Course Instructor: Connie Blaine (cblaine@elcsd.org)

Course Duration: 20 weeks, 30 minutes per day

Software Used: Type to Learn & Type for Fun (Sunburst) / Microsoft Office: Word, PowerPoint / Internet Explorer 7.0 / Additions as needed

Course Description: This course is designed to develop correct letter, finger, and symbol “touch” keyboarding techniques. Additionally, students will be exposed to and become competent in the use of word processing and presentation software. Because the course is especially developed for junior high students, the content of the material used in the course relates to the interests, experiences and reading abilities of the learners at this age level.

Course Outline:

I. Proper keyboard fingering and posture (Sunburst Software)

A.     Homerow Position
B.     Body Posture
C.    Index Fingers
D.    Ring Fingers
E.     Middle Fingers
F.     Pinkies

ü      Total Unit Time: 4 to 6 weeks, dependent on initial skill level of student group.

II.Using the Internet (Internet Explorer 5.0)

A.     Utilizing search engines
B.     Incorporating images from the Internet in school projects
C.    Internet Explorer Tools
D.    Chat room operation, safety, etiquette

ü      Total Unit Time: 3 to 4 weeks

III. Word Processing (Microsoft Word)

A.     Document formatting and printing
B.     Using and formatting tables
C.    Formatting business letters (block and modified block)
D.    Punctuation
E.     Using and formatting graphics in documents

ü      Total Unit Time: 6 to 8 weeks

IV. Creating Presentations Using PowerPoint 

A.     Basic overview of PowerPoint
B.     Creating tables
C.    Utilizing buttons and links
D.    Inserting animations and other graphic media

ü      Total Unit Time: 3 to 4weeks

Specific Instructional Activities:  Introductory activities will include: “touch” keyboarding lessons, followed by drills (poems, strange facts, letters, Madlibs) to develop speed and accuracy.  As students improve they will move onto word processing activities which include: creating a Christmas wish-list which includes a description, a current price, and a picture of each item (proper formatting of each item required),  drafting a letter (in block format) to a celebrity of their choice, and composing an original Madlib.  After a basic overview of PowerPoint, the culmination of the course will be a Jeopardy Game presentation assignment.  Students will spend three weeks compiling facts and trivia, creating answers and questions (in Jeopardy format), and designing their game which will incorporate: graphics, tables, and buttons and links.  Throughout the course, the Internet will be explored and various elements of it will be used.

Evaluation:  Methods of evaluation may include:

1. Paper Quizzes- requiring that students be aware of the layout of the keyboard.

2. Online Quizzes- requiring students to show knowledge of programs used in class, the names and use of punctuation and symbol keys, proper letter format, etc.

3. Timed Drills- students are generally required to improve their time over the duration of the course, ex. - student improved performance 20% on timed drills over pre-instruction times.