April 1
We are wrapping up the word processing unit. Next week we'll work on an independent project covering Internet searching, MLA style reports and newsletters.
Next Wednesday, April 7, we'll have the test over the Unit 4 notes. Here is a copy.
March 23
We are in to word processing. Most students have Project 1 done and about a third have Project 2 completed. The first couple of days after Spring Break we will be working on the MLA style paper. This style is used at the high school and I am encouraging its use here.
The easy part of the semester is over. From here on out it gets tougher. It's important for students to stay on top of their work. They may need to stay after or come in early/Homeroom to keep up. I've been hammering good keyboarding technique and now it will pay off.
February 23
The first day of P/T Conferences is about over. I usually don't see as many parents in the spring, so here is my speech in a nutshell: The easy part of the semester is over. From here on out it gets tougher. It's important for students to stay on top of their work. They may need to stay after or come in early/Homeroom to keep up. I've been hammering good keyboarding technique and now it will pay off.
We will finish up the Internet specific work on Monday/Tuesday when we get back from break. Wednesday, March 3 we will have a test over the Internet. Notes can be found HERE.
Thursday, March 4, we will start Word Processing and students will get their first taste of Assignment Sheets which are designed to help them stay on task and keep organized. You can see what those look like HERE.
February 2
Most of the students have made their choice about keyboarding technique. Quite a few decided they'd do it the right way while we are in Ainsworth Keyboarding software. Today we started doing less Ainsworth and more Word, but I'm still taking grades...OUCH!
We took a Keyboard Technique Quiz last week and today I showed them their grades before the quiz and after. 95% of them had dropped and half of those had dropped nearly a full letter grade.
Thursday, February 4, they have a chance to retake the quiz for FULL credit and I'm encouraging all but the two who aced the quiz to retake. You can find a copy of the notes HERE.
We also started on some Unit 1 and Unit 2 vocabulary today. Vocab is all we do for the first 2 units and then we move on to Unit 3: The Internet. You can find a copy of the vocabulary HERE. They will have a test over the words next Tuesday, February 9.
January 15
We are full blown into Keyboarding Technique. We'll spend most of the next couple of weeks focusing on good technique. Students have typed notes on good technique and are now practicing. I walk around the room reminding them as they work. They will be receiving a daily grade on how well they can use and demonstrate proper technique. The grade is not influenced by speed. Their first grade is in the books.
Most of them have some pretty bad habits/technique. I explained to them the choice is theirs. I cannot force them to do it right, they will need to choose. I also explained the benefits and consequences. I encouraged them to 'do it right' outside of Tech class. While they are learning correct fingering I suggested they work hard to keep their fingers on Home Row and then look at the keyboard and use the finger nearest the key they want. I'm hoping this will keep quite a number on track.
On Tuesday, January 26, they will have a test over proper keyboarding technique. You can find a copy of the notes HERE.
January 6
All my classes are new again. Lots of new faces and names to learn! We are off and running. Day 1 was filled with classroom information, getting logged into the computers and understanding there is a shared folder for getting files from and handing files in for me to see.
All students in attendance yesterday were given a copy of the class syllabus. They should have brought it home and it needs to be returned by Thursday, January 7 for full credit. If you'd like to have a copy for your own records, you can download one with the link on the left.
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