Welcome to the 2004-2005 Kozminski school year and Upper Grade Computer Lab.  Let’s make this a great year for your child to work, grow and learn. Your child will be included weekly in the Computer Lab.  The Lab is structured to provide technology-based activities in which students achieve success in learning, communication and life skills. Your child must have a signed Board of Education Acceptable Use Policy on file to have access to the Internet in order to participate in Lab activities.  A form was given to your child during the month of September.  Please read the Policy with your child, sign it and have your child return it to me.

To adequately prepare our students for adult citizenship in the Information Age, computer-related technology must become a tool that students use routinely. The following outlines the National Educational Technology Standards for the effective use of information technology in education: 

Basic operations and concepts 
Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems. 
Students are proficient in the use of technology. 

Social, ethical, and human issues 
Students understand the ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology. 
Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software. 
Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity. 

Technology productivity tools 
Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity. 
Students use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, prepare publications, and produce other creative works.

Technology communications tools 
Students use telecommunications to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts, and other audiences. 
Students use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences. 

Technology research tools 
Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources. 
Students use technology tools to process data and report results. 
Students evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on the appropriateness for specific tasks. 

Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools 
Students use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions. 
Students employ technology in the development of strategies for solving problems in the real world.

This quarter, the Computer Lab’s focus is on developing Internet searching,  word-processing, and PowerPoint skills.   Students need guidance and discipline in order to have good classroom conduct/behavior.  Please stress to your child the importance of appropriate behavior at all times, self-respect and respect for peers, teachers and staff.  Excessive talking disrupts the learning process.  Encourage your child to do more listening than talking. Thank you for all of the support you will be giving.  I look forward to working with your child.
 
 

Mrs. McKelvey
Computer Lab Teacher, Room 311