Hi Bob,
Most of your stuff looks good. I do think, as Ron has pointed out, that
it is a bit LONG. How much instructional time are you going to have? You
may have to prioritize and cut some of it out.
-> Students should be able to use Mac, DOS and Windows computer
-> environments:
Is it really necessary that the students learn multiple OS environments?
I wouldn't think that is necessary. What type of computer lab set up do
you have? While I personally like a DOS environment and feel comfortable
in it, most persons nowadays who only use their computer for
applications seem to have little need for understanding DOS command line
OS. I would pick either the Windows or Mac, depending on your hardware
and software, and stick with that. Too much variety could prove
confusing for some of your students.
->   1 - using the basic dos commands (copy, format, cd, md
-> ect) in the correct syntax  to set up and use a variety of
-> software, within the structure of the path .
->
->   2 - use filenames and extentions to recognize and create
-> executables , texts, pictures, letters , ect
A lot of this seems awfully technical for 6ht grade. I'm sure you have
some kids for whom this will be a breeze, but will all of them be able
to handle this? If a kid can format a disk in either Windows or Mac,
copy from one directory (or folder or disk) to another, move files
around, understand the hierarchical nature of the folder or directory
system and delete, move files as appropriate, that should be sufficient.
You are really looking for them to learn how to install system software
or something by the end of this class, right?
->   3 - using compression/decompression commands (pkzip ect)
-> to maximize the use of disk space and to access shareware/freeware
-> software.
Good utilization of compression software sounds important.
-> Keyboarding
Keyboarding is an entire semester course at our high school. How much
time are you going to devote to this with the rest of the stuff you have
planned?
-> Word processing
Word processing is important, but the depth to which you list it there
seems a little excessive (given time constraints). My kids (ages 7 & 10)
are learning a bit about word processing at home when they do school
work. But they certainly don't know how to do all the stuff you suggest
(nor do I!). Have you ever taught computers before? How many kids do you
have at one time? You might have to be going around from computer to
computer helping kids out who don't understand the correct key or
mouse-click sequence. My experience in teaching proper use of the
graphing calculators in math class is that I always plan twice as much
as I'm able to cover in class, since I am slowed down by
trouble-shooting student difficulties.
-> Data Bases
I'd skip the data bases for sixth grade. If they are thoroughly
acquainted with word processing and a bit familiar with spreadsheets,
they could do this in a subsequent class. (Unless you have a handful of
kids who simply whiz right through the other stuff or seem to know most
of it already. Then you could have them work on a separate project with
databases.)
....response continued next message...
Sheila
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