School Curriculum: Computer and Information Literacy
This page is designed to enable parents to understand what their child should be learning, when they should be learning it, and what degree of mastery the child should have attained (at a median level) by a certain grade level. For Homeschoolers, we hope that this page will serve as a valuable asset in establishing a baseline curriculum. For parents whose children attend public or private schools (or for the inquisitive student) this page should give some guidance as to whether or not the school curriculum and methods are providing students with an adequate standard of education.
What is meant by "Computer and Information Literacy," why is it important, and how is it approached ? Below is a description of the core discipline and its components, and the answers to why-how-when these components are taught. Computer and Information Literacy components have median level goals to be attained by the end of Grade 4, by the end of Grade 8, and by the end of Grade 12.
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Computer and Information Literacy
A. Basic Computer Tools and Skills
- Keyboarding
- Word processing
- Internet usage
- Spreadsheets
- Database concepts and usage
- Publications and presentations
B. Application of Productivity Tools
- Social Aspects
- Information Access and Research
- Problem Solving
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STANDARD 8.1 (COMPUTER AND INFORMATION LITERACY ) ALL STUDENTS WILL USE COMPUTER APPLICATIONS TO GATHER AND ORGANIZE INFORMATION AND TO SOLVE PROBLEMS. |
Descriptive Statement: Using computer applications and technology tools students will conduct research, solve problems, improve learning, achieve goals, and produce products and presentations in conjunction with standards in all content areas, including career education and consumer family, and life skills. They will also develop, locate, summarize, organize, synthesize, and evaluate information for lifelong learning.
Strands and Cumulative Progress Indicators
By the end of Grade 4, students will:
A. Basic Computer Skills and Tools
1. Use basic technology vocabulary.
2. Use basic features of an operating system (e.g., accessing programs, identifying and selecting a printer, finding help).
3. Input and access text and data, using appropriate keyboarding techniques or other input devices.
4. Produce a simple finished document using word processing software.
5. Produce and interpret a simple graph or chart by entering and editing data on a prepared spreadsheet template.
6. Create and present a multimedia presentation using appropriate software.
7. Create and maintain files and folders.
8. Use a graphic organizer.
9. Use basic computer icons.
B. Application of Productivity Tools
Social Aspects
1. Discuss the common uses of computer applications and identify their advantages and disadvantages.
2. Recognize and practice responsible social and ethical behaviors when using technology, and understand the consequences of inappropriate use including:
Internet access
Copyrighted materials
On-line library resources
Personal security and safety issues
3. Practice appropriate Internet etiquette.
4. Recognize the ethical and legal implications of plagiarism of copyrighted materials.
Information Access and Research
5. Recognize the need for accessing and using information.
6. Identify and use web browsers, search engines, and directories to obtain information to solve real world problems.
7. Locate specific information by searching a database.
8. Recognize accuracy and/or bias of information.
Problem Solving and Decision Making
9. Solve problems individually and/or collaboratively using computer applications.
10. Identify basic hardware problems and solve simple problems.
Building upon knowledge and skills gained in preceding grades, by the end of Grade 8, students will:
A. Basic Computer Skills and Tools
1. Use appropriate technology vocabulary.
2. Use common features of an operating system (e.g., creating and organizing files and folders).
3. Demonstrate effective input of text and data, using touch keyboarding with proper technique.
4. Input and access data and text efficiently and accurately through proficient use of other input devices, such as the mouse.
5. Create documents with advanced text-formatting and graphics using word processing.
6. Create a file containing customized information by merging documents.
7. Construct a simple spreadsheet, enter data, and interpret the information.
8. Design and produce a basic multimedia project.
9. Plan and create a simple database, define fields, input data, and produce a report using sort and query.
10. Use network resources for storing and retrieving data.
11. Choose appropriate electronic graphic organizers to create, construct, or design a document.
12. Create, organize and manipulate shortcuts.
B. Application of Productivity Tools
Social Aspects
1. Demonstrate an understanding of how changes in technology impact the workplace and society.
2. Exhibit legal and ethical behaviors when using information and technology, and discuss consequences of misuse.
3. Explain the purpose of an Acceptable Use Policy and the consequences of inappropriate use of technology.
4. Describe and practice safe Internet usage.
5. Describe and practice "etiquette" when using the Internet and electronic mail.
Information Access and Research
6. Choose appropriate tools and information resources to support research and solve real world problems, including but not limited to:
On-line resources and databases
Search engines and subject directories
7. Evaluate the accuracy, relevance, and appropriateness of print and non-print electronic information sources.
Problem Solving and Decision Making
8. Use computer applications to modify information independently and/or collaboratively to solve problems.
9. Identify basic hardware problems and demonstrate the ability to solve common problems.
10. Determine when technology tools are appropriate to solve a problem and make a decision.
Building upon knowledge and skills gained in preceding grades, by the end of Grade 12, students will:
A. Basic Computer Skills and Tools
1. Create a multi-page document with citations using word processing software in conjunction with other tools that demonstrates the ability to format, edit, and print.
2. Create documents including a resume and a business letter using professional format.
3. Construct a spreadsheet, enter data, use mathematical or logical functions to manipulate and process data, generate charts and graphs, and interpret the results.
4. Given a database, define fields, input data from multiple records, produce a report using sort and query, and interpret the data.
5. Produce a multimedia project using text, graphics, moving images, and sound.
6. Produce and edit page layouts in different formats using desktop publishing and graphics software.
7. Develop a document or file for inclusion into a website or web page.
8. Discuss and/or demonstrate the capability of emerging technologies and software in the creation of documents or files.
9. Merge information from one document to another.
B. Application of Productivity Tools
Social Aspects
1. Describe the potential and implications of contemporary and emerging computer applications for personal, social, lifelong learning, and workplace needs.
2. Exhibit legal and ethical behaviors when using information and technology, and discuss consequences of misuse.
3. Make informed choices among technology systems, resources, and services in a variety of contexts.
4. Use appropriate language when communicating with diverse audiences using computer and information literacy.
Information Access and Research
5. Select and use specialized databases for advanced research to solve real world problems.
6. Identify new technologies and other organizational tools to use in personal, home, and/or work environments for information retrieval, entry, and presentation.
7. Evaluate information sources for accuracy, relevance, and appropriateness.
8. Compose, send, and organize e-mail messages with and without attachments.
Problem-Solving and Decision Making
9. Create and manipulate information, independently and/or collaboratively, to solve problems and design and develop products.
10. Identify, diagnose, and suggest solutions for non-functioning technology systems.
11. Identify a problem in a content area and formulate a strategy to solve the problem using brainstorming, flowcharting, and appropriate resources.
12. Integrate new information into an existing knowledge base and communicate the results in a project or presentation.