Technology

Research shows that proper keyboarding practice involves frequent, daily practice of 20-30 minutes over a period of several weeks or months to master these skills. We do not have this time available during our instructional day. Research also shows that formalized keyboarding does not ensure success. Full keyboarding skills may not be needed as tools are getting smaller. Below, is a short description on the following links:

Dance Mat -  An introduction to typing for ages 7-11. Each of the four levels is divided into three stages to gradually build skills.  Level 1 introduces the home row.  This site uses Flash plug-in. Worksheets are available for each stage that can be printed and used offline with a typerwriter or computer.

Typing Web - A free online typing tutor & keyboarding tutorial for typists of all skill levels. Typing Web also offers officially sanctioned typing and 10 Key certification.

Super Hyper Spider Typer - An advanced game that can be used for students who have already had typing instruction. This is a game to increase a student's speed once they have mastered the basics.

Internet safety is taught from Kindergarten through eighth grade. The Internet safety links on this page are intended to provide parents with additional resources and information on a variety of Internet safety topics.

Net Aware- Your Guide to the Social Networks Your Kids Use

From the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children - the leading charity in the U.K. specializing in protecting children and safeguarding children at risk of abuse.

Federal Trade Commission 

The FTC manages OnGuardOnline.gov, which provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information. The FTC has a detailed guide for parents to help navigate Social Networking Sites with children. Social Networking Sites – A Parents Guide

ConnectSafely

ConnectSafely is a forum for parents, teens, educators, and advocates designed to give teens and parents a voice in the public discussion about youth online safety, and has tips, as well as other resources, for safe blogging and social networking. Along with NetFamilyNews.org, it is a project of the non-profit Tech Parenting Group. 

Cyberbully411

Cyberbully411 provides resources and opportunities for discussion and sharing for youth and their parents who have questions about or may have been targeted by online harassment. The website was created by the non-profit Internet Solutions for Kids, Inc., with funding from the Community Technology Foundation of California. 

GetNetWise

GetNetWise is a public service sponsored by Internet industry corporations and public interest organizations to help ensure that Internet users have safe, constructive, and educational or entertaining online experiences. The GetNetWise coalition works to provide Internet users with the resources they need to make informed decisions about their and their family’s use of the Internet.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

NCMEC is a private, non-profit organization that helps prevent child abduction and sexual exploitation; helps find missing children; and assists victims of child abduction and sexual exploitation, their families, and the professionals who serve them.

Staysafe

Staysafe.org is an educational site intended to help consumers understand both the positive aspects of the Internet as well as how to manage a variety of safety and security issues that exist online.

Other Helpful Links for Parents to Explore: 

• Internet Keep Safe Coalition 
• Wired Safety
• Safekids.com
• Digital Safety: Staying Safe Online