Welcome!

Article posted September 25, 2006 at 12:20 AM GMT0 • Reads 160

Greetings and welcome to my blog! This blog will be used throughout this school year to keep parents and students abreast of what is taking place in the 7th grade Keyboarding and 8th grade Business Computer Technology (aka: Computers) classes. It is my goal to post information about homework, upcoming tests, and other events taking place in the classroom as often as possible. This blog will also be used to enhance classroom instruction. It is my goal to continue blogging with the 8th graders and to introduce blogging to the 7th graders. From time to time, students will be expected to complete various assignments using their own personal blog.



Since this blog is solely for educational purposes, I welcome any comments and questions, appropriately worded. In fact, I highly encourage readers to respond to the various posts that appear. Each response will be sent directly to me and once approved it will be published for others to read. Any inappropriate responses will not be posted to the blog.



Keep in mind, I will not be posting specific information about my students and would appreciate the same respect in your responses. If you would like to discuss a specific child or a specific situation, please email me directly.



Please check back frequently for updates and announcements. I look forward to communicating with you through this blog.



Thanks again for visiting!

What is a blog?

Article posted October 1, 2006 at 05:53 PM GMT0 • Reads 182

Blogs are the new and upcoming forms of web pages typically published by individuals to promote interactive dialogue among users. They are use for a variety of purposes: enhance educational instruction, share personal journals, share updates, and as a discussion forum for specified topics. For more information about blogs, select the blog link provided in the related links section.

Are you familiar with the 7th & 8th grade state curriculum?

Article posted October 1, 2006 at 05:54 PM GMT0 • Reads 97

7th Grade Curriculum

Every 7th grader is enrolled in Keyboarding at the beginning of the school year. The class meets for an hour every other day throughout the year. The Keyboarding curriculum is governed by the state and addresses the fundamentals evident in the business world. In this course, students learn how to type using the touch-typing method, about hardware and software, how to compose and proofread business word processing documents, and about citizenship and workplace ethics. This course lays the foundation for the 8th grade Business Computer Technology Course.



8th grade Curriculum

When students return in the 8th grade, they are enrolled in Business Computer Technology (BCT). This class also meets for an hour every other day throughout the year. The state mandated curriculum is designed to prepare students for high school and the workforce. Word processing, spreadsheets, databases, telecommunications, and multimedia are the primary focal points in the 8th grade BCT curriculum. Special student projects are often times integrated into various activities that involve the use of special hardware devices such as digital cameras and scanners, and the use of special software: iPhoto, iMovie, and PowerPoint.



For more information regarding the state mandated curriculum, select the "Course Description" link located in the "Related Links" section.

Grading System

Article posted October 1, 2006 at 05:56 PM GMT0 • Reads 98

Students do receive grades in both 7th grade Keyboarding and 8th grade BCT.



This is the grading scale currently used for 7th grade Keyboarding:

Test and Quizzes - 25%

Class Work - 25%

Home Work - 20%

Timed Typing - 25%

Typing Posture - 5%



This is the grading scale currently used for 8th grade Business Computer Technology:

Test and Quizzes - 25%

Class Work - 25%

Home Work - 25%

Timed Typing - 25%





Remember, computer homework is given on a regular basis, never requires the use of a computer, and should only take your child 10-15 minutes to complete. All homework assignments are aimed at reinforcing and assessing your child's comprehension of the subject matter; it is essential that all homework be completed. Keep in mind, students are not allowed to return to their lockers for homework. However, all homework turned in by 2:45 that day will be accepted for full credit. Students who leave their homework at home can receive full credit if the homework assignment is turned in by 8am the next school day. Otherwise, students will receive a "0" on the assignment not turned in.



When your child is absent, s/he is responsible for the work missed. It is the student's responsibility to ask for missed work and to turn in all necessary make-up work. Failure to do so will result in "0's" for the assignments not completed and turned in. All make-up work is due 3 days after absence occurs unless other arrangements have been made.



Progress reports are sent home midway through each grading period. All progress reports are to be returned signed within 3 school days, which counts as a homework grade. Please review your child's progress report and discuss this information with you child. Occasionally, updated progress reports are sent home at other times during the grading period. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me.

Upcoming 7th Grade Test

Article posted October 5, 2006 at 05:56 PM GMT0 • Reads 81

The 7th graders will have a test on Thursday or Friday, October 5th and 6th, depending on when they have Keyboarding. The test will cover all the special characters that appear on the keyboard. Students must be able to draw the symbol when its name is called as well as spell it correctly. Please take some time to study with your child. There are 3 excellent worksheets in their textbook that can be used as study guides.

Upcoming 8th Grade Test

Article posted October 5, 2006 at 06:02 PM GMT0 • Reads 74

The 8th will have a test on Tuesday or Wednesday, October 10th and 11th, depending on when they have Computer. The test will cover computer hardware and software, which is Unit 1 Section 1 in their workbook. Please take some time to study with your child. There are some excellent worksheets in their blue book and burgundy book that can be used as study guides.

Looking for Ways To Improve Your Typing Skills? Read This!

Article posted October 5, 2006 at 06:05 PM GMT0 • Reads 100

I have had several inquiries from parents and students regarding what they can do to improve their typing skills. There are a lot of wonderful typing tutorial programs on the market as well as some online typing activities that can help your child.



If you are interested in purchasing some sort of typing software, I suggest buying Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing. It is relatively inexpensive and can be found at Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and leading office supply companies.



There's also a plethora of free online resources as well. I have provided links for several of them in the links section. Try each one to see which one you like best.



Another key to successful typing is memorization of the keys. This is very difficult when the keys are "staring" you in the face. I would advise you to use a cover of some sort. It can be something as simple as a lightweight cloth or a newspaper. Both will allow the typist to slip their hands underneath the cover without interfering with typing. iSkin keyboarding covers can also be purchased through WorldWise. I have provided that link as well in the links section.

Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3, Testing...

Article posted October 5, 2006 at 06:10 PM GMT0 • Reads 88

Every 7th and 8th grader enrolled in Keyboarding and BCT will be involved in testing at some point during the school year. Keep reading to learn more about the test(s) that will involve your child.



7th Grade Testing in Keyboarding

At the end of each school year, every 7th grader is required by the state to take a VoCats (Vocational Achievement) test. This 50 item multiple-choice test is designed to assess each student's mastery of the curriculum content. The test is typically administered within the last 2-3 weeks of the school year. Scores are usually counted as a test grade.



8th Grade Testing in BCT

Testing is abundant in 8th grade! Every 8th grader takes the NC Computer Skills Test and the VoCats (Vocational Achievement) test.



The VoCats test is a 50 item multiple-choice test designed to evaluate each student's understanding of the curriculum content. The test is typically administered within the last 2-3 weeks of the school year and scores count as a test grade.



The NC Computer Skills Test is administered to every child in the 8th grade. In order to receive a high school diploma, every 8th grader must pass this test. Therefore, students are given two opportunities to pass the test: fall and spring. Students failing to demonstrate computer proficiency in the 8th grade will be given one opportunity each year in high school to fulfill these requirements. For more information about the Computer Skills Test, select the "Computer Test" link provided in the related links section.

Don’t Forget Your Homework!

Article posted October 26, 2006 at 09:22 PM GMT0 • Reads 89

This year, the middle grade teachers are trying something new; we’re adding a homework incentive program to coincide with our existing conduct incentive programs. Yes, homework is given in Keyboarding and Computer class! Homework accounts for a portion of your child’s grade and is an essential part of monitoring a child’s progress and understanding in the subject matter. Homework is usually given once or twice a week, never requires the use of a computer, and should only take 10-15 minutes to complete.



This year we will be rewarding “Homework Success” by offering a 1-2 period intramural time where students will be playing some kind of activity: kickball game or volleyball game between homeroom classes, etc. Since Computer and Keyboarding homework is graded on correctness, students’ homework average must be 82 or higher for eligibility. I have communicated this information to my students.



Please speak to your child about the importance of completing homework assignments that are aimed at helping him/her pass the VoCats Test and the NC Computer Skills Test. Remember, the state of NC requires students to pass the NC Computer Skills Test to receive a high school diploma. Your understanding, support, and cooperation in this matter are greatly appreciated.

Classroom Materials

Article posted October 26, 2006 at 09:41 PM GMT0 • Reads 949

In the last several weeks, numerous students have forgotten to bring their textbook/workbook and planners to class. It is essential they bring these items to class as they contain notes, classwork, and homework. Students are given a warning the first time they forget their class materials. On the second offense, their locker will be taken away for 2 days, which means s/he will have to carry their books throughout the day. On the third offense, lockers will be revoked for a week. Students will only be permitted to visit their locker at 8am and at 2:45pm. Repeated violations will result in more serious consequences: writing assignments, office referral, etc.