Teaching Computer skills in the library

[Pat Rideout]

I am taking on the additional role of technology teacher since we do not have one in our K-5 school and I am frustrated with trying to infuse technology in my lesson only to find out that my students don't have the basic computer skills. I plan to run a 10 minute computer skills lesson at the beginning of each class period while students check out books. I will run the session twice so that half of my students are at computers acquiring skills and the other half are checking out books. Does anyone else do this in your libraries? Does anyone have a pacing guide for computer skills by grade? Thanks for any suggestions.

[Elizabeth McCarthy]

I think your frustration is shared in that students need to use computers to acquire basic skills, not only at library time. My concern at our schools is that the Library/Media Specialists are becoming the new computer teachers where if technology is truly integrated into the classroom then they wouldn't need to take on this role. I also think that the creative use of technology such as "digital storytelling" and "video" , etc...shouldn't be just something they do for special projects at the library.

[Arielle Goldstein]

This is actually my job, "Media Teacher". My students come once a week, 45-60 minutes for computer and library skills. My teaching style is project based so they may start by learning how to take notes from a non-fiction book in the library and then turn those notes into a postcard on Word learning the skills there.

 

It is done in grades 2, 3, and 4. My projects can be found here: http://www.ariellegoldstein.com/K-4_Programs,_websites,_and_project... It was my first year doing it and I can not wait to try again and learn from my mistakes.

[Barbara Weber]

Thanks for some great ideas. I too will be adding the computer lab in addition to library. I had access to the lab most of the time since we had no computer teacher last year. I am unsure how this will work and what expectations are so ideas are alway helpful.

 

[Pat Rideout]

Thanks for sharing your ideas and the link to your site. I think I am trying to plan too much at the beginning.

[Donna]

Grade level(s)?

[Pat Rideout]

K-5

[Pat Rideout]

Typing skills would be a part of it but highlighting, cutting, copying, and pasting. The use of different software like MS Word and PowerPoint.

[Tina M. Glatz]

Hi,

 

You might try to use the Nets for Students by ISTE as a guideline for your instruction.

 

Tina