Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
asked by students and parents.
- Why is keyboarding instruction so important?
- At what age should keyboarding be taught?
- What are the benefits of computer usage in schools?
- What other technologies are offered at school?
- How often will my child have computer instruction?
Why is keyboarding instruction so important?
Keyboarding is an expected tool for communication throughout
one's life. It is considered as important a skill as being able
to print and write well. Younger and younger children are
becoming savvy computer users and it is important for kids to
learn proper keyboarding techniques early so that they don't
develop bad habits that will be hard to break.
At what age should keyboarding be taught?
There are many schools of thought for this answer; however, by
the time a child is ready for Pre-K or Kindergarten, they will
indeed use computers at Wilmot Primary Center with appropriate
software and instruction. Many early learner applications focus
on hand-eye coordination using alphabet, numbers, colors and
upper-and lower-case letters to guide the students. Computers
are providing a way to enhance the lessons taught by their
classroom teachers.
What are the benefits of computer usage in schools?
One HUGE benefit for the younger children is improving motor
skills with emphasis placed on programs that encourage "mouse"
usage and hand-eye coordination. There is a noticeable
improvement in mouse skills with weekly instruction. Other skills
include nonverbal skills, long-term and short-term memory gains,
problem solving and conceptual skills. The educational
applications on our computers offer a variety of educational
games to keep our students engaged. The students also feel a
great sense of accomplishment and pride as they complete
activities on the computer. Our children will enter high school
and beyond with life-long technology skills and the competence
and confidence to use their acquired skills.
What other technologies are offered at school?
We have some totally cool things to offer our students and one
that the students love is called a SMART board, which is an
interactive white board that is hooked up to a computer and
projector. Teachers can provide instruction on this "tool" as an
alternative way to engage students and tap into their creativity.
Students, through instruction, will learn to use the board as a
way to present a project or product. We have digital cameras and
scanners, too!
How often will my child have computer instruction?
Students will come to the computer lab for instruction weekly
until they are in 6th grade. At that time, 6-7-8th graders will
have instruction daily for a 9-week period. Their classroom
teachers may also take them into the computer lab or laptop lab
for enhanced learning activities.
