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| 8th Grade Computer Class |
| It starts with a trip to the past as we explore the history of computers and the trends that have surfaced and led to the computers and technology that we have today. The students are then encouraged to tap into their own curiosity and creativity and design their own computer of the future. |
| The 8th grade computer class at Allen East Middle School provides the students with a journey through the world of computers and computer applications. A majority of the class time is spent using hands on learning throught the use of the following programs: Internet Explorer, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Paint and All The Right Type. |
| The next stage of the journey takes us to the land of computer hardware where the students learn about the parts of a computer and how a computer works. The goal is to prepare the students to not only identify and use all the computer's peripheral devices, but also to equipt them with enough knowledge to make educated purchasing decisions. Additionally, the students will learn how to make educated decisions when purchasing software. |
| The next journey takes us to the exciting world of the Internet. The students study the origin of the Internet (No, the lesson doesn't start with Al Gore), how a server works and safety issues connected to the Internet. Then we use the internet to research information as well as copy information to be pasted on to Microsoft Office documents. |
| As the journey moves forward, the students become proficient in Microsoft Word. The students create professional looking documents and add extra features to their documents using Clip Art, Word Art and information that is copied from the Internet. The students use Microsoft Word more than any other program. |
| Continuing our journey, we move to Microsoft Excel. Here the students learn how to create spreadsheets, use formulas to perform calculations and how to create and edit charts and graphs. |
| The next leg of our journey stops in the land of All The Right Type. Here the students learn how to type using the homerow keys and proper typing techinque. This is a stop that the students don't necessarily like, but will be thankful for in their futures. |
| The journey turns and starts heading back home as the students learn to create multiple page PowerPoint prestentations. Their prestentations include text, graphics, animations, imported graphics and imported files. As they complete their individual presentations, it's time for them to prepare themselves for the end of their journey. |
| As the journey reaches it's home destination, the students complete a hands on group project which includes all of the applications they've learned throughout the year. They research stocks on the Internet and chart them using Microsoft Excel. Also, they will use Excel to create graphs that show the trends of their stocks. Next they will create a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation and present their findings and future stock projections. In addition they will create a business letter proposing a plan for future stock purchases and business decisions using Microsoft Word. |
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