Grade 6: Introduction to Technology

Prerequisite: None

Length of Course: Classes will meet twice a week for 50 minutes for a Semester.

PBGR: Computer Vocabulary Assessment

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Through lectures, multimedia, and hands-on activities, students will explore the operations of computer hardware and software. Throughout the school year, students will save and track their work using Google Applications and Aspen platform.

Students will gain experience in basic keyboarding skills and computer terminology. Also, students will exercise proper Digital Citizenship throughout the academic school year. In addition, students will explore the evolution of technology and its role in society.

Throughout the school year, students will be introduced to numerous programs from Microsoft Office Suite and Google Applications. They will obtain 21st Century Skills, such as Learning and Innovation, Information, Media and Technology Skills, and Life and Career Skills. In addition, students will explore the Naviance program.

Course Overview:

1. Information Technology

Hardware/Software

2. Information Management

Workstation- External Hardware
Google Navigation - Gmail-Google Drive (Cloud)

3. Aspen - Navigation

Accessing - Assignments
Downloading -Teacher Resources
Uploading - Completed Work/Grading

4. Keyboarding

5. Cyber Security & Digital Citizenship

Safety
Etiquette
Online Communication
- Email
- SMS (Short Message Service)/Text Messages
- Social Networking
Browser Navigation
- Browser/Cache History
- Privacy Agreements
- Digital Footprint

6. History of Technology

Past – Present - Future

7. MS Office Suite/Google Apps

Word/Google Docs
Publisher
Excel/G Sheets
PowerPoint/ G Slides
Doc Transition/sharing

GRADING – The student’s academic grade is based on the following categories. The grades are weighted as follows:

Tests, quizzes, & projects ….…………………………………………….…... 80%

Classwork and homework...……………………………………………..……. 20%

Rubrics are provided for assignments, Common Assessments, Tests, Quizzes, in-class homework assignments, class participation (collaboration), and attendance.

Common Core Standards

CCSS-ELA Grade 6

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.

CC.6-8.R.ST.3 Key Ideas and Details: Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks.

CC.6-8.R.ST.4 Craft and Structure: Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to grades 6–8 texts and topics.

ISTE Standards

ISTE 3 Research and Information Fluency

3. Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. Students:

3b. locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media.

ISTE 5 Digital Citizenship

5. Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior.

5a. Advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology.

5b. Demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning.

ISTE 6 Technology Operations and Concepts

6. Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations

6b. Select and use applications effectively and productively.

ITEEA Standards

Core Concepts of Technology

Systems
Resources

The Influence of Technology on History

Developments driven by demands, values, and interests
Inventions and Innovations
Social and Cultural Priorities
Acceptance and use of products and systems

Use and Maintain Technological Products and Systems

Use Information to see how things work
Use Computers and Calculators
Operate Systems

Information and Communication Technologies

Information and Communication Technologies
Language of Technology
Communication Systems encode, transmit, and receive information

Academic Expectations Addressed

The Cranston Middle School graduate exhibits, across all content areas, proficiency in:

Communication Skills

All students will evidence a comprehension of complex literary and informational texts, appropriate academic vocabulary, and accurate grammar, through the techniques of:

Informational Writing
Speaking and Listening

Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills

All students will evidence the guiding principles of focus and coherence of these skills through the techniques of:

Scientific Inquiry
Technology/Engineering Design

Each of the above-referenced expectations is accompanied by a corresponding rubric. These rubrics will be used across content areas by all CPS secondary school teachers and students to measure progress toward achieving proficiency in these Academic Expectations. Students must display twenty artifacts (twelve communication skills / eight problem-solving and critical thinking skills – one from each area) that demonstrate proficiency for graduation.