Computer/Technology Skills

The strength of technology is that it provides an excellent platform where students can collect information in multiple formats and then organize, link, and discover relationships between facts and events. An array of tools for acquiring information and for thinking and expression allows more students more ways to enter the learning enterprise successfully and to live productive lives in the global, digital, and information-based future they all face.

The focus for 8th grade Computer/Technology Skills includes:

Responsible and safe use of online resources
Using Copyright and Fair Use Guidelines
Using spreadsheets and databases relevant to classroom assignments
Choosing charts/tables or graphs to best represent data
Conducting online research and evaluating the information found
Using word processing/desktop publishing for classroom assignments/projects
Selecting and using a variety of technological tools to develop projects in content areas

Prior to completion of Grade 8, students will:

Apply strategies for identifying and solving routine hardware and software problems that occur during everyday use. (1)
Demonstrate knowledge of current changes in information technologies and the effect those changes have on the workplace and society. (2)
Exhibit legal and ethical behaviors when using information and technology, and discuss consequences of misuse. (2)
Use content-specific tools, software, and simulations (e.g., environmental probes, graphing calculators, exploratory environments, Web tools) to support learning and research. (3)
Apply productivity/multimedia tools and peripherals to support personal productivity, group collaboration, and learning throughout the curriculum. (3, 6)
Design, develop, publish, and present products (e.g., Web pages, videotapes) using technology resources that demonstrate and communicate curriculum concepts to audiences inside and outside the classroom. (4, 5, 6)
Collaborate with peers, experts, and others using telecommunications and collaborative tools to investigate curriculum-related problems, issues, and information, and to develop solutions or products for audiences inside and outside the classroom. (4, 5)
Select and use appropriate tools and technology resources to accomplish a variety of tasks and solve problems. (5, 6)
Demonstrate an understanding of concepts underlying hardware, software, and connectivity, and of practical applications to learning and problem solving. (1, 6)
Research and evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources concerning real-world problems

C.D. Owen Middle

8th Grade

Academic Teams

Curriculum