Progress with computer skills

Pretty Beach Public School has reported progress in developing student skills in the use of computers as a tool for learning.

The school has reported kindergarten students were learning to log on to the school's network, using individual passwords, so they can access educational games to support literacy, numeracy and problem solving.

Year 1 students were learning to log on, to open a Word document, change the font, centre text and to insert a graphic.

Year 2 students were writing information reports using EduWeb, to store student work in the form of an on-line portfolio.

Year 2 students were also participating in an online "Book Rap", in which they discussed a book (Mem Fox's "Wilfred Gordon Macdonald Partridge) with students from other schools using email.

Year 3 students were creating Powerpoint presentations on Australian Landmarks as well as completing "clickable worksheets" on this topic.

Students in Year 4/5 recently used Publisher to design a local travel brochure and were also working with Powerpoint.

As well as preparing Powerpoint presentations, the Year 5/6 class was participating in the "Murder under the Microscope Program".

This was an interactive internet environmental competition, which involved students in researching catchment areas across Australia in order to solve the mysterious murder of a plant or animal.

Not only did the program develop internet research skills, but also knowledge and understanding of threats to the environment and the management of catchment areas.

Year 6 students began their involvement in the trial of the practical component of the NSW Computer Skills Assessment.

Students will complete this over the next three weeks.

School newsletter, May 29