Even in the developing parts of the world, kids take to computers like fish to water.

- Nicholas Negroponte

Welcome to the Wesley School Computer Website. My name is Mr. Kaitz, and I am the Technology Instructor for grades Kindergarten through 8th. I am very pleased and excited to be a part of the Wesley School family. This website will be used as a reference and information page where students and parents can access pertinent data regarding weekly lessons being taught in the computer lab. I will be updating information as necessary to ensure all students and parents are aware of what students are being taught while in the computer lab.

Here’s how I will run a class in the lab:

• On most days, many of our students will start with 10 minutes of typing practice using the keyboarding software, Typing Pal. The exception to this rule will be kindergarten and 1st grade. Good typing skills will allow students to focus more on his or her thoughts and ideas rather than having to struggle with the typing.

• If it’s the end of a grading period, I will review which skills have been accomplished over that given period of time. This will most likely be a quick review to help retention of the class materials.

• When starting a new project, I will discuss what we are doing, give background and needed information, model the project with a hands-on example, take questions, and then the students will start work on his or her computer.

• During this time, I will monitor activities, answer questions, and help where needed. This portion of class is student-centered requiring critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• If we are in the middle of a project, students will use the balance of class to work towards completion.

• As often as possible, I will give students, especially the younger ones, two weeks to finish a project—one to practice, one to save/export/print. This redundancy reinforces new skills and eliminates stress. If students are on week two preparing to save/export/print, he or she will start the day with the project and finish with typing or browsing an educational website.

• Students who complete the current project before the rest of the class, will be able to take advantage of age-appropriate website from a topic that ties into his or her current class activities from this or another subject (i.e. math, English, history, etc.). Website links will be posted, and students will know that these websites can be used during this time.

• Most importantly, we will be having fun while learning. This is one of the most important points I try to focus on. I have fun working on computers, the students should too.

I am available to any student or parent that may need my assistance or explanation on classroom guidelines and assignments. I can be reached by phone at (818) 508-4542 or by email at ckaitz@wesleyschool.org.

I am looking forward to an awesome year and continuing to help in the growth of the Wesley students and community.

“Tell me and I’ll forget. Show me and I may remember.

Involve me and I’ll understand.”

- Chinese Proverb (or Ben Franklin)