RE: computerdisc-l: Sequencing of Computer Courses

[Cynthia Kahler <kahler@watervalley.net>]

Our school offers very little after Computer Discovery (besides Tech Disc 
in the 9th), which bothers me.  A half-year course is offered in Office at 
the high school, and I believe some sort of Internet course, but from what 
I understand from my previous students it is not challenging enough to 
attract students who want a challenging elective.  Most take it to replace 
the CD course if they fail.  It concerns me that our students have 
preparation at the 8th grade level, but not enough followup afterwards to 
maintain, increase interest, and perfect skills.

My feelings: I would love to see a semester course on making home pages - 
what a wonderful way to have a school home page, let the students do it. 
 They could eventually make one for every teacher in the school system. 
 I'd also love to see a course at the high school level on PowerPoint or 
Hyprstudio - have the students create presentations for academic teachers - 
maybe as a benefit begin to get teachers interested in technology.  I'd 
also like to see programming courses at the high school level - we use to 
have one, but now have none offered.  Some of my students are learning 
Visual Basic programming on their own, and what an exercise in logical 
thinking.  Sorry, no concrete info on the sequence at our school - just my 
personal wish list.

We are criticized too on the keyboarding.  I believe that is due in part to 
the lack of self discipline of this age group and the fact that the course 
is not an issue of retention at our school.  My serious students can often 
come close to out-typing me, but then - they are serious.

Cynthia Kahler
Oxford Middle School
-----Original Message-----
From:	kossuth [SMTP:sfollin@network-one.com]
Sent:	Thursday, February 25, 1999 2:04 PM
To:	computerdisc-l@Lists.MsState.Edu
Subject:	computerdisc-l: Sequencing of Computer Courses

I sat in on a meeting at our school today where my opinion was asked as
to what courses should be offered after Computer Discovery and in what
sequence.  I was not sure what to tell them.  I took a guess.  If any of
you know what sequence your school follows, please let me know.  There
has been some complaints also that students who leave my class are not
keyboard proficient enough to continue in higher level computer
courses.  This upsets me a little because as a keyboarding teacher with
a business education background, I emphasize keyboarding skills all
year.

Thanks
Suzanne Follin
Kossuth High School