Computer User Support Specialist and Instructor
I offer training for beginners, Intermediate and Advanced levels. I cover: Internet, Email, Microsoft Office suite, Photoshop, Google apps, and QuickBooks. PC, Mac, IPad, IPhone. Email me for more details.
General Topics and Resources
In School our initial goal was to develop our learners into digital literates; be sure they were comfortable using a computer and the Microsoft suite. Today the shift is in using Google apps for Education and several other apps to promote 21st century skills. We also recognize that our learners today are digitally literate (using the apps to produce a certain end product), and the next step is to achieve digital fluency (using devices to make student thinking visible, to give every student a voice, and to allow them to share their work.)
Our learners, “Generation Z” never knew a world without smartphones, tablets, and social media. They talk in images, they prefer learning that has meaning and purpose, they like to have hands on projects, and they like to be creative.
To achieve these goals in the middle division, we are using technology to support problem based learning and collaborations. The students worked in teams on a complex and real-world challenge, that required them to plan an event. It entailed planning, budgeting, promoting through social media, and presentation.
In the younger grades the students are sharpening their skills through engaging and collaborative projects, that encourage students to focus on the method they use to reach a solution rather than the solution itself. Each project addressing the needs and interests of individual students. Their thinking becomes visible through apps like Google Drawing and Slides.
My goal is for each and every student to have the skills needed to express themselves through technology, to leave with a love of learning and recognize their personal style of learning through technology to prepared our students for their working lives.
GreatWebsitesforKids.org - This website has many students/teacher friendly websites divided in to categories. Explore the many websites with content, games, mind puzzles
FEARLESS FACT-FINDING A list of trustworthy resources to help you learn what's true (and what isn't!) on the web
Computer Science
| Grade 1-5 | ||
| Dance Mat Typing | Typing Scout | Lightbot Solve Puzzles using Programming Logic. |
| Thinking Myself | Codekingdoms learn Javascript by defeting evil glitches | Scratch program your own interactive stories, games, and animations |
| All Can Code | ||
| Grades 6+ | ||
| Code Maven | Javascript Roadtrip | Khan Academy Computer Programming |
Computer Literacy
Google Sheets - list of Shortcuts
Online Atlas -maps
| World Atlas | Atlapedia | Holt Rienhart & Winston Atlas |
Current Events for kids
Some are specific to certain grade levels, while others provide multiple versions of their articles at different lexile levels so students of all ages can engage with the writing. A few great sites to consider for articles include:
| TweenTribune | Here There Everywhere | National Geographic Kids |
| Wonderopolis | Youngzine | Newsela |
| Dogo News | Scholastic News Online | Science News for Students |
| Sports Illustrator |
Games and Fun Places
| Social Studies Games (maps, history, the world, 50 states, U.S. Presidents, flags) | States & Capitals Practice | Geography Games |
| MrNussbaum - geography | US States and Map Puzzle | National Geographic Kids |
| Quiz Hub; Educational Games, Logic Puzzles, and Quizzes | The Fin, Fur and Feather Bureau of Investigation | Cool Math Games.com |
| Fun Social Studies | American History | PBS kids |
| Good for Preschoolers | ||
| Peep and the Big Wide World - | Storyline Online - Stories read aloud to children to improve reading, writing and communication skills |
What happened on this day in history!
Citizenship
Art
| Egyptian Art Resources | BBC - History - Ancient History in depth: Pyramid Challenge | Interactive and Instructional Art site for kids |
| Tinkercad | SketchUp - Free 3D Modeling Program | Picassohead |
| ULearn |
SBH
Links for Word Class
L4L
Product Comparison Practice Presentation Powerpoint
Excel Basic 1-11 | Pivot Table Instruction | VLookup 2 files
VLookup 1 | VLookup Job Salary | VLookup Emp. Deduction
Links for Internet and search class
Search Assessment Precourse assessment
Activity 1 - Filter by color
Activity 2 - How search works