Teaching third and fourth graders how to do anything on a computer is very exciting because delving into technology ignites their enthusiasm and captures their attention in ways that books just don’t. Starting with simple keyboarding so they become fluent typers is a great way to begin. Having command of the keyboard is an essential skill which will make all of their computer work easier and more fun. There are great, free typing programs that can be used to teach them at school and can be accessed at home for practice. Letting students type up their journal entries and stories as they master keyboarding is good incentive, too! They love that!
Teaching students about the basic functions and tools of Microsoft Word or other word programs next gives them control over how they want to present their writing. They enthusiastically select fonts, font sizes and colors! From there it is easy to get them going on power point presentations which can be applied to any subject area. Once you get students started, the road is limited only by the teacher’s own imagination and ability. At this age, students can benefit from learning the basics of blogs, Google Earth, podcasts, Wikis, and Websites. Each can be used to enhance and enrich the curriculum while enabling them to develop computer literacy.
Before initiating any technology lessons, however, it’s best to begin teaching students your classroom technology policy, followed by Internet safety. Keep it simple by breaking down classroom policy into general information, what is expected while at the computer, and what to do when they leave.
Computer Rules
Remember, access is a privilege, not a right.
Be kind to the computers!
Come with clean hands and without gum, food, or drinks
Walk slowly and carefully around the computers
Only put your hands on your own computer, but never on the screen
Use the mouse pad, press keyboard gently, and don’t force the CD-Rom door shut
Hold CDs by the edge, not the flat surface
Ask for a helping hand when you need it
Report problems or damage (accidents happen!)
While Working
Work quietly
Only use the computer for school work: no chat rooms or emails
Never tell your own or someone else's phone number, home address, or any other personal information
Log in with your own account
If someone forgot to log out, do it for them and then log yourself in
Only open your own work
Share or copy other people’s work with permission
Just use allowed websites and software
Don’t install software or games
Don’t accept or buy anything! Yikes!
Print with permission, and just click “print” once
Use positive language that makes people feel good
Report anything that makes you feel uncomfortable
When Finished
Save your work, exit programs, and log off
Leave the area nice and neat
Take your work and trash with you
Push in the chair and put away headphones
PLAY IT SAFE!
The Internet is an amazing tool, but parents and students need to be aware of safety issues they may experience while working online. We all like to feel trusting of others, but if you are not talking to a personal friend, you don’t know for sure who you are talking to: be careful who you trust online! No one should give out private information. Students should use a nickname when playing interactive games with people they don’t know. Parents should help them set their profile to private, and make sure their child knows to keep their password secret, even from their friends. They shouldn’t share their user names or passwords with anyone, either. Parents should also set search engines to block adult sites and install internet filter software. Having the computer in the family room where parents can keep an eye on what their child is viewing is helpful. This enables parents to troubleshoot problems as well and be on top of what sites their child is viewing.
Bullying is also a serious problem. Both children and parents need to understand that they should report it immediately. Parents can report it to their school and keep the evidence to help authorities track offenders. Directing their children to websites such as Cybersmart Online Helpline service at http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/Report.aspx to help them learn about Internet safety. These interactive sites reinforce the importance of vigilance, caution, and safety.
While computers can be very educational and fun, parents need to limit the amount of their child’s screen time. It can cut into homework, chores, and interacting with family members and friends. Parents should provide plenty of time for their children to develop social skills as well as quiet time to explore their own imaginations. In this way, children can safely explore world in ways we never dreamed of.
