1st Quarter Computer Fundamentals for Kids Course Description: Computers are a part of everyday life. How is it a part of a kid's life? Computer Fundamentals begins orienting kids to everyday technology items, their proper use and care. Computers are also used for learning so edutainment programs are highly encouraged. Get comfortable and have fun. What will the students know? They can identify the main parts of a computer. What can the students do? They can turn on the PC, start a program, shutdown, and simple use of the keyboard and mouse. What habits will be formed? Teachers focus on cleaning the workplace after use, orderly entry into the lab, and following the rules of the lab.
At the end of the quarter, teachers will grade students in the observed practice of the laboratory rules and their care for the computer. Only second will be their knowledge of the computer parts. It is recommended that a weekly monitor checklist is found on the student's notebook. Teachers can place a check mark on which ones they did and a X on which ones they failed to do. This will allow for self-monitoring and improvement. Lesson 1: Introduction to Computer Topic: Introduction of Computrix, the computer.
The personal computer is a common instrument that most students would have seen and can recognize by now. The opening lesson will introduce the computer as a friendly tool that helps man and children in their tasks. Presenting pictures of computers that help men can be a good strategy. "The Computer, a helper and a friend" Lesson 2: Laboratory Rules Topic: Laboratory Do's and Dont's
Computers need to be taken cared of. As your friend and helper, they also need help. Students will learn to appreciate the importance of the computers and how it should be handle. This lesson will set the tone in building "habits of use" around the computer. Constant review and reminding is practiced in class by the teachers and students. Lesson 3: Care for Computer Topic: How to take care of Computrix Computers need to be taken cared of. As your friend and helper, they also need help. Students will learn to appreciate the importance of the computers and how it should be handle. Easy to remember rules and pictures or slides that highlight what to do or not to do are the tools of the teacher. Lesson 4: Parts of Computer Topic: Main Parts
Students begin to build their vocabulary starting with the parts of the computer. This name-recall lesson will be able to assist in forming good habits. Calling out actions where the parts are used is a good activity. Here are some example activities to cap lesson Straighten the Keyboard and mouse. Wipe the top of the monitor put-off the power of the system unit Talk to the mic and say your name. Label the parts with Colored Paper We do not recommend that Grade 1 students be asked to PLUG any of the devices into the electrical outlet. It is best that the computer is already ON when they enter the computer laboratory. As enrichment activity, they can cut-out pictures of computers from the newspaper and label the parts. It would be interesting how they will adapt to a laptop when the image in class is a desktop.
Lesson 5: GCOMPRIS - Keyboard and Mouse Topics:
Click the mouse Control hose pipe
Gcompris is a collection of educational programs designed for the open source community. It has more than 110 programs where each program focus on the development of a specific skill. These set of programs are used for kids aged 4 to 8. As a starter activity of using the computer, we would like students to have some fun while acquiring certain skills. The focus of the lesson is the activity itself is the repeated use of the keyboard and mouse with the objective of bringing a level of comfort and familiarity. At this time, teachers are asked to observe how students use the computer watching out for posture and proper use of mouse and keyboard. Make ball go to Tux using two shift keys Type falling letters
Supplemental Internet Lessons: (source: Cybersmart Curriculum) Is this Yours? Children learn that computers, like other objects, are property and should be respected. Go Places Safely A virtual field trip helps children experience the power and excitement of the Internet by taking them places in cyberspace that might be impractical for a class to visit. They also learn that, just as when traveling in the face-to-face world, they should always take an adult with them when traveling in cyberspace.
Numbers with Dice
2nd Quarter
Type falling words Click on Me Click and draw Move the mouse
Computer Fundamentals for Kids Course Description: The second quarter will give attention to details about the different parts of the computer and
how to use it properly. The stress will be both on recognizing, naming the part and also the proper use.
functions. Photos of it being used or actual demonstration in class will help the understanding.
Students having a weekly chart on the proper use where teachers can place a check mark will be able to help track the improvement of the student.
As a way to measure recall, students can draw and state the function or have them come up with their own made-up "stories" about using the different parts while others listen.
What will the students know? They can identify other parts of computer including the input and output devices What can the students do? They can manipulate and use basic input devices such as keyboard and mouse. What habits will be formed? Teachers focus on the proper handling and use of devices and peripherals. Lesson 1: Computer Parts and Peripherals Topics: The lesson begins by reviewing the previous quarter's topic on the main parts of the computer. Further more, important peripherals are presented in class (or through pictures) such as USB STICK, speakers and headsets, microphones, scanner, printer, webcam. Discussion is on their different
Lesson 2 : The System Unit and monitor It is important for the students at this level to be able to recognize the visible parts of the system unit. Without having to open the unit and see the memory and CPU, the system unit has externally visible parts to be familiar with. Among them are the POWER switch, RESET switch, LED indicators, CD/DVD Drive, USB bay or slot, the FAN at the back to ensure it is free from obstruction, and recognizing the cables that connect the peripherals. Identifying the main parts of the system units is the primary concern and the secondary is being able to recognize if one
cable is not properly connected. Connecting/Fixing the problem is done by an adult. There are different types of monitors where two are more prominent (the CRT and LCD). In 2009, a lot of LED (improved LCD monitors) came out. Care for the monitors begins by making sure they are free from dust and objects are NOT PLACED on top of them. Putting the monitor "OFF" when not in use also preserves its life. Recognizing the adjustments for brightness and contrast is also part of the lesson. As an enrichment activity, slides showing different appearances of system units can be presented together with the question "where is the system unit of a laptop?" and also discussion or presenting the LCD Projector as a monitor Lesson 3: GCOMPRIS - Colors
Lesson 4: Keyboard, Mouse and Speakers The keyboard, mouse and speakers are some of the most stable technology present. While there are different extravagant designs, their function and use remain the same. Lesson will focus on the parts of the keyboard, mouse and speakers and how to use them properly. Headsets are now becoming a regular part of the computer especially for making phone calls. Students should be able to name and label the different parts. For the keyboard, special keys like F-keys are not yet included. Extension Activity will be presenting how disabled people use the computers. Use the GCOMPRIS-SOUND activities to practice on using the speakers and headsets.
Gcompris has a group of programs that enhances recognition of colors. This activity will help reinforce computers as helpers and friends in playing the game on colors. Let the students have fun while observing again their practice of the proper habits in using the equipment.
Lesson 5: Ergonomics
Learning proper ergonomics while they are young is important. Developing the right posture and knowing about equipments that claim to be ergonomically designed. Focus is given to the basic fundamentals of posture and relaxed work environment. Students provide appreciation by asking their parents how they feel after a long work in front of the computer and sharing it back in class.
and how they are used. The lesson is closed by presenting multi-function printers that combine printing-scanning and copying.
Enrichment Activity: Discussion of equipment and devices to allow the disabled use the computer.
The Library Children learn that the library houses many forms of media for both research and leisure activities. They also learn that an important resource in the library is the librarian.
Lesson 6: Printers and Scanners Printing is a luxury for most due to the high cost of ink. A student's ability to see their work printed in color is an amazing motivational tool. Teachers should use and balance the two wisely. Asking printed work from the students should also take into consideration the aspect of cost and grades should not be biased towards printed works done in expensive and advanced equipment. The lessons will discuss about two major types of printers (laser and inkjets). Slides will present their major operating keys and how to use them. Scanners will also be presented
Students should be able to recognize printers, scanners and multi-function printers, know how to care for these devices, be concerned about excessive use of ink and paper and can operate them while being assisted by adults. Supplemental Internet Lessons (source: Cybersmart Curriculum) A-B-C Searching Children search for animal pictures online by clicking letters of the alphabet. They then print the pictures and, in an offline activity, color them and arrange a display.
3rd Quarter Computer Fundamentals for Kids Course Description: The quarter is divided into two parts. The first part presents the ubiquitous computer. It is used by all professions. Every walk of life makes use of the computer even if they don't know it. With these lessons students continue to play with GCOMPRIS puzzles. The second part will introduce the concept of using a drawing tool. (TUXPAINT is the recommended choice over MS Paint and Open Office Draw) Students will find familiarity in using lines with stress on the use of colors. Integrated lessons begin here by asking students to color drawing related to Science, Math, Religion, Culture, Literature, or Health. What will the students know? They can describe how different professions make use of technology and computer in the work place. They can state 5 different professions with confidence. What can the students do? They can draw lines and different shapes using a drawing tool like TUXPAINT and can confidently COLOR pre-drawn objects.
What habits will be formed? They will continue to apply care in the use of technology at home. Lesson 1: Proper computer use
The teacher will repeat the lesson on rules and proper use of the computer. The checklist of proper habits will be renewed for this quarter and a recall on proper ergonomics is done. The teacher motivates students to keep practicing proper habits in the use of computers and apply in also in technology tools at home. Example of home technologies are TV, DVD Players, remote control, microwave oven, washing machines, PSP, etc. Lesson 2: Computers and Society (Who are the people in your neighborhood?)
LESSON 3: GCOMPRIS - Experiential and Drawing Programs Gcompris offers experiential activities to play with. These are games that will heighten the problem-solving skills of the students. A selection of using 2 to 3 will be enough. It is recommended that the teacher make the selection before introducing it to the class.
Introducing a selection of community helpers and how the community helpers are also helped by technology and the computer. The lesson may take up two to three meetings as students can consult by interviewing their own parents and other community helpers on how they use the computer. Students are to develop an appreciation on the ubiquitousness of computers and can state 3 to 5 different professions and how these individuals use the computer. Ex. Engineers and Architects - for drawing; Scientists - for computing; Astronomers - taking pictures of the sky;
Drawing programs can help prepare students for the succeeding activities. While they will not have to make complex drawing, familiarity with the icons and what they do is the cornerstone of the lesson. Having a quiz on icons will be most beneficial. Select only one of the available drawing tools for this quarter.
homes.
Lesson 4: Technology at home From the ubiquitous computer found everywhere and used by every profession, focus is given on finding technology tools in one's own home. The knowledge leads students to apply the same care and concern for the equipment at home. Equipments include smart appliances, game consoles, cellphones, cameras, MP3s, IPODs and other common electronics. Students should be able to state 3 to 5 different technologies commonly found at
Lesson 5: Basic Drawing Topics: Students begin learning TUXPAINT or an equivalent drawing software. The focus of the succeeding series of lessons and activities will be on coloring ready made pictures, words, or landscapes. Students are expected to master changing colors and making use of 3 different brushes.
From coloring, students moves into labeling of parts found in the ready made pictures making use of lines and text input. Students are not expected to make their own drawing at this stage but perform activities of drawing and labeling for other subjects.
Gcompris offers Math Exercises that are appropriate for Grade 1 and 2.
Using Integration Activity helps stress the primary lesson that computers are helpers and friends.
The use of shapes will only be on the introductory level and will again be discussed at another stage. Integration Activity Students can practice their Coloring skills in different subject using the prepared Genetic Cares lessons found in another part of eschool. There are lessons on Religion in relation to creation. English and Filipino offers reading and drawing or coloring activities using online ebooks. Teachers can also scan their own image that is related to a desired topic by which students can color and label the items found in the drawing.
Supplemental Internet Lessons (source: Cybersmart Curriculum) Good Sites Children explore and evaluate a children's Web site, concluding that people's opinions about the quality and
usefulness of a site will vary. What will the students know? Find the Ad Children learn that the purpose of advertisements is to encourage people to buy something; children also practice differentiating ads from content on Web sites.
They will apply proper naming conventions in files and use folders to safeguard their work. They will practice respecting the files of others. They can distinguish between the three major O.S. in the market. What can the students do?
4th Quarter Computer Fundamentals for Kids
They can start and use common programs by clicking the file that will start the application. This includes browsers and media players. They can also start and use two of the standard games in their O.S.
Course Description:
What habits will be formed?
The quarter consists of several programs. The repeating theme across the different lessons is just opening, using closing (and saving sometimes) a program. This activity orients the students to using windows and manipulating them. It is not recommended to have several windows open at this stage of development. It is important to end one session with one program before beginning another one.
Developing steps in maintaining and ensuring a clean computer against virus. This is limited to the proper use of USB from only secure and clean sources
Students will be summarily evaluated not on the details of all the programs but merely on the knowledge and skill of starting a program through the menu or just by clicking a file that uses the program.
Lesson 1: Computer and the Operating System Topics: What is an Operating System? Without going into the technical definitions of Operating Systems, we simply say they are programs that run different computers to make them easy to use. There are Operating Systems for phones, appliances, cars and also computers. Introduction to the three most famous PC operating systems is highlighted by the person behind it and one unique characteristic the operating system
has. Linux is a FREE OS done in collaboration with others. MAC under Steve Jobs has been the computer of choice because its very easy to use. Windows is the most popular product because of marketing strategy.
Exercise will be to start and close a program of choice.
Lesson 3: Window
When possible, a video presentation of the different desktops is shown in class for the student's appreciation
Lesson 2: Desktop Lesson will focus on using the MENU to start programs and develop knowledge in using shortcuts or program icons in the desktop. Knowledge of alternative ways of starting a program like clicking the program's user file is also acquired. Students are limited to identifying parts of the desktop, starting programs through shortcuts, closing the programs they started and leaving and closing the computer properly through a SHUTDOWN.
Students will know the parts of the window but will master the 3 command icons at the upper right hand corner of every window (minimize, maximize and close). Students will experience resizing and moving windows. They will not be using simultaneous windows during this stage. Students will have a bias in using File explorer windows with thumbnail displays only.
programs to practice with. Calculator can be used to check their computations for a math assignment.
Lesson 4: Files and Folders Students will learn the importance of using good filenames and having their own folder. Stress is given to the "good manners" of using only your own files and NOT the files of other people. Part of good manners is using only your folder. It might be advantageous to have the student's folder on the desktop for easy reference. File operations are not part of this lesson but is reserved for the 2nd Grade. Lesson 5: Using Accessories The stress is the student's abilit to recognize a program icon and start it from the desktop or the menu. The programs Calculator, notepad or wordpad, minesweeper and media player are of little significance in as much as they are just
. Lesson 6: Using a Browser The lesson will initiate the use of a browser with the online ebook integration activities. No significant commands or tricks for the browser will be taught just using it to see a website or an html page. Students will distinguish that a browser is needed to view websites and that there are several browsers to choose from. Topic: Browsers
Supplemental Internet Lessons (source: Cybersmart Curriculum) Spread the News! Cyberspace at School
Children learn what it means to communicate, recognize the computer as a communication invention, and plan their own way to communicate a message. Children explore the concept of cyberspace as a means of communicating with real people within their school.
