As previously posted, I use my vision of exiting fifth graders to inform my choices. Part of this includes computer-using skills. Massachusetts ELA Learning Standards include computer media literacy, and I have resources to support the students in this area. Part of my vision includes their ability to quickly locate reliable information (both in text and images). It also includes the ability to use computer technology to communicate well. I focus on preparing documents, including digital images.
There are some required science topics that work best through online resources - such as identifying minerals, learning about volcanoes or our Sun. To conduct research properly, students require strong computer skills. We learn as we go - lessons are integrated with practical projects, as well as during some choice time (the choices are actually quite limited).
Examples of some of the computer-based projects include:
#Mario Teaches Typing - for basic keyboarding skills (erratically used, starting middle K)
#KidPix - digital graphic arts (generally starting in second grade)
#MS Word - including appropriate ways of doing "Upper Case" and proper use of the space bar and enter key (and avoiding the use of Caps Lock) - generally starting late in first grade
#PowerPoint - for writing in outline and for inserting graphics and photos into documents - starting in fourth grade
#Internet search (Google search exclusively currently) - some in Gr3, mostly in the upper grades
One specific project are PowerPoint projects about animals in 4th grade. While these do not amount to sophisticated presentations (nor are they really friendly to the viewer) - they do require students to learn about researching animals and how to use PPT to share work.
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