Computer Skills

[NicoleJ]

Just a question:

What sort of computer skills are taught through the HOD books? Teaching technology is part of the Australian curriculum, and I know I will need to show my DD learning computer skills as part of this. So, I was wondering if computer skills are naturally covered in the HOD manuals? I know you use the internet for research. Are there any other compuer skills covered?

Thanks! Nicole

[cirons]

I don't believe it is taught through HOD, or any complete curriculum that I have ever seen. It is easy enough to add a typing program or if you wanted a technology book, you could get one for elementary students through RIC, which is over your way in WA I think?

HTH,

Corrie

[NicoleJ]

Thanks Corrie,
It's a pain, I actually have to show that we are doing something for 'Technology and Enterprise' which covers quite a broad range of topics/skills. I know HOD has internet usage, and I guess I can just tweak other activities that HOD schedules to include computer usage / other technology skills (digital camera, etc). Do you have to do any T&E where you are?

[cirons]

Hey Nicole,
I am in Victoria which is the only state in Oz that does not require anything. We have a list of what we are supposed to cover, but no accountability or follow up.
You could always have your children do a typing program (there are free ones recently mentioned on the Aussiehomeschool forum), do the internet research, and possibly type up their weekly poem as hands on practice for their typing. I am not sure if they need more than that, but as I mentioned, the RIC ones I am sure would cover what you need.

HTH,
Corrie

[cirons]

An additional though if you need to use other forms of technology are being used is as you mentioned, the digital camera. You could have your dc take pics of their weekly history projects (and/or other pieces they produce) and edit them for scrapbooking or produce an annual online digital album which only costs about $20 to print for evidence of skills learned if you need it. Would be a great keepsake also!

[NicoleJ]

Corrie, you are AMAZING and I love your idea!!! Thankyou!! Nicole

[mskogen]

Just a thought if your daughter takes pictures she could also upload them to the weekly review!

[Kathleen]

Nicole,

Starting in Preparing, we've used the computer for our research option in the weekly research box. It gives wikipedia as an option to research a topic relating to the history. So, as we started this, I sat with my son and helped him learn to find what was needed online and then use it to skim for the answers to his questions. This is taught step-by-step in the research boxes in Preparing and CtC.

Kathleen

[my3sons]

Nicole - Great ideas here already! One more, you could have your dd do a Shutterfly photobook of her year. This is fun to do, not hard, and would be a neat keepsake of the year. Here is a link to the HOD photobooks, in case you think dd would enjoy this...
http://heartofdakotasphotobooks.shutterfly.com/

In Christ,
Julie

[holdinon]

I didn't post the original question, but I think the shutterfly book is a great idea. I think DD12 is going to do that this year. She has been helping me put together our family scrapbook (we use Creative Memories digital) for the last year or so. It think I'm going to "let her go" with her own school book this year. She can include her siblings pictures and she can just be a one man (or one girl) yearbook staff for our homeschool
Angie