If the mission of educating elementary school students is to help prepare them for the future, then there is clear and widespread agreement that students need to be proficient computer users or "computer literate". My job as an elementary school computer teacher is to teach technology in a useful and meaningful way. So, the question is: How does one accomplish this when the technological world is constantly changing and will probably be outdated before it is useful? Well,the one thing that I've learned in teaching computers to children is that you have to "go with the flow!" Basically, try to keep it fun and don't bore them! Now, that doesn't mean you let them play games all the time, but unless you engage and encourage them, you'll lose them. But, isn't that also true of a three-month-old puppy?
Our goal at SAGE is to help the student develop confidence in mastering the basics of the computer from start-up to shutdown. Typical areas of learning include: basic keyboarding, typing skills, word processing, desktop publishing, graphics, databases, spreadsheets, the Internet, and multimedia presentations. The curriculum is customized appropriately for each grade level. This hands-on learning approach teaches students to have no fear which frees them to explore and basically teach themselves. This ultimately makes my job easier.

Unit 1:
Setting up the Computer Lab: What do I need (hardware, software, and peripherals)?

Unit 2:
The Basic Parts of the Computer: Input and Output Devices

Unit 3:
The Operating System: PC’s and Windows Operating System

Unit 4:
Introduction to Keyboarding: Functions of the Keyboard Keys

Unit 5:
Introduction to typing: Correct Hand Placement to Increase Speed and Accuracy with Type to Learn and Type to Learn Assessment

Unit 6: Introduction to Word Processing: Enter, Save, Edit, Format, Add Graphics, Print, and Retrieve Text with Microsoft Word

Unit 7: Introduction to Spreadsheets: Transform Data into Simple Charts and Graphs with Microsoft Excel

Unit 8: Introduction to Databases: A Tool for Organizing Information in Microsoft Access

Unit9: The Internet: Communicating, Research Skills (in coordination with classroom teachers), and Cyber Safety

Unit 10: Multimedia Presentations: In HyperStudio and Microsoft Powerpoint Students Create Presentations Utilizing Pictures, Sound, Text, A Scanner, and Digital Camera

Unit 11: Design Your Own Web Site Quickly and Easily with Site Central