Walters World Course Info

Course Information

Keyboarding & Computer Literacy

Keyboarding is a necessary skill for everyone to survive in today's "computerized" society; therefore, it is required for all WMMS students. If you are entering West Millbrook as a sixth grader, you will be automatically signed up to take keyboarding as one of your two semester electives. If you are enrolling in a year-long elective such as band, orchestra, or curriculum assistance, you will take a shortened course during the half period immediately before or after lunch. In keyboarding you'll learn much more than touch-typing and technique, you'll also learn about basic computer components and how a computer works, along with a quick introduction to database and spreadsheet software. If you have had computer experience with word processing and keyboarding in elementary school, you will soon discover that there is much more to learn. You'll discover an assortment of new word processing tips and tricks that you can use for the rest of your life!

Competency Objectives for the Middle Grades Keyboarding course include:

Describe the purpose, components, and use of a computer system.

Use the touch method in operating the keyboard and numeric keypad.

Produce straight-copy materials accurately using correct techniques.

Fundamental document processing (word processing)

Proofread and correct errors in keyed copy.

Key simple business and personal documents in acceptable format.

Key simple reports and supporting documents.

Keyboarding composition skills, to include composing sentences,
paragraphs, and documents at a keyboard.

Business Computer Technology I

Seventh and eighth grade students at West Millbrook know how often the core teachers assign computer related projects. This course will give you a huge advantage when these projects are received! Business Computer Technology, Level I is designed to build upon the things you learned in Keyboarding/Computer Literacy. You'll get lots of new software experience as you work with desktop publishing, spreadsheets, database, presentation, and telecommunication applications. An added benefit for choosing this class is that it will prepare you for the 8th Grade Computer Skills Test! (see link above left).

Business Computer Technology II

If you earn an "A" or "B" in Business Computer Technology, Level 1, this elective is for you! It is perfect for creative students who love working with computer applications and are interested in exploring computer related careers. In this course, the skills you learned in BCT, Level 1 will be reinforced and expanded. BCT, Level 2 will help you become more independent as you work with computers at school and home. Throughout the semester you will create an imaginary business. Using desktop publishing, spreadsheets, database management, multimedia presentations, and web design software, you will design documents for that business. Through your imaginary business, you will also learn basic entrepreneurial skills, along with financial and marketing concepts. In this class, you will work on some assignments with a classroom team, while many projects are done independently. We are hoping to take a field trip to IBM at some point during the semester. There you will meet with computer professionals and see them at work!

Special Help Available

In addition to your time in the classroom, "Special Help and Catch Up" sessions are held each morning from 7:45 until the first bell rings at 8:10. I'm more than willing to help you over any computer hurdles that develop during the semester. If you or your parents have any questions about West Millbrook's computer courses, please come by my room, or give me a call at 870-4064.