Computer Lab

• Typing Tutors
• Technology Tutorials
• Spotlight on Student Work
• Acceptable Use Policy   (Must have Acrobat Reader to view and print. Download free from www.adobe.com)
• Safety on the Web
• E-mail Etiquette

The computer lab at Platte Center Elementary consists of 18 eMac computers, a scanner and an HP networked printer.  Every computer in the lab is wired to the internet.

Platte Center's technology curriculum covers a wide range of skills.  Some of these are keyboarding instruction, internet safety, research skills using both CD Rom resources and online resources, word processing skills, database, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, using a scanner and digital camera, creating presentations using multimedia tools, such as Powerpoint, introduction to web design, and exploring copyright laws.   The students explore the various uses of technology in the workplace, and basic troubleshooting skills.

Kindergarten through eighth grade classes have regularly scheduled instruction times each week.  Be sure to check this page throughout the school year for "lab news" and samples of student work.

Kindergarten students are introduced to technology through early learning software, which also teach basic math and phonics skills.  They learn basic mouse skills, proper handling of CDs, basic internet navigation, how to use pull down menus and to identify the parts of a computer.

In first and second grades, touch-typing skills are taught using "Read, Write and Type", a software program which incorporates phonics skills when teaching the finger reaches in a game format.  Using KidWorks, they learn how to open a document, type sentences, and save and print their work.  Golden Book s Encyclopedia is used to teach students how to use an electronic encyclopedia to find information.  They area;sp introduced to the internet by going to enchantedlearning.com and looking for information about various topics.

Third and fourth grade students continue to build on these skills adding progressively more difficult tasks.  Using AppleWorks, they learn to insert images, spellcheck and format their documents.  More emphasis is put on internet safety and they are introduced to email.  Spreadsheet lessons introduce students to other uses of technology.

Fifth and sixth grade students explore more advanced word processing skills such as working with tables and columns.  Research skills using the internet include learning how to use Boolean search techniques and citing their sources.  Master of these skills is demonstrated by taking notes and typing a report using the information they have collected.  Internet safety education continues to be an important part of their instruction.  Students create fields and set up their own database and create graphs from their spreadsheet information.  Powerpoint is introduced as a presentation tool.  Email basics are covered and students participate in a class email project.

By seventh and eighth grade the focus of touch-typing lessons is on improving speed and accuracy.  Features of Microsoft Word are explored, such as adding a header and footer, inserting page numbers and date, draw tools, keyboard shortcuts, margin settings and page orientation.  Students use online search engines, reference sites and CD Rom encyclopedia to research topics.  They demonstrate their knowledge by typing a report including a works cited page and title page.  Once again, internet safety, including email etiquette is emphasized.  Database lessons cover such skills as sorting and merging records.  Simple formulas are used in Microsoft Word Spreadsheet program  PowerPoint is used to create a presentation using sound, images and text.  Students learn how to use a scanner and digital camera and incorporate these files into their documents and presentations.

Technology skills are becoming increasingly more vital in today's academic and business world. At Platte Center Elementary, we try to instill in all students the importance of being open to change and to being life long learners.  It is very likely that many of the skills students are learning today, will be outdated by the time they enter college, or even high school.  If they feel comfortable using technology, however, they will be more likely to be able to keep up with the inevitable changes of the future.  These skills are valuable learning tools which students will need to have in the years to come.

If you have any questions or ever need to discuss any concerns, please feel free to call, email - sschure@esu7.org or stop in!