Computer Lab

Benefiting All Grades
Mrs. Nancy Thomas is a firm believer in educating students of all levels in the use of computers. From pre-k to 8th grade, classes in the Computer Lab are tailored to introduce new concepts every year and build upon skills previously learned.

Most assignments are geared towards "real life" situations to help students relate to and retain what they are learning. With regular hands-on experience, incorporating the most advanced software and educational websites, students leave the Computer Lab feeling accomplished and inspired.

Mrs. Nancy Thomas Computer Lab Teacher

A mother of two, Nancy Thomas brings her maternal instincts to the classroom. She takes a personal stake in each child's progress and dedicates whatever time is needed to ensure the student is comfortable with and adequately advancing through every exercise. Classes meet at least once per week and are designed to maximize the student's comprehension while keeping the subject of computer science fun and interesting.

Archdiocesan Curriculum Guidelines

• Pre-K - Students focus on learning how to use the mouse (click and drag) and navigate through age-appropriate educational website pages. Kid Pix software is introduced.
• Kindergarten - Ongoing reviews of what was taught in pre-k give the young computer user confidence and encouragement. More emphasis is put on learning the keyboard by using educational games, drawing, and Type to Learn 3 software. Children are introduced to Microsoft Word, especially the opening and saving of documents.
• First Grade - Keyboarding skills are emphasized with importance placed on finger positioning and the home row. Students are encouraged to type complete sentences as they use Type to Learn 3, Microsoft Word, and PowerPoint. Additional educational websites, such as LabLinks and Apples4theTeacher are frequently visited.
• Second Grade - Students build on existing knowledge with continued use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Poetry assignments and more advanced keyboarding exercises using Type to Learn 3 are given.
• Third Grade - Advanced typing skills are emphasized, including document formatting using Word's drawing toolbar. Additional poetry exercises are assigned, as well as deeper exploration into Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and more challenging educational websites.
• Fourth Grade - In addition to reiterating previously learned material in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, students are taught Internet safety and proper research techniques. Advanced features of Type to Learn 3 are introduced.

Computer Lab Students at Work

• Fifth Grade - Microsoft Publisher, a popular brochure creation software package, is introduced. Students review Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, while incorporating more advanced tools. Warm-up exercises using Type to Learn 3 are routinely administered. More Internet safety and research techniques are covered.
• Sixth Grade - Advanced features of Publisher such as bullets and numbering are taught, along with more extensive assignments using Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Continued Internet safety and research techniques are emphasized, along with Type to Learn 3 keyboarding exercises.
• Seventh Grade - Flyers, brochures, business cards, and professional reports are just a few examples of how seventh graders demonstrate their expertise in Microsoft's most utilized business software programs. Students are taught business and computer terms that correspond with the software they are using. Internet safety for teens and more advanced research techniques are employed.
• Eighth Grade - Database management is introduced. Students are introduced to Web page design through the use of Publisher and learn how to make videos using Windows Video Maker. Basic accounting concepts (income, expenses, net pay, etc.) are learned using Excel spreadsheets. PowerPoint presentations are generated using student-researched college data. Constant review of previously learned concepts is emphasized.

Saint Ignatius of Antioch Catholic School offers the ideal atmosphere for a well-rounded education in a religious environment. Please contact us for more information about admissions, tuition, and our Catholic school program.