Technology Curriculum
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Student Technology Curriculum: Grade 8 Summary

DESCRIPTION OF SECTIONS

• Technology Literacy - General Concepts
  Be able to define and briefly describe the ethical uses of technology and its effects on society
• Technology Literacy - Terminology and Function
  Be able to define and briefly describe function(s) of listed terms
• Technology Literacy - Computer Usage
  Be able to complete listed usage tasks
• Technology Literacy - Software Usage
  Be able to complete basic tasks listed of various applications
• Technology-Assisted Instruction
  Be able to use appropriate resources to enhance learning

Note: The section and line numbers on this page refer to the Master Document.

LEVEL: INTRODUCE

Technology Literacy - Terminology and Function

1. Hardware
l. Video production equipment

2. Software
a. Operating system (e.g. Windows, Mac OS, etc.)
b. Application (e.g. Microsoft Word, etc.)
c. Network
d. Programming

Technology Literacy - Computer Usage

6. Files
d. Organize saved files stored on a hard drive using file folders
e. Locate stored files using filename and text string searches

Technology Literacy - Software Usage

1. Word Processor - Microsoft Word
i. Create and modify tables
k. Save files in formats of earlier versions and in formats of other applications supported

2. Desktop Publishing - Microsoft Publisher
k. Save files in formats of earlier versions and in formats of other applications supported

3. Presentation Applications - Microsoft PowerPoint
a. Enter Data
b. Navigate within presentation
c. Format text, slide, and presentation
d. Manipulate objects using cut, copy, and paste features
e. Import/insert data (e.g. text, graphics, etc.)
f. Use spell check
g. Organize material to be presented in a logical manner
h. Create slides that are visually aesthetic
i. Create slides that include text, graphics, charts, etc.
j. Create slides with animate objects
k. Save files in formats of earlier versions and in formats of other applications supported

4. Spreadsheet - Microsoft Excel
a. Enter data
b. Navigate within spreadsheet
c. Format text, page, and document
d. Manipulate data using cut, copy, and paste features
e. Import/insert data (e.g. text, graphics, etc.)
f. Use spell check
g. Create, modify, and use formulas
h. Create and use functions
i. Sort a data list
j. Query a data list
k. Save files in formats of earlier versions and in formats of other applications supported

5. Database Builders - Microsoft Access
a. Enter data
b. Navigate within database
c. Create and format database tables and forms
d. Manipulate data using cut, copy, and paste features
e. Import/insert data (e.g. text, graphics, etc.)
f. Use spell check
g. Sort a database
h. Create, modify, and use formulas
i. Query a database
j. Create reports
k. Save files in formats of earlier versions and in formats of other applications supported

Cognitive Tools - Developing Critical Thinking with Computers

3. Information literacy skills
d. Use search strategies of electronic resources including:
ii. Hierarchical search (examine a body of knowledge starting with broad topics)

LEVEL: REINFORCE

Enhance Productivity

1. Data Gathering and Organization
a. Identify tools that can be used to gather and organize data (e.g. spreadsheets, database builders, etc.)
b. Select an appropriate tool for gathering and organizing data (e.g. spreadsheets, database builders, etc.)

2. Data Analysis
a. Identify tools that can be used to analyze data (e.g. spreadsheets, database builders, etc.)
b. Select an appropriate tool for the analysis of data (e.g. spreadsheets, database builders, etc.)

3. Information Access
d. Use advanced search features (keyword, quotes, etc.) of World Wide Web search engines

4. Presentation
a. Create a computer-based presentation using presentation software (e.g. PowerPoint, HyperStudio, etc.)
b. Select appropriate hardware for presentations (e.g. LCD panel, LCD projector, etc.)
c. Give a presentation using presentation software

Technology Literacy - General Concepts

1. Demonstrate positive social and ethical behaviors when using technology
b. Electronic plagiarism
iii. Properly cite electronically acquired materials to avoid plagiarism (using proper bibliographic format)

Technology Literacy - Terminology and Function

1. Hardware
i. DVD drive and disk
j. CD-Writer and different kinds of writable CDs
k. Zip/Jazz drive and disk

Technology Literacy - Computer Usage

2. Proper keyboarding
a. Use correct posture
b. Use wrist position
h. Identify and use correct finger position on remaining keys

7. Using Windows
c. Transfer data between applications

Technology Literacy - Software Usage

1. Word Processor - Microsoft Word
c. Format text, page, and document
e. Import/insert data (e.g. text, graphics, etc.)
g. Use grammar check
h. Use the Thesaurus

2. Desktop Publishing - Microsoft Publisher
e. Import/insert data (e.g. text, graphics, etc.)

6. Web Browser - Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator
c. Copy and paste web site information into other applications
d. Add and delete Bookmarks/Favorites

Cognitive Tools - Developing Critical Thinking with Computers

3. Information literacy skills
a. Select appropriate information source(s)
b. Develop a search strategy which identifies key words and names, formulates appropriate research questions, and identifies information needed
c. Evaluate reliability of a site
d. Use search strategies of electronic resources including:
i. Browse search (casual inspection of information sources)
e. Evaluate, analyze, and interpret information to determine its relevance and usefulness

Technology-Assisted Instruction

1. Reinforce and expand knowledge and skills through the appropriate use of electronic tutorials, simulations, etc.

2. Use appropriate multimedia resources to support learning

3. Use technology resources for problem solving, communication, and illustration of thoughts, ideas, and stories

LEVEL: MASTER

Enhance Productivity

3. Information Access
a. Use search features (author, subject, title, keyword) to locate information stored in a library
b. Use search features of electronic references (e.g. World Book, Primary and Middle Search, etc.)
c. Use search features of World Wide Web search engines (e.g. Yahoo, Info seek, AltaVista, etc.)

Technology Literacy - General Concepts

1. Demonstrate positive social and ethical behaviors when using technology
a. Software piracy
i. Define the term software piracy
ii. Describe the ethical implications of software piracy
b. Electronic plagiarism
i. Define the term plagiarism
ii. Describe the ethical implications of plagiarism
c. Copyright infringement
i. Define the term copyright
ii. Recognize the symbol © commonly used to indicate that a piece of material is copyrighted
iii. Describe restrictions on materials that are copyrighted
iv. Describe the ethical implications of copyright infringement
d. Practice responsible use of technology

2. Describe advantages and disadvantages of the use of technology
a. Identify the capabilities and limitations of current emerging technologies
b. Assess the potential of technology to address personal, lifelong learning, and workplace needs
c. Analyze advantages and disadvantages of widespread use and reliance of technology in the workplace and in society as a whole

Technology Literacy - Terminology and Function

1. Hardware
a. Workstation components: hard drive; floppy drive and disk; CD-ROM drive and disk; printer; CPU; mouse; keyboard
b. Speakers/microphone
c. Digital camera
d. Fax machine
e. Scanner
f. Modem
g. LCD projection devices
h. Laser disc

Technology Literacy - Computer Usage

1. Turning equipment on and off

2. Proper keyboarding
c. Type with two hands
d. Locate numbers and letters on the keyboard
e. Locate and use the Enter, Esc, and arrow keys
f. Locate and use function keys (Shift, Backspace, period, Caps Lock)
g. Identify and use Home Row keys

3. Care of equipment

4. Care of diskettes and CD-ROMs

5. Use virus scan software

6. Files
a. Open files
b. Save files to appropriate drives
c. Delete files

7. Using Windows
a. Navigate within the Windows environment (e.g. click, drag, minimize and maximize windows)
b. Open and close applications

8. Using a network
a. Logging on and off a network
b. Saving to an appropriate drive

Technology Literacy - Software Usage

1. Word Processor - Microsoft Word
a. Enter data
b. Navigate within a document
d. Manipulate text blocks using cut, copy, and paste features
f. Use spell check

2. Desktop Publishing - Microsoft Publisher
a. Enter data
b. Navigate within a document
c. Format text, page, and document
d. Manipulate data using cut, copy, and paste features
f. Use spell check
g. Create publications that include graphics
h. Create, move, and resize text and graphic frames
i. Set up various types of publications (e.g. brochure, newsletter, business card, etc.)
j. Create publications which are visually aesthetic

6. Web Browser - Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator
a. Retrieve a known URL
b. Refresh (reload) a page
e. Use history list to return to a visited site

COURSE APPLICABLE

Technology Literacy - Software Usage

1. Word Processor - Microsoft Word
j. Create and modify outlines

Technology Literacy - Usage of Other Technology Devices

1. Video production
a. Use a video camera
b. Use a videocassette recorder
c. Edit a videotape
d. Use a computer video editing system

2. LCD projection devices
a. Set up and connect to an appropriate video source
b. Make adjustments necessary for usage

3. Laser disc
a. Set up and connect to an appropriate video source
b. Make adjustments necessary for usage

ENRICHMENT

Technology Literacy - Software Usage

7. Graphics Editors
a. Import data
b. Manipulate image characteristics (e.g. size, color, brightness, etc.)
c. Manipulate graphics using cut, copy, and paste features
d. Utilize paint and drawing tools (e.g., cropping, line, fill, etc.)
e. Apply graphic filters and masks
f. Utilize layers
g. Saves files in various graphic formats (e.g. JPG, TIF, GIF)
h. Create a graphic using program resources

8. Web Page Editors - Microsoft FrontPage
a. Enter data
b. Navigate within document
c. Format text, page, and document
d. Manipulate page objects using cut, copy, and paste features
e. Import/insert data (e.g. text, graphics, etc.)
f. Use spell check
g. Organize material to be presented in a logical manner
h. Create pages that are visually aesthetic
i. Convert a file created in other applications to an HTML document
j. Create a graphic using program resources
k. Add links to web page

Cognitive Tools - Developing Critical Thinking with Computers

1. Database management systems
a. Build a database after examining the content being organized
b. Use a database management system to integrate and interrelate ideas
c. Determine a strategy for querying a database
d. Use databases to make decisions and solve problems

2. Spreadsheets
a. Design a spreadsheet that models a problem
b. Use a spreadsheet to model a problem and then experiment with the model ("What if?" modeling)
c. Create graphs and charts which illustrate the "What if?" scenarios developed
d. Use spreadsheet models to solve problems and make decisions