects which enhance their multimedia skills and their ability to convey information pictorially.  All students will practice researching and evaluating information using the internet. 

Middle school students will make films using the digital camcorder and video editing software. 

Advanced students will work on the school website. All middle school students will build their own websites. 

All students will have the ability to get their work done during lab times, as many do not have home computers.  However, students who can work at home are encouraged to do so.  Students can use their flash drives to bring work to and from the lab.  Most of our work is done with Microsoft Office tools.

All lab work follows the district Technology Standards.  Most lessons cover multiple standards and many integrated projects fall under all four.

TECHNOLOGY STANDARDS

1. Use Information Responsibly

2. Research and Evaluate Information

3. Use Electronic Resources Effectively

Lab Activities: (grades 3-8)

-Keyboarding (ES/MS)
Keyboarding drills start in third grade.  The average drill is 5 minutes long and is our class warm-up.  The program we use is called Typing Time.  Students are encouraged to go at their own pace, just as long as they are challenged.  During every each student is checked to be sure they are typing at a level that is right for them.

-Computer Mechanics (MS)
After learning what all the parts of a computer do, students take apart and reassemble computers.  They are expected to name the key components of the computer and describe what they do.  If the computer has a repairable problem, advanced students will try to identify it, and repair the computer.  The student’s final test is to disassemble a working computer. The computer has to be completely dismantled and fully assembled afterwards. If done properly, it should boot up without any problems.

-Multi-Media (ES/MS)
Students do several Multi-Media projects, becoming proficient at PowerPoint and practiced at presenting to a group.  These projects include biographies, photo essays, research projects and business plans.  Student business plans include site selection, blue prints or floor plans, and future expectations.  Students make a budget, which must include fixed and continuing costs.  For all multimedia projects, students present their ideas to the class and receive constructive feedback during a question and answer time. 

Almost all projects must have some self-produced graphic elements, as well as photographs and diagrams to support online research or artistic projects.  Final projects are shown to the entire class for review and comments.

-Film (MS)

Students make film documentaries.  The class views commercial documentaries to give them ideas on filming.  Students organize themselves into working groups.  Each film requires a director, writers, actors, a film crew, and film editors. Students usually have more than one job for a film.  Student editors download the video to computers for editing.  They are expected to work with the director adding transitions, cutting out unwanted scenes, adding multiple audio tracks add special effects.  Final films are shown to the class, followed by discussion and constructive critiques.

-Web Research (ES/MS)
Students are introduced to using web sites and doing research in Elementary school.  Younger students are directed to sites with quality grade-level information, while older students learn how to search and evaluate web sites independently.  Middle school students use the internet constantly for research.  Research governs most student projects from fifth to eighth grade.  Students constantly practice judging the value of web sites.  They also learn how to reference web resources in their bibliographies.

We are testing a variety of web-building software packages this year to use with our new PC’s.  We use a program called  Manila for working on the school web site.  Student web pages have to be factual and educational.  Currently, we have server space to post student created pages on a rotating basis.

-Special Projects/Current Events (ES/MS)

Two recent Current Events Projects:

Students gave presentations on the Presidential candidates, including biographies and records of service.  A discussion followed concerning student’s views on the election.

Students viewed the final nine designs submitted for the new World Trade Centers.  Next they used software to create their own original designs.  Student plans were for a new Trade Center Complex.  They had to include a memorial, shopping and restaurant space, office space and mass transit connections.  Plans had to include self-produced diagrams, sketches and blueprints or floor plans for buildings.  Students presented their work to the class and then students voted for a final choice.