DoTS : Vital Technology Skills 6-8

The Denver Public Schools Middle School Technology Committee has created a list of vital technology skills that are to be taught to students in DPS middle schools. The list was created to ensure that middle school students achieve the technology standards set forth in the DPS Standards for Success.

Revised 10/98

Vital Technology Skills 6-8

System

Practice appropriate startup procedures
Practice appropriate shutdown procedures
Organize and store data
Format a disk for the purpose of storing data
Be aware of desktop accessories
Practice basic mouse skills
Understand and use the desktop, menu bars, and other appropriate features of a computer operating system

Writing and Publishing

Use appropriate keyboarding skills utilizing all keyboard characters
Compose, type, edit, and publish original works using spell check and the thesaurus
Format a word processing document with appropriate margins, fonts, titles, etc.
Place graphic images into a document with appropriate formatting
Place elements of spreadsheet and database documents into a word processed document
Import an image from an external source into a document
Avoid using format changes that distract and confuse the reader of a document

Graphics

Place graphic images in documents
Create images using paint and draw tools
Load, edit and save graphic images such as maps and diagrams
Use available graphic technologies such as scanner, CAD, digital and video camera, etc.
Save and export graphics using a variety of formats
Avoid the use of graphics that distract from the purpose of a document

Database and Spreadsheets

Create a database as a means to store and manipulate data
Use searching, sorting, finding and record selection techniques to extract information from a data base
Print a report from a database document containing appropriate information and formatting
Create a spreadsheet using simple formulas to calculate results
Use charting and graphic functions to show information and integrate data into documents (charts, etc.)

Electronic Research

Use CD-ROM for research
Print information from CD-ROM materials
Use appropriate electronic technologies to access and evaluate information
Use appropriate electronic technologies to organize and present research findings
Use technology to collaborate on research projects

Multimedia

Use various multimedia technologies

Network

Be aware of the use of a network to share information
Be aware of some of the uses of a computer network to print or store files

Ethics

Be responsible for and take care of equipment
Respect copyright laws regarding the copying of software and graphics
Respect the privacy of others
Use technology as an educational tool
cite references
Does not plagiarize information
Follow guidelines, use agreements and etiquette using electronic information sources