HIT 1: Middle Library Computer Skills

[Piette <pietmike@LOCALNET.COM>]

Hi Everyone,
Thanks to all who responded to my question about what library computer
skills are taught at grades 5-8, your input was very helpful to me. I had
many requests for a hit so here goes:

Benchmarks for Middle School
The following is a list of technology skills to target at each grade level.
I. Sixth Grade
Related Arts focus: (Computer exploratory class)
on/off procedures
enter/open a program/file
close a file
exit/quit a program
save data to disk or directory
retrieve data from disk or directory
basic computer terminology
basic keyboarding terminology (including the desktop)
correct keyboarding techniques
keyboarding skills (major focus of related arts class)
creative use of draw program
basic word processing skills (entry, exit, general usage, save, print,
etc.)
Classroom focus:
develop a simple multimedia presentation (minimum of 4 screens or 30
seconds of motion)
use of appropriate research tools (target: electronic periodicals,
encyclopedias, and internet)
use of content specific software
II.  Seventh Grade
Related Arts focus: (Computer exploratory class)
review of skills from 6th grade
improve keyboarding rate (target of 20 WPM)
add data to existing spreadsheet
create a graph from existing data
Internet application skills including access, navigation, searches
Internet terminology and understanding of uses
create and sort a database
print a database report
Classroom focus:
develop word processing skills
use of appropriate research tools (target: appropriate periodical
databases)
use of content specific software
create electronic reports (textual and multimedia)
III.  Eighth Grade
Related Arts focus: (Computer exploratory class)
create and use spreadsheet
introduce desktop publishing
Internet navigational strategies, search strategies, setting bookmarks,
selecting resources, importing documents and graphics
keyboarding review (composing at the keyboard)
incorporating still graphics, full motion video, and sound into multimedia
presentations
use word processing to complete a written assignment and use the editing
capabilities to improve upon the first draft
Classroom focus:
use of appropriate research tools
use of content specific software
create electronic reports (textual and multimedia)
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I am a librarian in a middle school (grades 6-8) What you teach will depend
on what you have available. I have a lab of about 23 Macs attached to the
library that is booked with the library be classes that come in. The
scheduling is flexible and all skills are taught within the curriculum,
which the teacher and I plan together.
I teach:
Searching the online catalog
Searching the Internet
Searching online databases that we subscribe to (SuperTOM Jr. and we are
getting some of the Gale databases this year.)
Searching WorldBook Online
PowerPoint presentations
HyperStudio Projects
PageMaker (sometimes)
Claris HomePage (sometimes)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------


I teach k-5. Library Information computer skills that the 5th grade is
expected to use include:
Boolean search skills for OPAC, CD-Rom, Database, and Internet.
Basic Copy Paste skills ( incorporated in research AND bibliography work)
Able to use presentation, WP, and browser software. I use Big6 as a basis
for research / problem solving. Most library classes focus on research
skills with focus on using digital resources.
I teach 'computer skills' only in context of doing library skills. For
example, while class is working on research projects, I will will work on
bibliography or notetaking. To make sure we have accurate citations and
information, I will use skills such as having 2 programs open at same time
(WP and browser or CD for example) and copy/pasting information (notes and
URL or bib info).
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Dawn Piette, Library Media Specialist
Attica Middle School
Attica, N.Y.
pietmike@localnet.com

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