Grade 9 - Foundations

PRESCRIBED LEARNING OUTCOMES

• enter information accurately using appropriate keyboarding techniques and software that allows for the storage, retrieval, and editing of material
• demonstrate the ability to install software on stand-alone computers
• evaluate different software and defend their use in solving problems
• demonstrate the ability to use the Internet to access, capture, and store information
• demonstrate an understanding of the ethical use of information
• demonstrate an understanding of programming, using a variety of information technology tools
• demonstrate an awareness of ergonomic and health issues related to the use of information technology tools
• identify careers related to the field of information technology

To view the prescribed learning outcomes for Foundations in other grades click on an icon below.

SUGGESTED INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES

• To demonstrate their understanding of programming, have students program a variety of technology tools (e.g., a program on a VCR; a constant into a calculator; a short hypertext presentation in, for example, math, social studies, or art).
• For a science, a social studies, or an English project, ask students to use the Internet to access a primary information source (e.g., the author of information) and a secondary source (e.g., a document created by an author) and follow the proper procedures for crediting sources of information.
• In English, social studies, or science, have students work individually to complete assignments that include graphs, charts, spreadsheets, and text using different applications. In groups, ask students to compare the software they used.
• Ask students to work in groups to select a large company (e.g., a national bank, BC Hydro, BC Ferries, IBM, Northern Telecom) and develop a list of occupations found within that company. Challenge students to rank the occupations according to the complexity and frequency of use of the information technology tools required in each occupation.
• To practise and reinforce keyboarding and data-entry techniques using a variety of software, ask each student to create a document that includes text and graphics or data display (e.g., bar, pie, or line graphs; charts; spreadsheets; tables). Encourage students to use suitable ergonomic practices.
• Ask each student to install and critique a program.

SUGGESTED ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES

• With students, develop criteria to assess keyboarding skills, the use of the numeric keypad, and safe, healthy practices related to computer use. Have students use the checklist of criteria as a peer-assessment tool. The criteria might include:
  • the consistent use of home-row keys
  • correct key reaches
  • the appropriate use of the shift key
  • correct posture (feet on the floor, back straight, correct hand and arm placement, appropriate proximity to the keyboard)
  • eyes on copy
• While researching topics from a variety of subject areas, have students access information using the Internet. Using criteria developed by the class, ask students to work with partners to assess each others' skills. The criteria might include:
  • observes copyright restrictions when accessing and using information
  • accesses required information easily
  • captures and downloads data successfully
  • stores information to a disk or hard drive efficiently
• Have students create a checklist to use when designing an ergonomically well-designed workplace. To check on the extent to which students can apply their knowledge, ask each to choose from a list of locations (e.g., a bank, a retail outlet, an office) and design an ergonomically correct workplace.
• Have students work in pairs and use a checklist to assess the socially responsible use of information technology in their daily routines. The checklist items might include:
  • uses passwords appropriately
  • respects the privacy of others' work
  • seeks proper permission, if required, when accessing information

RECOMMENDED LEARNING RESOURCES

• All About Computers
• Computers: A Visual Encyclopedia
• Computers Illustrated
• Desktop Publishing: Design Basics and Applications
• How the Internet Works
• How to Use THE INTERNET
• How Virtual Reality Works
• The Internet by E-Mail
• Microsoft Press Computer Dictionary: The Comprehensive Standard for Business, School, Library and Home, Second Edition
• More Data Processing Applications
• Que's 1996 Computer & Internet Dictionary, 6th Edition
• The Technological Classroom

• Computer Integrated Manufacturing
• Highway to Cyberia
• The Paperback Computer

• All the Right Type
• The Cruncher
• Digital Chisel
• UltraKey

• PC/Computing: How Computers Work

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