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Computer Lab
Here at Gate of Heaven School, the Computer Lab serves the students and
faculty alike. Initially, the students learn how to operate and then perfect
their use of basic computer software programs like Word, Excel, PowerPoint
and the Internet. Once these skills are developed, educational software
and the Internet are utilized to integrate technology into their classroom
activities. By fully integrating technology into the classroom, Gate of
Heaven provides all its students with the technical skills necessary to
succeed in future educational endeavors.
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First Graders will
begin an introduction to computers by learning computer parts through
the completion of the "computer parts puzzle challenge" online.
They will then learn to navigate many different programs and, in the process,
practice their keyboarding skills. Phonics 4 Kids, Kid Pix and Jump Start
First Grade are just a few of the programs used throughout the year to
enhance first grade learning.
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Second Graders will be busy exploring
Internet web sites such as www.funbrain.com
at the start of their year where they will practice both math and grammar
skills. Keyboarding proficiency is developed with Type to Learn Programs,
and the creation of a First Communion keepsake will be completed in
the spring
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Third Graders will commence
the year by typing poems in Microsoft Word and adding graphics. They will
also surf the net reading and typing quotes from Martin Luther King Jr.
The students will then take their weekly spelling words and put them into
tables in MS Word, learning to sort them in ascending and descending order.
They will also review their math skills on APlusMath.Com
and even post their scores online.
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Fourth Graders will start
the year by integrating technology into their classroom with the "Monster
Exchange." Monster Exchange is designed to encourage the development
of both reading and writing skills. Students will use technology tools
to enhance their writing skills with clear and concise language, thus
increasing their productivity.
Students will also conduct a Web Quest on the formation of snow. A Web
Quest is an inquiry oriented activity online in which students use information
from resources on the Internet.
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Fifth Graders will be reviewing their keyboarding
skills and the many aspects of MS Word at the beginning of their year.
The each student will complete a Christmas recipe book. Presidential mini-biographies
will be created by researching on the official White House web site. Fifth
graders will also browse the web with Microsoft's Internet Explorer researching
children in colonial America.
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Middle School
Connecting Curriculum and Technology
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Sixth Graders will begin
the year on an interactive website designed to teach the students about
the internet. The students will explore the internet, guest books, web
browsers, and researching methods on the internet using search engines
which are intended for children. Students also will research the gods
and goddesses of Greek Mythology and create a power point presentation.
In conjunction with their science teacher, students will also complete
an Internet Web Quest entitled "Roller Coaster Physics" By developing
critical thinking and problem solving skills, each student will design
and build a virtual roller coaster.
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Seventh Graders will start
the year developing their editing skills in Microsoft Word. They will
"peer edit" journal topics and "track changes" in
MS Word. In Excel students will learn to enter data into cells, understand
basic spreadsheet vocabulary and create a graph based on the "What
Color Are Your Skittles Project" Students will also complete a Power
Point presentation entitled "A Snap Shot in Time" which will
facilitate learning on many levels
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Eighth Graders will embark
on their final year at Gate of Heaven by creating an interactive project
using Microsoft Excel. The topic will be all about their favorite "famous
entrepreneur." In conjunction with their homeroom teacher students
will also be participating in the "Boston Globe Stock Market Game."
As a final assignment the eighth grade students will use Power Point to
present a multimedia autobiography.
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Liz Cleary
Computer Teacher
e-mail
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