2/2004 NC DPI Revision
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NC Computer Skills Test General Info

Overview of NC Computer Skills Curriculum by Strand
Grade 6 - Grade 7 - Grade 8
- Vocabulary

Computer/Technology Skills - Grade 6

Focus Areas
• Responsible and safe use of online resources
• Using Copyright and Fair Use guidelines
• Refining application skills
• Using formulas in a spreadsheet
• Using search strategy two or more criteria in a database
• Increasing productivity and accuracy in keyboarding
• Using word processing, spreadsheet, database, and multimedia for assignments in all subject areas
• Locating and retrieving information using telecommunications
• Evaluating resources and information for accuracy and usefulness
• Selecting and using a variety of technology tools

Societal/Ethical Issues:
1.01 Recognize, discuss, and visually represent knowledge of changes in information technologies and the impact changes have on schools, workplaces and society
1.02 Recognize and discuss how Copyright Laws protect ownership of intellectual property and discuss consequences of misuse.
1.03 Identify and discuss minor hardware and software issues/problems as a class/group.
1.04 Identify and discuss technology skills needed in the workplace and how they impact school students today as a class/group.
1.14 Demonstrate knowledge of responsible, safe, and ethical use of networked digital information (e.g., Internet, mobile phone, wireless, LANs).
2.01 Recognize, discuss, and use multi-tasking concepts (e.g., windows, toggle between two windows on the desktop, copy and paste data between two windows on the desktop).
2.02 Investigate, discuss, and explain why computers, networks, and information must be protected from viruses, vandalism and intrusion, both malicious and mischievous (AUP/IUP).
3.01 Select and use responsibly a variety of computing devices (e.g., probeware, handhelds, digital cameras, scanners) to collect, analyze and present content area information.

Databases:
1.06 Identify and use database terms/concepts (e.g., reports, layout, format) to describe and explain findings.
1.07 Cite sources of information used in content area databases.
3.02 Plan and develop database reports to organize, explain, and display findings in content areas as class/group.
3.03 Develop and use search strategies with two or more criteria to solve problems and make decisions in content areas.
3.04 Use database sort and search/filter strategies to organize, analyze, interpret, and evaluate findings in content areas and citing sources.

Spreadsheet:
1.08 Recognize and discuss use of spreadsheets to calculate, graph, and present data in a variety of settings (e.g., schools, government, business, industry, mathematics, science).
2.03 Use spreadsheet terms/concepts and functions to calculate, represent, and explain content area findings.
3.05 Enter/edit data and use spreadsheet features and functions to project outcomes and test simple “what if…” statements in content assignments.
3.06 Select and use chart/graph functions to analyze and display findings in content projects, citing data sources.
3.07 Modify/create spreadsheets to calculate and graph data to incorporate into content area projects (e.g., word processing, multimedia, webpages).
3.08 Modify/create and use spreadsheets to solve problems, make decisions, support, and display findings in content areas projects.

Keyboard Utilization/ Word Processing / Desktop Publishing:
1.09 Identify, discuss and use WP/DTP terms/concepts (e.g., minimize document, resize document, toggle between two open documents on the desktop).
1.10 Demonstrate appropriate use of copyrighted materials in word processing documents used for content projects/assignments.
2.04 Use proper keyboarding techniques to improve accuracy, speed and general efficiency in computer operation.
2.05 Use WP/DTP menu/tool bar features to publish for a specific audience and purpose.
3.09 Demonstrate knowledge of the advantages/disadvantages of using word processing to develop, publish, and present information to a variety of audiences.
3.10 Select and use WP/DTP features/functions to design, format, and publish assignments/products.

Multimedia/Presentation:
1.11 Recognize, discuss, and establish ethical guidelines for use of personal and copyrighted media (e.g., images, music, video, content, language) in multimedia projects and presentations as a class/group.
1.12 Recognize, discuss, and model correctly formatted citations for copyrighted materials and adhere to Fair Use Guidelines.
2.06 Demonstrate knowledge of the advantages/disadvantages of using multimedia to develop, publish, and present information to a variety of audiences.
2.07 Identify, discuss, and use multimedia terms/concepts (e.g., multimedia authoring, web tools) to develop content projects as a class/group.
2.08 Use menu/tool bar features to edit/modify/revise multimedia projects to present content information for a different audience and purpose.
3.11 Use rubrics to evaluate multimedia presentations for elements (e.g., content, organization, accuracy, design, purpose).

Telecommunications/Internet:
1.13 Identify and discuss terms/concepts associated with safe, effective, and efficient use of the telecommunications/Internet (e.g., password, firewalls, Spam, security, Fair Use, AUP/IUP's).
1.15 Demonstrate knowledge of Copyright and Fair Use Guidelines by explaining selection and use of Internet resources in content projects/assignments.
2.09 Select and justify the use of appropriate online collaborative tools (e.g., surveys, email, discussion forums, webpages) to develop content area presentations for the intended audience and purpose.
3.12 Plan, collect, evaluate, interpret, and use information from a variety of resources to develop assignments about the Eastern Hemisphere, Europe, and Former Soviet Republics.
3.13 Use evaluation tools to select Internet resources and information for content and usefulness in content area assignments.

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Computer/Technology Skills - Grade 7

Focus Areas
• Responsible and safe use of online resources
• Using Copyright and Fair Use Guidelines
• Refining application skills
• Using formulas in a spreadsheet
• Using search strategy with two or more criteria in a database
• Increasing productivity and accuracy in keyboarding
• Using word processing, spreadsheet, database, and multimedia for assignments in all subject areas
• Locating and retrieving information using telecommunications
• Evaluating resources and information for accuracy and usefulness
• Selecting and using a variety of technology tools

Societal/Ethical Issues:
1.01 Identify and describe the effect technological changes have had on business, transportation, communications, industry, and agriculture in a global society.
1.02 Use network terms and concepts related to local and wide area networks (LANs, WANs) and Internet connectivity.
1.03 Use ethical, safe, and responsible behavior relating to issues (e.g., security, privacy, passwords, personal information) and recognize possible consequences of misuse.
1.04 Recognize and discuss how Copyright Laws protect ownership of intellectual property and identify and discuss consequences of misuse.
1.05 Investigate technology knowledge and skills needed for the workplace now and in the future.
2.01 Demonstrate knowledge of strategies for identifying and solving minor hardware and software problems.
3.01 Select and use appropriate technology tools to solve problems and make decisions in content areas.

Databases:
1.06 Demonstrate knowledge of why databases are used to collect, organize, and report information in a variety of settings.
1.07 Use knowledge of database terms/concepts, functions, and operations to describe and explain content area findings.
1.08 Cite sources of information used in content area databases.
3.02 Select and use two or more criteria to organize, interpret, and display content data and explain strategies used.
3.03 Modify/edit databases to organize, analyze, interpret data, and create reports (e.g., documents, multimedia project, webpages).
3.04 Evaluate and use database data and reports to solve problems and make decisions in content areas.

Spreadsheet:
1.09 Demonstrate knowledge that spreadsheets are used to process information
in a variety of settings (e.g., schools, government, business, industry, mathematics, science).
1.10 Use spreadsheet and graphing terms/concepts to present and explain content area assignments.
1.11 Cite sources of information used in content area spreadsheets.
2.02 Enter/edit data and use spreadsheet features and functions to project outcomes and test simple “what if…” statements in content assignments.
3.05 Modify/create spreadsheets and graphs/charts to analyze and interpret data for content assignments.
3.06 Create/modify spreadsheets to test simple “what if…” statements to solve problems and make decisions in content areas.

Keyboard Utilization/ Word Processing / Desktop Publishing:
1.12 Demonstrate knowledge of the advantages/disadvantages of using word processing to develop, publish, and present information to a variety of audiences.
1.13 Demonstrate knowledge and use of WP/DTP terms/concepts (e.g., columns, tables, using multiple files and/or applications) to create and publish assignments/projects.
1.14 Demonstrate appropriate use of copyrighted materials in word processing documents used for content projects/assignments.
2.03 Use proper keyboarding techniques to improve accuracy, speed, and general efficiency in computer operation.
2.04 Demonstrate knowledge and use of WP/DTP features (e.g., columns, tables, headers/footers) to format and publish content projects/products.
3.07 Demonstrate use of WP/DTP features/functions to design, format, layout, and publish assignments.

Multimedia/Presentation:
1.15 Demonstrate knowledge of multimedia tools/concepts used by media (e.g., games, video, radio/TV broadcasts, websites) to entertain, sell, and influence ideas and opinions. 1.16 Demonstrate knowledge of multimedia by using terms/concepts to describe and explain content projects/products.
1.17 Recognize, discuss, and establish ethical guidelines for use of personal and copyrighted media (e.g., images, music, video, content, language) in multimedia projects and presentations as a class/group.
1.18 Recognize, discuss, and model correctly formatted citations for copyrighted materials and adhere to Fair Use Guidelines.
3.08 Plan, design, and develop a multimedia product using data (e.g., graphs, charts, database reports) to present content information in the most effective way, citing sources.
3.09 Create/modify and use rubrics to evaluate multimedia presentations for elements (e.g., organization, content, design, appropriateness for target audience, effectiveness, ethical use of resources.)

Telecommunications/Internet:
1.19 Recognize and use terms/concepts (e.g., IP address, Intranet, private networks, discussion forum, threaded discussion).
1.20 Demonstrate knowledge of responsible, safe, and ethical use of networked digital information (e.g., Internet, mobile phone, wireless, LANs).
1.21 Demonstrate knowledge of Copyright and Fair Use Guidelines by explaining selection and use of Internet resources in content projects/assignments.
2.05 Use a variety of collaborative tools to survey, collect, communicate information for content area assignments.
3.10 Select, evaluate, and use a variety of digital resources and information to research and present findings about Eastern Hemisphere: Africa, Asia, and Australia.
3.11 Use evaluation tools to select Internet resources and information for content and usefulness in content area assignments.

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Computer/Technology Skills - Grade 8

Focus Areas
• Responsible and safe use of online resources
• Using Copyright and Fair Use Guidelines
• Using spreadsheets and databases relevant to classroom assignments
• Choosing charts/tables or graphs to best represent data
• Conducting online research and evaluating the information found
• Using word processing/desktop publishing for classroom assignments/projects
• Selecting and using a variety of technological tools to develop projects in content areas

Societal/Ethical Issues:
1.01 Demonstrate, discuss, and visually represent knowledge of changes in information technologies and the effect those changes have on North Carolina and society.
1.02 Use technology terms/concepts to describe and explain strategies used to collect, organize, and present findings for assignments/projects.
1.03 Model ethical behavior relating to security, privacy, passwords, and personal information, and recognize possible consequences of misuse.
1.04 Recognize and discuss how Copyright Laws protect ownership of intellectual property and identify and discuss consequences of misuse.
1.05 Investigate computer/technology-related careers/occupations in North Carolina, past, present, and future.
2.01 Recognize and describe strategies for identifying, solving, and preventing minor hardware and software problems.
3.01 Select and use a variety of technology tools to collect, analyze, and present information.

Databases:
1.06 Demonstrate knowledge of and explain how databases are used in an information-intensive society.
1.07 Use knowledge of database terms/concepts, functions, and operations to explain strategies used to organize, analyze, and report information in content area assignments.
1.08 Cite sources of information used in content area databases.
2.02 Modify/create and use databases to organize, report, and display data.
3.02 Select and use appropriate database features and functions to collect, organize information to solve problem in content areas and explain strategies used.
3.03 Modify/create and use databases to analyze, interpret, and evaluate data and report findings.

Spreadsheet:
1.09 Recognize, discuss, and investigate how spreadsheets in a variety of settings (e.g., schools, government, business, industry, transportation, communications).
1.10 Use spreadsheet and graphing terms/concepts to present and explain
content area assignments.
1.11 Cite sources of information used in content area spreadsheets.
2.03 Select and use spreadsheet formulas and functions to solve problems in content areas.
2.04 Use spreadsheet features/functions to calculate and present findings for content area assignments.
3.04 Create/modify spreadsheets to analyze and interpret information, test simple “what if…”, solve problems, and make decisions in content areas.

Keyboard Utilization/ Word Processing / Desktop Publishing:
1.12 Demonstrate knowledge of the advantages/disadvantages of using word processing to develop, publish, and present information to a variety of audiences.
1.13 Review and use WP/DTP terms/concepts to describe and explain how assignments/projects were created.
1.14 Demonstrate appropriate use of copyrighted materials in word processing documents used for content projects/assignments.
2.05 Use proper keyboarding techniques to improve accuracy, speed, and general efficiency in computer operation.
3.05 Select and use WP/DTP features/functions to develop, edit/revise, and publish documents/assignments.
3.06 Develop and use rubrics to evaluate the quality of published documents/projects for content, design, and appropriate use of resources.

Multimedia/Presentation:
1.15 Demonstrate knowledge of multimedia tools/concepts used by media (e.g., games, video, radio/TV broadcasts, websites) to entertain, sell and influence ideas and opinions.
1.16 Use multimedia terms/concepts correctly to describe and explain projects/products.
1.17 Recognize, discuss, and establish ethical guidelines for use of personal and copyrighted media (e.g., images, music, video, content, language) in multimedia projects and presentations as a class/group.
1.18 Recognize, discuss, and model correctly formatted citations for copyrighted materials and adhere to Fair Use Guidelines.
3.07 Plan, design, and develop a multimedia product using data (e.g., graphs, charts, database reports) to present content information.
3.08 Create/modify and use rubrics to evaluate multimedia presentations for content, design, appropriateness for target audience, and effective and ethical use of resources.

Telecommunications/Internet:
1.19 Use appropriate terms/concepts to describe telecommunications tools and resources used to develop and complete assignments.
1.20 Demonstrate knowledge of responsible, safe, and ethical use of networked digital information (e.g., Internet, mobile phone, wireless, LANs).
1.21 Demonstrate knowledge of Copyright and Fair Use Guidelines by explaining selection and use of Internet resources in content projects/assignments.
2.06 Select and justify use of appropriate collaborative tools to survey, collect, share, and communicate information in content areas.
3.09 Plan, select, evaluate, interpret and use a variety of digital resources to develop assignments/projects about North Carolina History.
3.10 Use evaluation tools to select Internet resources and information for content and usefulness in content area assignments.

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Source: NC DPI Computer Skills Curriculum

© 2004-2004 West Millbrook Middle School
Send Comments to: Diane Walters,
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Last updated: June 3, 2008