Technology Curriculum Objectives

I'm in the process of redesigning (again) my tech curriculum for grades PS-8th. I have the bitties figured out, but starting in 1st grade, I get overwhelmed. I have the latest ISTE standards, but they seem more general rather than grade level/age specific like objectives would be. There's so much I want to do with the kids, yet I know I need to include the basics (file management, office suite, keyboarding, Web 2.0 tools, etc.) I want to be able to build on skills taught in previous years.

I saw this wiki and got inspired. I like the categories and specific skills for each one. Do others have documents like this outlining your yearlong plan? Care to share?

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Permalink Reply by Vicky S on May 8, 2009 at 8:54pm

This is my 2nd year teaching K-8 in the lab and I haven't done the same thing this year as last because I was trying to add more collaborative and Web 2.0 things this year.

Last year I focused on a specific software program each month and built projects around that. You can see a few of the projects (sorry the Lorax video isn't working but Teacher Tube changed their embed code & I haven't fixed it on this site yet) and if you scroll down you can see a month by month breakdown of what I did here: http://stmartinsschool.org/computers/2007-08showcase.html

This year, I am using a wiki with all of my grades for assignments, etc. and a blog (which needs updating) to keep the parents informed as to what we have done. I have a Google Doc that I use for my organization for the year though for some reason I forgot all about it for Quarter 3.

I haven't started really planning for next year but will most likely redo some of what worked this year and add additional projects & activities based on the needs of the students and the amount of input I can get from the teachers. I do plan to add back some basic instruction in Microsoft Office products that I feel was missing this year in some cases. In order for them to effectively complete the assignments, I need to make sure they understand how to use the programs involved.

You might want to check out the Elementary Tech Teachers Ning - lots of good ideas over there. In fact Ann who's wiki you linked is a member there.

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Permalink Reply by Bernadette Roche on May 9, 2009 at 8:36pm

WOW! I am so impressed with your documentation! This is my second year as PS-8 lab teacher as well. I have an Excel spreadsheet that I used for my lesson planning, but it's no where near as detailed as yours. I'd be happy to share if you are interested.

My first year was all about sharing possibilities. Prior to me coming, most computer time was spent on keyboarding and games. The few projects that were done really held the kids back (ie, the fifth grade project should have been done in second grade). It's good to be in my second year - no more questions about when we're going to go to the Webkinz site or Club Penguin.

This year I focused on integration with the classroom curriculum. I did okay, but realized that I can do better. Part of the problem this year was my overwhelming schedule. Not only am I teacher, but also provide professional development for the whole school and maintain the entire network (and anything else remotely "techie" that people think I should be in charge of). This was the case last year, too, but this year we were recovering from a tornado that took out the entire network last spring.

Anyway, next year should be easier, but I want to get a jump on things now. I appreciate you sharing your information. A lot of what you do I do as well - including some of the software and internet activities. I really like how you set up you wiki for kids to go too and follow directions. No more "I'm done - what do I do now." I may have to "borrow" that idea for next year.

Again, thanks for sharing - it's GREAT!