8th Age Skills

Terminology and Operations
  • Identify key terms that will aid in the students’ understanding of age-appropriate software and hardware
  • Review functions of “Enter,” “Shift,” “Tab,” and “Spacebar”
  • Learn the difference between and the purpose of “right click” and “left click”
  • Familiarize students with the laptop keyboard and touchpad
  • Access internet and other programs via desktop icons
  • Know what programs to use for different tasks
  • Create/Open/Save/Close/Print documents
  • Name files using a simple system (logical naming system)
  • Learn file extensions so students can easily recognize Word/Excel/PowerPoint files, etc.

Creativity
  • Format text in Microsoft Word via letters, stories, paragraphs, etc.
  • Create drawings & illustrations using basic graphics programs
  • Develop simple publications using Microsoft Office products and learn to save/edit/print documents
  • Make decisions regarding layout, size, and color as appropriate for specific projects
  • Use mapping software to create diagrams which will spark creative discussions and will aid in the writing of compositions

Communication & Collaboration
  • Work in small groups to complete projects and share ideas
  • Present projects to the class
  • Use video conferencing to chat with other classes, family members, etc.

Research & Evaluation
  • Use search engines to find information about topics covered in class
  • Identify useful web pages, links, etc.
  • Conduct keyword searches

Problem Solving
  • Expand on basic troubleshooting techniques to include specific issues relating to software and hardware
  • Learn troubleshooting techniques for specific software programs
  • Discuss common techniques that can be used for a variety of “tough situations”

Digital Citizenship
  • Exhibit responsible computer & internet use
  • Respect lab space and equipment (laptop cart, SmartBoards, cameras, etc.)
  • Describe the purpose of email and responsible uses for it