Computer Lab

There are many exciting things happening in our computer lab!  Each year, students are busy preparing the many projects that will be on display for parents at Back to School Night.  Fifth Grade students come into the lab to graph statistics, do research and prepare a presentation.  They will learn to use the network resources, scanners, Internet, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.  Fourth Grade students will prepare a PowerPoint slide based on a topic studied in class.  Their slides are put together for a class-wide presentation for parents.  They also visit the lab early in the school year to learn Microsoft Word so they will be prepared for any typing projects throughout the year.

            Third graders are also been busy in the computer lab.  In third grade our focus is on typing and word processing.  Your students are learning to use the 10 key typing method and will also be introduced to  Microsoft Word.  They will wrap up the year with a typed project.  This is a wonderful way to introduce the technology skills they will need as they visit the computer lab in future years.

            By the time students leave Marengo Ranch they will have had many hands on opportunities in our computer lab. In fact, sixth grade students put all those skills to use as the spend the year working with computers for many of their projects and assignments.  Students will know how to use Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, scanners, and networks resources.  Some of our students have even learned to graph data or use formulas in Microsoft Excel.  They will be able to add pictures to text documents and surf the World Wide Web for their research topics.  They will be able to use this knowledge for reports, essays and other schoolwork at the middle school level.  It is our goal to give each child the building blocks they need for a future with technology. 

             Many students want to continue their typing practice at home.  We use Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing here at school, but any typing program they enjoy will suffice.  There are also free programs on the web.  Just make sure they are practicing proper hand placement.  We wouldn't want them to develop bad habits.   Typing is a lifelong skill that when done properly, will serve them well in the years to come.