Gr6+IT+Curriculum

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=**Massachusetts Technology Standards**=

By the completion of eighth grade, students should demonstrate competencies in using tools such as word processing, database, spreadsheet, web browser, presentation, and graphics applications. Students should be familiar enough with the purpose and function of these technologies to enable them to select the appropriate tool for a task. Students should be able to identify various components of a computer system and be able to explain basic concepts of networking. Students should practice good file management skills and operate peripheral equipment independently.

Students should understand the legal, ethical, and safety issues concerning the use of email, the Internet, and other online tools. Students should understand how to protect their personal identification and information on the Internet and be knowledgeable about general rules for safe Internet practices. In addition, students should develop an awareness of how they present themselves on the Internet.

By the end of eighth grade, students should have had ample opportunity to use technology tools for research, problem solving, and communication across all curriculum areas. They should know how to communicate their learning with peers and other audiences through multimedia presentations, desktop-published reports, and other electronic media. They should have learned effective strategies for locating and validating information on the Internet. Moreover, students should understand why it is important to use multiple web sites for their research, rather than relying on a single site for information.

In summary, when students enter the ninth grade, they should be able to use technology to learn. Technology should be incorporated into their everyday learning activities, both inside and outside the classroom.

=Course Description= 

Grade 6 In this course, you will explore and learn about the numerous technology tools available to assist you in your learning. You will assess your keyboarding skills at the beginning of the course and have ample opportunity to practice your skills to meet the keyboarding benchmark for all students. You will learn to use the following tool-based applications: //Inspiration//, //Write// //OutLoud//, //Microsoft Office// (//Word//, //Excel//, //PowerPoint// and //Publisher//) and the //Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionaries//. Social networking tools, such as e-mail, blogs and wikis will be explored. You will learn how to evaluate websites and use available tools to help you cite sources. Students will learn how to use and access online databases from a home or public computer. Students will be expected to have a public library card that will be used to access online information. Copyright law, plagiarism, Internet safety, and cyberbullying will also be a focus in the course. Students will be expected to post their work in their MassONE Virtual Hard Drive and participate in discussions using the forum tool on MassONE.