Welcome to Technology
Mrs. Mary Beth Morell
5th and 6th graders will meet with me during one 40-minute period each week. Our studies this year will focus on the following areas:
First Quarter – Keyboarding
We will be devoting much of the first quarter to keyboarding. Keyboard covers will be used in class, so that students learn proper finger placement. By the end of 5th grade, the students should be typing at least 25 words a minute, by the end of 6th grade, they should typing at least 30 words a minute.
Each student will have an account on Type to Learn. It is a web-based program, so if the students would like extra practice at home, I have copies of TTL to install on your home computer. Parents must Email me on: mbmorell@htsdc.org before I send a copy home.Second and Third Quarters – Research and Presentation Skills
During the second and third quarters, we will work on a variety of skills related to Internet searching and researching. I will introduce the students to effective searching strategies, how to identify a reputable website, how to organize research, and how to cite a source properly using an online citation maker. Once the research is complete, we will use a variety of presentation tools, such as PowerPoint, MS Publisher, Inspiration Mapping, Comic Life and Glogster. I hope to work closely with the classroom teachers so that most projects complement the 5th and 6th grade core curriculum, but sometimes we touch upon current events or geography in our projects.
Fourth Quarter – Final Project
During the fourth quarter, the students will complete a final project using many of the skills used throughout the year. Last year, each 6th grader chose a National Park. They completed comprehensive research, including a tour of the park using GoogleEarth, compiled a file of photos, then created an online poster of the Park using Glogster. Citing sources was an important part of the project.
Digital Citizenship
Throughout the year, I will be doing mini-lessons on Digital Citizenship, using the curriculum from CommonSense Media. Topics will include Privacy and Digital Footprints, Online Safety and Security, Connected Culture and Respecting Creative Work. This is a new program to Holy Trinity this year, and I look forward to exploring these topics with the students.
The Blog
Every week, I will provide updates on the 5th and 6th Grade Technology Blogs – my answer to a teacher homework page. Students will be able to access any links or resources I have posted, and parents will be able to see what we are doing in technology class. My contact information will be there as well. The link to the blogs can be found on my homework page: http://www.htsdc.org/faculty-homework-pages/morell/
Internet Resources
On the blog, I will maintain a list of Internet resources for research, and for learning fun.
Questions, Comments or Suggestions? Reach me on mbmorell@htsdc.org
