CURRICULUM SUPPORT
Integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into classroom activities can be challenging. TechnoKids support staff can help! We know that you have questions and we want to be there to provide answers. Contact us:
Email: australia@technokids.com
Telephone Support: 1300 791 971
SUPPORT QUESTIONS
Need help? Read through the answers to the frequently asked support questions.
I put the CD in the computer and nothing happened. Is the CD damaged?
No, the CD is not damaged. The CD is a data CD. It does not automatically install files. Rather, you must open the CD to view the contents. Follow these instructions:
- Put CD into drive.
- Double click My Computer.
- Double click CD drive.
- Install Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Open the folders and double click the files to view the materials.
back
My template is not working. What can I do?
We test all our materials at our research and development lab at John Knox Christian School, in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. If your template isn't working perhaps there is a setting you need to change on your computer or the file you are using is incompatible with your version of Microsoft Office. We can help. Email australia@technokids.com
Include the following information:
- Project Guide Name
- Template Name
- Description of Problem
- Error message
- Version of Microsoft Office
- School Name
- School Address
back
The template does not match my version of Microsoft Office. What can I do?
TechnoKids Inc. updates our materials regularly. If the template does not match your version of Microsoft Office contact us and we will send you an updated file. Email australia@technokids.com
Include the following information:
- Project Guide Name
- Template Name
- Version of Microsoft Office
- School Name
- School Address
back
The instructions are unclear or incorrect. What can I do?
Our curriculum development prides itself on providing you with a high-quality product that contains clear instructions that are error-free. If you encounter any problems with the quality of our materials contact us immediately. We will make the necessary modifications. Email australia@technokids.com
Include the following information:
- Project Guide Name
- Session Name that contains Problem
- Description of Problem
- School Name
- School Address
back
I want to edit the content of a handout. What can I do?
Typically, customizable files are on the Teacher Resource cd-rom in Microsoft Word format. If you find that a handout or certificate is only available in Adobe Acrobat Reader (.pdf) form contact us. We will provide you with materials that you can edit. Please note: we do not provide teacher guides or student workbooks in Microsoft Word format. Email australia@technokids.com.
Include the following information:
- Project Guide Name
- Handouts needed for Customization
- School Name
- School Address
back
The instructions do not match my version of Microsoft Office. What can I do?
An effort has been made to create generic instructions that will work with all versions of Microsoft Office. However, there are often glaring differences, especially in Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint that make this impossible. In this case, there are often dual sets of instructions provided within the text materials. In addition, if the differences are drastic then an entirely different teacher guide and student workbook are provided on the Teacher Resource cd-rom.
TechnoKids Inc. updates our materials regularly so you don't have to. If you find the instructions in the student workbook and teacher guide do not match your version of Microsoft Office we will make the necessary modifications. Email australia@technokids.com.
Include the following information:
- Project Guide Name
- Session Name where Instructions are Problematic
- Version of Microsoft Office
- School Name
- School Address
back
The macro on the template will not run. What can I do?
Many of the templates in the Primary category have macros. These are designed to load customized toolbars. If the macros are not working do the following:
- Open program.
- Select Options from the Tools menu.
- Click the Security tab.
- Click the Macro Security button.
- Choose Medium and click OK.
- Click OK. Close program.
back
There is so much stuff where do I start?
That depends on what you need to teach, what your students are interested in learning, and what software you have within your computer lab.
TechnoKids Inc. has provided you with a project matrix that recommends a grade for each project and sequence for teaching each project.
However, you may want to implement the curriculum based on units you are teaching or student interest. If this is the case, read the Project Descriptions section of the overview document (At the front our your TechnoKids Computer Curriculum binder). It outlines the theme for each project, session activities, technology skills, technology integration, and software. This should help you decide which project is right for you.
back
The learning curve seems really steep, what should I do?
When starting something new it can seem pretty overwhelming. For this reason, don't set unrealistic, unattainable goals for yourself or your students. Instead, accept the fact that some learning needs to take place. You may not have all the technical skills needed to teach the program and your students may also lack some prerequisite knowledge. With that understanding, take a three year approach to the implementation of the TechnoKids Computer Curriculum.
How you implement the curriculum depends on whether implementation is a school-wide or classroom initiative. Select the scenario that suits your situation:
- School-Wide Initiative: You are not locked into teaching the projects in the recommended order. The sequence within the Project Matrix is based on a gradual accumulation of skills and knowledge. However, it can be modified to suit your teaching situation. If you wish to follow the recommended order than read the suggestions below:
Year One: In year one, all students in grades one and two should complete the projects in the grade-one column on the Project Matrix. Students in grades three, four, and five, should complete the projects in the grade-three column on the Project Matrix. Students in grade six, seven, and eight should complete the projects in the grade-six column on the Project Matrix. Senior teachers should select the projects that suit their particular course offerings.
Year Two: In year two, you can gradually introduce more projects. Your students in grades one, two, three, four, six, and seven are now following closely the Project Matrix. However, those students in grade five are completing grade four projects and students in grade eight are completing grade seven projects.
Year Three: In year three, you can follow the recommended order suggested within the Project Matrix.
- Classroom Initiative: In this situation you are typically the only teacher using the TechnoKids Computer Curriculum. This means you do not need to worry about what projects students have completed in the past with other teachers.
Year One: If you are interested in integrating technology skills into the curriculum the best approach is to determine the technology area where you feel most confident – typically this is word processing. Start with a project that teaches that skill. Next, read over the project descriptions for your age grouping and determine which theme would "fit" into what you are already teaching and what technology skill is the emphasis. Select the project that suits your needs. Try to teach two projects in your first year.
Year Two: Select a project that emphasizes a technology skill where you are less proficient such as spreadsheets or databases. You can learn along with your students.
Year Three: By this time you will be an expert at selecting and teaching using the TechnoKids projects. Have fun!
back
How should I print the projects?
Projects are in a pdf. format, meaning that you need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print the file. A version of that software is available on the Teacher Resource cd-rom. Install the software first, and then you will be able to open the projects.
Projects are designed to be printed double-sided. If your printer is older, you may wish to take the Computer Curriculum CD to a Copy-Center business such as KwikKopy or Officeworks.
back
The teacher guide and student workbooks have blank pages. Why?
This is not a mistake. The teacher guide and student workbook do have blank pages. The materials are designed to print double sided. This means that each session and assignments starts on the right hand side and has an odd page number. This looks great when they are printed double sided but when they are single sided it does appear like there are blank pages.
back
How should I use the student workbooks?
The use of student workbooks is optional - it is just one more resource that TechnoKids offers teachers. The decision to use them is entirely yours - you must determine if there is a need within your lessons for this type of material. There is a lot of flexibility in how student workbooks are implemented. Below are some possibilities:
- The student workbooks are placed in a duo tang and are kept in the lab. They are distributed to students when they come into the lab. They are not written in, instead handouts are still photocopied.
- The students keep the workbooks and write in them.
- The teacher only photocopies a workbook assignment for a student who was absent.
- The teacher only photocopies a workbook assignment if the lesson has many steps and they worry their students may have difficulty.
- The teacher only photocopies a workbook assignment if they are going to be away and a substitute teacher is coming in to teach the class.
- Workbooks are viewed digitally using a monitor.
If you decide to use student workbooks below are a few suggestions:
- Teach students HOW to use the workbook - bold headings are what students are doing (e.g. insert clipart) - mouse bullets tell each action students must do – a dash is background information and does not require student action.
- Begin using the workbook by doing an assignment together while students follow along in their book. After students are confident with using the workbook begin each class by introducing the assignment and explaining the purpose. Discuss the steps to the assignment. Have students work independently to complete the task following steps outlined in their workbook. Offer support and suggestions.
The best way to determine if the student workbooks are of use to your class is to "pilot" their use. Experiment with them to see if you like to use them with your students. Only then will you know if this is something you want to use.
back
What do I do if I don't have all the software?
Most projects use the basic Microsoft Office suite of applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Paint, and Internet Explorer. However, other projects do use Access, Publisher, PhotoEditor, and Front Page. If you do not have these applications don't worry – simply teach using the projects that use the software you already have in your computer lab.
back | 
