Computers at Immanuel Lutheran School (September 2011)
Students have computer class once a week. Here they learn keyboarding, office programs, simple animation, use of peripherals like cameras, scanners, and printers, and use of the Internet for learning and research. Every grade completes several projects each year, including a word processing project, a slide show project, and a graphing project. We edit photographs, and learn basic drawing skills on the computer. The youngest students at Immanuel Lutheran School practice mouse control and navigation through CD programs and a choice of online sites like www.starfall.com and www.sheppardsoftware.com. Keyboarding starts with grade 2, and with older students we keep track of typing progress each month. Upper elementary students explore Google Earth and draw in three dimensions with Google SketchUp. We are starting an independent geography challenge this year for grades 3-8. For this challenge, students will become “citizens of the world” at different levels and at their own pace using sites like http://www.lizardpoint.com/fun/geoquiz/worldquiz.html. Our senior students this year will be taking an online course in “Digital Literacy” that was developed by Microsoft. All in all, computer class at ILS is a place where there is always something new (and fun!) to learn.
Until Next Time,
Mrs. Lutz
Top “Cat with Yarn” (Rachel, grade 1), and bottom “Colors” (Lily, grade 1) done online at http://artpad.art.com/artpad/painter/