Saint Paul Public Schools Secondary Course Syllabus

  • Grade Level:  9-12           
    High School: LEA
    Subject Area: Business           
    Course Number: B405111
    Course Title: Computer Keyboarding 1           
    Course Length: 2 quarters
    Prerequisite:None
    Teacher Planning Course: Sandy Lucas

    Course Description:

    In today's world, understanding computer concepts, possessing computer skills, and knowing how to apply them are essential. Students enter this course with widely varying levels of skills and knowledge. This course is designed for new and experienced learners as they develop computer competency using an integrated computer software package. Students will learn how to use the computer lab and the correct use of the computer keyboard using the touch system.

    Standards and Benchmarks:

    PROGRAM AREA: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

    IMPACT ON SOCIETY

    Standard:   Assess the impact of informational technology on society.

    Benchmarks: Level 1

    • Identify uses of informational technology in the home, society, and workplace.
    • Recognize the risks of information technology to personal health.

    Benchmarks: Level 2

    • Describe the impact of technology on the skills needed in the workplace.

    APPLICATION SOFTWARE

    Standard:   Identify, evaluate, select, install, use, upgrade, and customize application software; diagnose and solve problems resulting from an application software’s installation and use.

    Benchmarks: Level 1

    • Identify basic communications application software (e.g., e-mail and browser software).
    • Prepare documents that include a variety of media (e.g., images, text, and sounds).
    • Use a variety of application software appropriate to specific tasks (e.g., use a Web browser to find information).

    Benchmarks: Level 2

    • Identify the types of application software and explain the purpose or use of each.
    • Use online and offline help to learn software.
    • Select and apply the appropriate application software to common tasks (e.g., design a simple Web page).

    Benchmarks: Level 3

    • Use application software reference materials (e.g., online help, vendor Web sites, tutorials, and manuals).
    • Use the collaborative features of application software to complete simulated or real organization tasks.

    Benchmarks: Level 4

    • Evaluate application software products in terms of their features.
    • Import and export text, data, sound, video, and still images between software programs.

    INPUT TECHNOLOGIES

    Standard:   Use input technologies appropriately to enter and manipulate text and data.

    Benchmarks: Level 1

    • Develop proper input techniques (e.g., keyboarding, scanning, speech recognition, handwriting recognition, and the use of a touch screen or mouse), including safety methods to avoid repetitive strain injury.
    • Enter and manipulate numeric data using the touch method on a 10-key keypad.
    • Identify, compare, and explain features of various keyboards.
    • Use a variety of input technologies.

    Benchmarks: Level 2-4

    • Develop input technology skills for acceptable speed and accuracy levels that adhere to principles of repetitive strain avoidance.
    • Describe the safe and appropriate use of input tools and techniques.

    INFORMATION RETRIEVAL

    Standard:   Gather, evaluate, use, and cite information from information technology sources.

    Benchmarks: Level 1

    • Use a wide variety of information technology resources to retrieve information.

    PRIVACY AND ETHICS

    Standard:   Describe, analyze, develop, and follow policies for managing privacy and ethical issues in organizations and in a technology-based society.

    Benchmarks: Level 1

    • Identify personal information that should not be shared.
    • Explain the risks and dangers of sharing personal information.
    • Discuss basic issues related to responsible use of technology and describe personal consequences of inappropriate use.

    INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CAREERS

    Standard:   Describe positions and career paths in information technology.

    Benchmarks: Level 1

    • Identify information technologies commonly used in all careers.
    • Recognize the impact of information technology on all careers.

    Benchmarks: Level 2

    • Explore careers in information technology.

    Scope and Sequence:

     This course supports career and technical education efforts of having students learn authentic skills for the workplace.

    September

    Topics:

    • Introduction to Keyboarding - Understanding the importance of learning to keyboard; understanding correct posture when keyboarding; familiarization with “home row” and finger-key correlation; basic computer/technology vocabulary.
    • Assessment weekly using TypingWeb.com “Your Skill Level”
    • Daily keyboarding practice to integrate body memory for keyboarding mastery.
    • CIPA/Internet Safety Training

    October

    Topics:

    • Continue daily keyboarding practice - beginner and intermediate levels.
    • Focus on increasing keyboarding speed
    • Assessment weekly using TypingWeb.com “Your Skill Level”
    • Introduce SPPS Apps - document creation, formatting, shared documents; Internet search protocols

    November

    Topics:

    • Continue daily keyboarding practice - intermediate and advanced levels
    • Continued focus on increasing keyboarding speed, plus accuracy for those typing 25+ words per minute
    • Assessment weekly using “Your Skill Level”
    • Introduce Powerpoint creation, Website creation, blogging

     Content-based Instructional Practices:

    • Integrate hands-on activities and core knowledge into practical applications for business, community and workplace.
    • Creating real world situations in which students can demonstrate content knowledge.
    • Address multiple intelligences through the lessons.

     Assessments ( formative, summative and on-going):

     Formative:

    • Keyboarding Placement Assessment

     Summative:

    • Keyboarding Assessments
    • Quizzes
    •  Product Assessment 

    On-going:

    • Daily informal assessment of technique
    • Exit slips

    Instructional Materials, Including Technology and Internet Resources, to be used:

    • Computers/Computer Lab
    • Keyboarding software 
    • Typing Web - Online Keyboarding Course http://www.typingweb.com
    • SPPS Apps
    • Internet  - Pixlr.com, Prexi.com, Code.org, Codeacademy.com, etc.
    • Kid Blog - http://kidblog.org/home/
    • Hand-outs
    • Student folders

    Suggested Adaptations for English Language Learner, Gifted and Talented and Special Education Students:

    • Adapted materials to learn course content
    • Experiential learning
    • Bridging support within the classroom
    • Integrating curriculum with technology
    • Additional analysis of lessons

     District course numbers and titles have specific assigned standards that are required regardless of where the course is taught.