purduemeche Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 What would you recommend for a middle schooler who needs to learn basic computer skills? I would see this including typing, Microsoft proficiency, and computer hardware basics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dtsmamtj Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 :bigear: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purduemeche Posted August 11, 2012 Author Share Posted August 11, 2012 Bump...any ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hsmom2011 Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 :bigear: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ForeverFamily Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 The programs I remember learning off the top of my head when I took a basic computer class in high school were.... Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, as well as learning typing skills. I also learned how to correctly write letters, resumes, etc. We may have even learned basic internet skills as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbmamaz Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 even for a middle schooler, it cant hurt to start with FREE BBC dance mat typing. I saw someone on another thread that she downloaded the full Open Office suite (also free) and just encouraged her kids to play around with it. Hardware? i dont think my kids got anything about hardware when they were in public school (and one went through 7th and one 10th). but i'd think a dummies book. i dont think there really is 'curriculum' for this sort of thing because its pretty light, content-wise. They mostly just need to feel comfortable with a computer - so mostly you just need to give them time on the computer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs.W Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I don't have experience with either of these programs, but this is what we have planned for this year: Typing Instructor and Scotto's Essential Office Applications. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
placeofgrace Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I have a computer program called Professor Teaches. I bought it at Staples for about $10. It has word, excel, and power point. I also heard some other moms say that they just let their kids go throught the tutorials that come with the programs. This year I bought a book called Computer Projects 4-6. It has simple projects for the student to complete and learn computer skills at the same time. I'm looking forward to using it this year with my 6th grader. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 I give my kids access to a computer and suggest a project - they are teaching themselves how to use the software. Typing reports, making powerpoint presentations for history, using excel to manipulate data for science lab, looking up source codes of websites and editing them to create their own... all these develop computer skills. For actual programming I would go with a course. To learn about hardware, they build computers from parts with their dad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrissySC Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 The student resources at Microsoft: http://www.microsoft.com/Education/en-us/teachers/plans/Pages/index.aspx Buy a course at a time from eLearning ... https://www.microsoftelearning.com/eLearning/collection.aspx?guid=45FA01BE-75BA-44A7-BC65-079EC2779B70 They are 14.95. Free resources start here ... http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/support/results.aspx?ctags=CH010369478 Click the product on the left. http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/support/download-office-2010-training-HA101901726.aspx?CTT=1 This has several download training resources that provide a good introductory to intermediate level of skill. If you need more, just give me a shout. I did teach these at one time. I have to suggest that you look at the books too ... http://thelearningtrunk.wordpress.com/2011/08/06/learning-with-computers/ Scroll down and you will see the step-by-step and visual titles. However, I like the Simple Projects. This is a very hands-on and more academic approach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happycc Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 http://www.bepublishing.com/eBooks/Default.htm This is awesome resource. I plan to get these book and it makes learning all the apps fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merylvdm Posted August 12, 2012 Share Posted August 12, 2012 I have used this website to teach my kids Excel - http://www.jegsworks.com/lessons/ It also has computer basics, powerpoint, word etc. I will use it this year with my 12 year old. It is free, my kids have worked through the lessons without my help and there are plenty of exercises so they can practice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purduemeche Posted August 12, 2012 Author Share Posted August 12, 2012 Thanks so much! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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