Welcome to RABBOTT.COM	Computer Lab Happenings Planned activities for the Upper Moreland Elementary Computer Lab in the Upper Moreland Intermediate School December 2008 - February 2009

Grade 5

    In December, the fifth grade students will continue their work with Microsoft Excel as they learn to create a basic spreadsheet.  Organizing data and the proper entering of formulas will be stressed.  In January the fifth graders will explore the creation of data base files using Microsoft Access. The students will learn how to create a data base file, enter and update data, and create various reports.  As we move into February, our fifth grade students will explore the world of virtual reality programming using the program Alice from Carnegie Mellon University.

Grade 4

    In December, our fourth graders will continue to work on the creation of multi-media presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint.  The students will be using graphics and text, along with animations and sound, to create a finished PowerPoint/Big 6 project.  In January the fourth grade students will explore the creation of computer-based graphic organizers using the program Inspiration.  This program allows the students to create flow charts to organize work, brainstorming charts to assist in the creative process, and even formal outlines. Early in this unit, students will be asked to bring a paper-based graphic organizer to class to translate into Inspiration.  In the month of February our fourth graders will explore the history of computers in a unit called "Computer History," and then review common computer terminology in a unit called "Computer Words." 

Grade 3

    In December, our third graders will be introduced to Microsoft PowerPoint. Throughout December and into January, the students will explore the creation of multi-media computer presentations using text, graphics, animation, and sounds, ending with a finished PowerPoint project.  Later in January, our third grade students will practice the skill of keyboarding using Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing.  Students will be instructed in good typing posture and correct hand position, and will be expected to attempt to type the lessons without looking at the hands.  Our third graders will return to keyboarding from time to time throughout the rest of the year as they work to improve their typing skills.  In February, the third graders will explore the use of the Internet.  The use of various search engines, ways to select quality web sites, and how to deal with advertisements and pop-ups, will be covered.  Internet safety and how to deal with any undesirable materials that may slip past filtering and parental controls will also be taught. 

Reminder to Parents

    Students in the Intermediate school can access and use school e-mail from their home computers.  If a student can access the Internet, he/she can access school e-mail.  Students have been informed of the Internet URL (address) they must use to access the e-mail system.  Students must enter their school username and e-mail password when they get to the website.  Then they can use e-mail as they do in school.  NOTE: All rules for UM e-mail are in effect when students use school e-mail at home.