Technology Curriculum

Starting in Kindergarten students come to the computer lab once a week. Through the years, the students learn various software applications including: drawing, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, photo manipulation, and web browsing. In addition to learning important software skills, the students also explore how to evaluate and site sources and participate as responsible Cyber-citizens.

Grade Level Expectations for Technology

The following National Education Technology Standards (NETS) are the guide for the technology curriculum at St. Pius School:

1. Creativity and Innovation
2. Communication and Collaboration
3. Research and Information Fluency
4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making
5. Digital Citizenship
6. Technology Operations and Concepts

By the end of kindergarten, students will:

• demonstrate a proficiency in using the mouse
• identify letters on the keyboard
• demonstrate a basic knowledge of starting and shutting down a computer

By the end of first grade, students will demonstrate a proficiency in the above work and:

• be able to find Items on the hard drive using the mouse

By the end of second grade, students will demonstrate a proficiency in the above work and:

• be able to move about the computer, find, open, and close files
• be introduced to word processing

By the end of the third grade, students will demonstrate a proficiency in the above work and:

• navigate the Internet
  
• demonstrate a proficiency in formatting and moving text
  
• practice touch-typing
  
• develop presentation skills

By the end of fourth grade, students will demonstrate a proficiency in the above work and:

• learn more advanced skills in word processing (inserting pictures, graphs, etc.)
  
• explore spreadsheet software

By the end of fifth grade, students will demonstrate a proficiency in the above work and:

• emphasize proper Internet search skills
• examine all aspects of what makes computers work,
• hardware, software, binary code, internal and external components

By the end of the sixth grade, students will demonstrate a proficiency in the above work and:

• take part in a hands on field trip and lab to further understand the workings of technology
• use advanced formulas in spreadsheets

By the end of the seventh grade, students will demonstrate a proficiency in the above work and:

• use various applications to plan and create a multimedia presentation

By the end of eighth grade, students will demonstrate a proficiency in the above work and:

• develop advanced skill sets in word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, Internet use, and multimedia projects