| FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
We understand that you
have questions about TechnoKids Computer Curriculum.
Read the information below to learn more about our
product.
About the
Curriculum Site License
What is a Site
License?
A site license gives
the purchaser the right to use TechnoKids Computer
Curriculum at a particular location or site.
The site license grants the purchaser the right to
print unlimited teacher guides for the staff working
at that site. It also grants the right to print
unlimited student workbooks for students learning at
that site. Moreover, it permits the transfer of
files to an unlimited number of computers located at
that site. For detailed information refer to the
site license agreement.
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What is
considered a "site"?
A site is defined as a
geographical location such as an elementary school,
high school, training center, learning center,
college, or university. TechnoKids computer
curriculum may be used to teach at a single,
designated location. If you want to use the
curriculum at more than one location you must
purchase multiple curriculum site licenses. For
detailed information refer to the
site license agreement.
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How many teacher guides and student workbooks can I
print?
The purchaser can
print an unlimited number of teacher guides for
teachers that are working at the site. The purchaser
can also print an unlimited number of student
workbooks for students learning at that site. For
detailed information refer to the
site license agreement.
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How many computers can I transfer resource files
onto?
The purchaser can
place resource files onto an unlimited number of computers at a
particular site. Moreover, a teacher can load the
resource files onto their home computer for the
purpose of preparing a lesson at the designated
site. For detailed information refer to the
site license agreement.
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Can I put the resource files on my home computer?
A teacher can load resource
files onto their home computer for the purpose of preparing
a lesson at the designated site. For detailed information
refer to the
site license agreement.
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How many
students can use the curriculum?
An unlimited number of
students can use the curriculum. The students must be
learning at the designated site. No distance learning is
permitted by our site license. For detailed information
refer to the
site license agreement.
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How many
teachers can use the curriculum?
An unlimited number of
teachers can use the curriculum. The teachers must be
teaching at the designated site. No distance learning is
permitted by our site license. For detailed information
refer to the
site license agreement.
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I teach at more than one school can I use the curriculum at
each location?
If you want to use the
curriculum at more than one location you must
purchase multiple curriculum site licenses. For
detailed information refer to the
site license agreement. Special pricing is
available for multiple curriculum site licenses.
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About the Computer
Curriculum
What is a project?
TechnoKids Computer
Curriculum is similar to a set of electronic books
containing teaching ideas. We call these ideas projects.
A project is a set of activities that use the computer to
complete a theme-related task such as create a magazine,
presentation, or web-based tool. A project is comprised of a
teacher guide, student workbook, and resource files.
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What is a teacher guide?
A teacher
guide is a set of instructions about how to
complete a particular project. A typical
teacher guide consists of a project overview,
preparatory steps, teaching strategies, lesson
plans, learning objectives, assignments,
answer keys, review questions, skill review,
and extension activities. The teacher guide
should be printed.
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What is a student
workbook?
A student
workbook is a collection of assignments that
include step by step instructions with
pictures to explain how to complete a task.
The student workbook can be printed or viewed
digitally on a monitor.
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What are resource files?
Resource
files are digital files needed to complete
project activities. The resource files include
customizable handouts, sample files,
templates, bookmarked Internet Favorites, and
flashcards. In the preparing to teach section
of the teacher guide an explanation of which
files need to be transferred to computers and
those that need to be printed are described.
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What type
of resource files do I receive?
Resource files
are digital files needed to complete project activities.
There are many different types including handouts,
templates, sample files, flashcards, teacher resources,
skill review files, Internet Favorites, or assessment tools.
Below is a description of each resource file.
- Handout:
A handout is a customizable document that is
distributed to students. This often takes the form
of a parent letter summarizing project activities
or a certificate designed to celebrate student
accomplishment.
- Template:
A template is a file used to complete a task.
- Sample file:
A sample file is a completed assignment.
Teachers can show students these files as a model.
- Flashcards:
Flashcards are enlarged pictures of program tools
placed on a 3.75” x 3.75” (9.75 cm x 9.75 cm) card
providing an essential visual aid. These can be
used to create a bulletin board or used to review the function of program tools.
- Teacher
resources: Teacher resources are materials
intended for the sole use of the teacher. These
include answer sheets, supplemental instructions,
or visual aids. Teachers use the resource materials when teaching a session.
- Skill review
file: A skill review file is used to complete
activities that focus on practicing technology
skills addressed in the project.
- Internet
Favorites: Internet Favorites are bookmarked
Internet addresses made available to students to
assist in completing activities.
- Assessment
tools: Assessment tools include a
checklist of skills and/or a
rubric for grading the final product.
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What forms
of assessment are provided?
Assessment of
students should be multi-dimensional. With the TechnoKids
Computer Curriculum teachers are provided with review
questions and skill reviews to measure student knowledge. At the end of each project a checklist that
summarizes the technology skills addressed within the
project is provided. In addition, many projects include a
rubric that can be used to grade the final product.
Student input
is an important part of assessment. For this reason many
projects have checklists to allow students to assess
their own work.
Peer
evaluation is also an essential element of assessment. Many
projects end with an assignment that has students share
their work. Peers offer positive feedback about the
technology product.
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What is
project-based learning?
Project Based Learning
is a unique approach to teaching technology skills.
In many classrooms students learn how to use the
computer by completing lessons focused on a software
application, such as Introduction to Word Level 1.
This can lack interest for students and does not
meet their individual needs.
With our approach to
learning students complete fun projects that focus
around problem solving tasks. Students learn
information and communication technology skills
gradually as they complete activities such as
publishing a magazine, creating a multimedia
storyboard, or developing a website.
Project Based Learning
is personally meaningful to students. This is
because everyone in the class is learning the same
technology skill, however within the boundaries of
the project each student can select a topic based on
their interests.
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How
long does it take to teach each project?
There is no standard answer on
how long it takes to complete a project. A typical project
is divided into seven sessions. Typically, a session takes
between 60-90 minutes to complete depending on the grade
level. However, this does not account for the time needed
for review questions, skill review, or extension activities.
Based on this time frame a
typical project takes between 400-600 minutes to complete.
This is about 6-8 weeks if your students come into the lab
twice a week. However, if your students come into the
computer lab every day a project can be completed in about
2-3 weeks.
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How many projects can I teach in one year or semester?
You can complete between three
and five projects per school year at the elementary school
level. However, a high school student who typically attends
classes every day would be able to complete the same number
per semester.
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Does the curriculum
integrate into other subject areas?
In more and more schools today, technology is recognized as
an instructional tool, not as a subject of instruction.
TechnoKids Computer Curriculum offers a wide-range of lesson
plans that integrate the use of the computer into student
learning. The technology projects address language arts,
mathematics, social studies, geography, science, health, and
visual arts. To learn more view the
Technology Integration document that explains how each
TechnoKids project addresses skills in various subject
areas.
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What technology skills does the curriculum address?
In many classrooms students
learn how to use the computer by completing lessons focused
on a software application, such as Introduction to Word
Level 1. This can lack interest for students and does not
meet their individual needs.
With our approach to
learning students complete fun projects that focus
around problem solving tasks. Students learn
information and communication technology skills
gradually as they complete activities such as
publishing a magazine, creating a multimedia
storyboard, or developing a website. To learn about
the IT skills addressed view the
Technology Skills document.
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Is the
curriculum correlated to NETS?
Yes. To view the correlation documents click on an option below:
-
Primary Projects: Grades
K-2
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Junior Projects: Grades
3-5
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Intermediate Projects: Grades
6-8
-
Senior Projects: Grades
9-12
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Is the curriculum
field-tested?
Yes, the curriculum is
field-tested. The TechnoKids curriculum development team
works directly with local schools in Oakville, Ontario,
Canada. Teachers at these schools test each project. Our
unique relationship with local schools offers the TechnoKids
curriculum development team valuable feedback. This ensures
our curriculum has clear instructions, has a relevant theme,
is interesting to students, and is developmentally appropriate.
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Can I
view a sample of an entire project?
Yes. Complete the
form to gain
access to our secure downloads area. This will allow you to
print out an entire project for each curriculum category.
The samples offer an example of the structure of the teacher
guide and content of the student workbooks.
Often we hear the comment,
"You only put your best projects on the downloads area. They
are probably not all like this". This is not the case.
However, we are happy to prove it! Simply complete the
contact form and in the comments area request to see a particular
guide.
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About Hardware and
Software
Can I use the
projects with a Mac-based system?
Our product is Windows-based. Although
our curriculum can be used on a Mac-based system this is not without
complications. We find that the TechnoKids Computer Curriculum does not
view properly on a Macintosh as the filenames are too long. For example a
folder would read as Tech~004 instead of TechnoReporter. However,
once the teacher guides and student workbooks are printed the instructions
for completing each assignment are similar between the Windows and
Macintosh versions of Microsoft Office.
We do have schools using our materials that have Macintosh computers.
However, they printed the teacher guides and student workbooks using a
Windows-based PC. Moreover, their staff has needed to make some
adjustments to the assignments.
If your school has Macintosh computers you need to consider the confidence
level and technical knowledge of your staff. Our product is not suitable
if your teachers lack confidence when using technology and possess only
basic computing skills. This is because they will be unable to easily make
modifications and could become frustrated or discouraged. Only a
knowledgeable, confident, computer user would feel comfortable using our
product on a Macintosh.
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Do I need a computer
lab?
No, you do not need a computer lab. Our curriculum can be used to teach
children in a computer lab setting, computer pod (2-4 computers), or on a
stand alone computer. The student workbooks allow children to work
independently to complete a project.
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Do I need the Internet?
No, you do not need the Internet. All of the projects that use the
Internet have files web archived so that it simulates the process of using
Internet Explorer without being connected to the World Wide Web. Moreover,
those assignments that use the Internet to gain information or pictures
can be modified to include the use of interactive encyclopedias, books, or
a scanner.
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Do I need a lot of
high-tech equipment?
No, you do not need high-tech hardware. All you need is a computer that
has at least a 166 Mhz processor with 32 Mb of RAM.
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What software do I need?
The only software that you require is the Microsoft Office suite of
applications, however several projects do use Flash and Photshop.
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What if I don't have all
the software?
No problem, just teach the
project guides that use the software already on your computers. Most
projects use only the basic Microsoft applications including Word, Excel,
PowerPoint, Paint, and Internet Explorer.
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What version of Office do I
need?
Our projects are written for Office 2000, Office XP,
and Office 2003.
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About Curriculum
Implementation
What knowledge do
teachers require to use the curriculum?
Teachers do not need to be a computer whizzes. Each
of our projects have detailed point and click
instructions, pictures, and samples so that teachers
can effectively integrate ICT into their lessons.
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What type of training is
available?
Depending on your
location, training is available for teachers. However, you
need to contact TechnoKids Head Office to locate a
TechnoKids Associate in your area.
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How do I print the teacher
guides and student workbooks?
The teacher guides and student workbooks are in PDF format. This means you need Adobe Acrobat
Reader to view the files. A version of this software is
available on the CD or as a free online download. Install this software and you will be
able to view the teacher guides and student workbooks.
There are several options for
printing the teacher guides and student workbooks. You can print
them
out on your local printer. However, you can also take the files to your local
copy center and have them print out the materials for you.
The project guides
are created to be printed on double-sided paper.
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How do I select a project to
teach?
There are several ways to
select a project. TechnoKids offers a
project matrix which is a document that recommends a
grade level for each project. Teachers can use this document
as a guide when selecting a project to teach. Another way to
make a decision is to consider which projects will integrate
into curriculum units you have already planned based on the
project theme. Still another option is to select a project
based on your students interests.
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What order do I teach the
projects?
There are
several ways to sequence the projects. TechnoKids offers a
project matrix which is a document that recommends a
sequence for teaching each project. Teachers can use this
document as a guide when selecting a project to teach.
Another way to make a decision is to consider which projects
will integrate into curriculum units you have already
planned based on the project theme. Still another option is
to select a project based on your students interests.
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What do I do if I need help?
If you have
any questions about our curriculum contact us. Our support
staff will provide you with the assistance you need right
away.
-
Email Support:
Complete Online Form
-
Toll Free
Support: 1.800.221.7921 (North America only)
-
Telephone
Support: 1.905.631.9112
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About Ordering
TechnoKids Computer Curriculum
What do I receive
when I order a TechnoKids Computer Curriculum Site
License?
When you order the TechnoKids Computer Curriculum Site License
on a CD you
receive a binder. Inside the binder is the site
license agreement, product overview, and the
curriculum placed on CDs. On each CD are project folders. Inside each folder are the teacher guides,
student workbooks, and resource files needed to teach
the project.
When you order an
Individual Project Site License as a downloadable
file, you receive an email. The email contains a
username, password, and hyperlink to the file. You
click on the hyperlink and key in your login
information to download the file. The project is
"zipped", which requires extraction software, such
as WinZip to extract.
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How do I order a
TechnoKids Computer Curriculum Site License?
- Toll Free Order:
1.800.221.7921 (North America only)
- Telephone Order:
1.905.631.9112
- Facsimile Order:
1.905.631.9113
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Am I charged shipping and
handling?
No. Shipping and handling is
free.
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How long does it take to
process my order?
Expect delivery 7 business
days after you order the product.
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Do you accept PO numbers?
Yes we do accept PO numbers.
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What major credit cards do
you accept?
We accept American Express,
MasterCard, and VISA.
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What are the prices for the
curriculum site licenses?
Pricing for TechnoKids
Computer Curriculum is set by local distributors. To
learn more about pricing and product availability in
your area complete the contact form.
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Is there special pricing for
multiple site licenses?
Yes, there is special
pricing for multiple site licenses. Complete the
contact form
and in the comments area outline the number of schools and
curriculum required for each location. We will be
happy to provide you with a fair price.
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