COMPUTER CLASS CONSPECTS FOR GRADE 3

Class 1

The objective of the class: remember what you learnt in computer classes last year (writing, capital letters, erasing).

The content of the class: as the class is rather big (36 students), they have to share 15 computers. At some computers there are 2 students, at some computers 3 of them. On the screen there is a sheet containing letters X. Instead of this the students have to write their name, the name of their friends, etc./(first of all t hey have to delete X-s). Together we will try to remember how to delete, how to make capital letters, use spaces.

The speed for the class: One of the students will type, the other instruct and guide him/her. After one has finished, the other will start.

Actual results: Easy for students who have used computer before, the other achieved satisfactory results. The students who only took the third place ran out of time.

Computer skills obtained: the students were reminded what they had learnt last year.

Class 2. KID PIX STUDIO

The objective of the class: get to know the drawing possibilities offered by KidPix. Learn how to work with he “crazy” crayon, a line, eraser, to take a clean sheet.

The content of the class: The possibilities for using each tool will be projected on the screen. Every tool is being introduced separately: the teacher will give a demonstration on the screen, the students will try it in their computer.

The final task: 2-3 students have to draw a picture together while using the crayon and a straight line.

The speed for the class: 2-3 students at every computer. Everyone will have to practice what was demonstrated. Together they will draw a picture.

Actual results: The students who had used computers before had no problems with learning new methods, these meeting the computer for the first time faced some problems with the mouse.

Computer skills obtained. The students learnt some new methods.

Class 3

The objective of the class: get to know the drawing possibilities offered by KidPix. Learn how to work with a rectangle, oval shape, “crazy” brush, pots of paint, eraser, cancelling tool. Learn how to write using the keyboard. Repeat using the tools you learnt about during the previous class.

The content of the class: The possibilities for using each tool will be projected on the screen. The demonstration was given by single tools.

The final task: draw a picture containing a river, a chair and something else – choose for yourself. Write a little story to accompany the picture (or give it a name).

The speed for the class: the group was divided into two. There were 18 students in each group (2 students at 3 computers, they have to take turns working).

Actual results: some students had problems with painting the river (they didn’t complete the line). The level of acquiring new methods was also very different: some wanted to learn something more, some ran out of time.

Computer skills obtained: the students learnt how to enter and exit KidPx Studio, how to get a new sheet and use keyboard to write text on the picture.

Class 4

The objective of the class: get to know the drawing possibilities offered by KidPix. Repeat ho to use the tools you learnt about during the previous class. Learn how to use alphabetical text and move around parts of the picture (the removal van).

The content of the class: The class started with a task: draw a car and a garage. Add some elements to the picture. Think of a name for your picture. Options provided by alphabet and he removal van will be projected on the screen. The students will practice different methods with their computers.

The speed for the class: the group was divided into two. There were 18 students in each group (2 students at 3 computers, they have to take turns working).

Actual results: some students completed their work before the class was over and had a chance to practice more and try some new things. Some ran out of time.

Computer skills obtained: more confidence for entering and exiting the program. The students fixed the skills learnt earlier.

Class 5

The objective of the class: explain what is Internet and how it can be used. What is “Miksike”.

The content of the class: discussion about Internet and “Miksike”. MIKSIKE tutorial environment is opened together, students can move around there. Students’ fabric.

The speed for the class: the group was divided into two. There were 18 students in each group (2 students at 3 computers, they have to take turns working).

Actual results: Very easy for students who had used Internet before,, for other it meant bigger efforts. Still, everybody coped.

Computer skills obtained: The students got some elementary knowledge abouy Internet and “miksike”.

Class 6

The objective of the class: remember how to use Word. Type, save and print your own fairytale.

The content of the class: let’s remember how to start the program, get capital letters, etc. The teacher will help to save and print the story.

The speed for the class: there are 1 or two students at every computer. In case two students have to share computer, one will type and another assists.

Actual results: the skills of students are very different, and because of that some can complete their work during the class, other have to finish it during the next class. The length of the stories was also different.

Computer skills obtained: the students remembered and complemented their text processing skills.

Ene Moppel

Grade 3, autumn 1998