Computer Technologies

The Computer and Technology class at O.W. Best Middle School is a 10 week course that students will take at the 6th, 7th and 8th grade levels. This class has been formatted and created using the 21Things 4 Students Project which meets National Educational Technology Standards For Students (NETS-S), and the Michigan Educational Technology Standar

6th Grade Computers & Technology: The 6th grade computer and technology curriculum provides students with introductory computer skills through project based learning. These skills will enable them to effectively, efficiently and responsibly utilize computers, technology, and other information sources. Students are recommended to have their own email account that they are able to access.

Topics covered in the 6th grade computer and technology curriculum include:

Developing a Positive Online Presence
Presentation Skills
Intro to Spreadsheets
Digital Citizenship
Internet Safety
Copyright & Fair Use
Search Strategies
Interactive Learning
Virtual Field Trips
Game Design

7th Grade Computers & Technology: The 7th grade computer and technology class provides students with an advanced curriculum that focuses on project based learning through the utilization of web based tools. Students will create a web based, electronic portfolio that will be used to demonstrate their proficiency in the curriculum topics that are covered. Students will be required to create a Google Account in this class. The purpose of this is to give the students a web based working space, a space to collaborate, as well as to expose them to new and exciting Web 2.0 tools.
Topics covered in the 7th grade computer and technology curriculum include:

Powerful & Web Based Presentation Tools
Web Design
Social Bookmarking
Databases
Advanced Spreadsheets & Formulas
E-Comerce
Career Prep
Mobile Devices
Mindmapping
Social Networking
Screencasting

8th Grade Video Production

This corse addresses the multifaceted needs of beginning photography, film-making, video editing, and media analysis. This is a hands-on course designed to introduce students to all phases of video and media production. Students will work on a variety of media projects both independently and as part of a group. This course covers standards related to basic photography, video production, script writing, media crew assignments, lighting, and computer-based photo and video editing. Classroom lessons and activities are closely related to the real world of interviewing, advertising, reporting, and meeting deadlines.

Topics covered in the 8th grade computer and technology curriculum include:

Mobile Devices
Video Production
Script Writing
Media Crew Assignments
Lighting
Digital Images
Photo Editing
Video Creation and Editing
Creating Weekly (School Wide) Newscasts
Creation of the 8th Grade Video Yearbook