Computers

Hello,

Welcome to seventh grade Computers. My name is John Mertes and I will be your students Computers teacher. I have worked for Rhodes for over 30 years and even though times are strange right now I am excited about this year.

In seventh grade Computers students will be continuing to develop their typing speed and accuracy . Students will be working to deepen their skills on the different google applications. We will be looking more closely on Google Sheets.

Please contact me if you need any anything jmertes@rhodes.k12.il.us.

Thank you,

John Mertes

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This course is based on becoming excellent users of the three main Microsoft products of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. As this is not possible during this remote learning plan, our class will be following the following adjusted timeline:

Weeks 1-2 – Google Docs

Create and name a document which then includes:

Write, edit, format, style and format different documents by going through different tools each day to make sure everyone sees firsthand what can be changed.

Weeks 3-4 – Google Sheets

Enter data into a spreadsheet and understand the grid system. This will also include graphing and changing different tools.

In addition, data will be entered by students so they can gain experience in creating formulas and learn some basic ways to automate data to produce totals and balances

Weeks 5-9 – Google Slides

Based on time, between 2 to 3 different presentations will be developed so students can learn the importance of creating presentations that both keep audience engaged, but also are easy to see and also fun.

Some of the tools shown will be backgrounds, adding texts and bullet lists, pictures, shapes, colors and of course animation. All students will be present their projects as both a sharing experience, but also a learning time for what went well and what did not. Each presentation will be 10 slides in length.

Then, a new project will be assigned and students will get that chance to change what they learned to make an even better one.

One note, as with all technology based courses not everyone completes at the same speed so time is always adjusted to meet everyone’s need. I do not play computer games. If a student finishes the assignment, the standard policy will ALWAYS BE, they are to go to Type racer and put in the time we all need and typing speed and skills are essential.

As always, feel free to contact me with any questions through the regular school numbers.