Getting Started

• Grade Level: The Project Matrix provides a recommended sequence of instruction. The Primary, Junior, and Intermediate collections organize projects into rows. The top row are the simplest projects, and the bottom row are more challenging. The division can be mapped to grade levels. For example, in the Junior collection, the top row is Grade 3/4, the middle row is Grade 4/5, and the bottom row is Grade 5/6.


• Scope and Sequence: If you plan to teach multiple TechnoKids projects the Project Matrix recommends an order. In each row, the projects increase in difficulty. For this reason, the project in the first column could be taught at the start of the school year, whereas the project in the last column is best suited to the end of the school year.


• Technology Skill: If you intend to target a specific skill, the Project Matrix groups many of the projects. For example, in both the Junior and Intermediate collections, the first column is word processing, the second column is spreadsheet/data analysis, the third column is presentation, and the fourth column is programming. The projects are sequenced from top to bottom and gradually introduce new skills.


• Developmentally Appropriate: In the Project Matrix the projects build upon one another and increasingly become more complex. Assignments lengthen, students complete a greater amount of work, and tasks require higher order thinking. Moreover, often there is a blend of multiple types of software. If your students are beginners you can select a project from a lower grade level as these are suggestions only.


• Product or Subject: Throughout the TechnoKids curriculum, the same application is used for multiple purposes. For example, students use Google Slides or PowerPoint to create a book, slide show, presentation, graphic story, timeline, advertisement, interactive map, and online debate. Read the descriptions in the Project Matrix to pick a digital product you want your students to create or pick one that fits with a subject area you are teaching (e.g. timeline for history, map for geography, or graphic story for language arts).


• Topic: Refer to the Project Matrix to select a project that integrates with a topic or theme you are already teaching. Many technology projects are open-ended. This provides an opportunity to blend curriculum content with digital learning tools. Alternatively, you can select one to act either as a starting point for a unit or as a culminating project at the end of a unit.


• Student Interest: Engage learners. Have them select a technology project that is personally meaningful. Alternatively, the teacher can choose a title, such as TechnoJournal or TechnoSite, that allows each student to select a topic of personal interest.


• Instructional Time: To understand how long a project will take to complete, read the descriptions in the TechnoKids Overview. Each project provides a detailed outline, as well as lists the number of assignments and extension activities. An assignment can range from 30-60 minutes, depending on the grade level. Typically, it takes about 6-8 weeks to complete a project if your students attend class twice a week. However, if they go every day you can complete a project in about 2-3 weeks. Many can be shortened by omitting assignments or lengthened by including skill reviews and extension activities.


• Software or App: Refer to the table in the Project Matrix. It summarizes the versions available for each project. You can pick a project based on software availability or the app you want to teach.

If you are downloading from TechnoHub:

1. Before you get started, be sure you know the location of downloaded files on your device. If you are unsure, refer to I want to choose where to save my downloads from TechnoHub to set the download directory.
2. Visit TechnoHub.
3. Log in using your TechnoKids username and password. (It is the same one you used to place your order.)

4. The projects are organized onto bookshelves. If you have purchased a TechnoKids collection all the technology projects will be displayed on a shelf. However, if you only purchased individual projects then some technology projects are unavailable.

5. Click on a Shelf tab, such as Primary, Junior, Intermediate, or Senior.

6. Add an item to the download queue by clicking the Add to Queue button for the desired project or collection.
7. If necessary, select a product version. Click Close.

8. Repeat steps 3-5 for any additional projects. TIP: It is best to download only a few projects at a time.
9. Click Start Download.

10. The files will be prepared for download. Be patient. The more items you add to the cart, the longer it will take.

11. If prompted, pick a location to save the download file. By default, it should go to your device's Downloads folder.
    When done, go to the location on your device where the files were downloaded. The folder will be called technokidsMMDD, where MMDD refers to the current month and day. You need to unzip the compressed files.



• How to unzip using Windows
• How to unzip using a Chromebook
• How to find download


1. Go to the location on your device where the files were downloaded.
2. Right click on the folder and choose Extract All....

3. In the Extract Compressed (Zipped) Folders dialog box you can choose a destination to extract the files. By default, the folder will be extracted to the same location as the zipped folder.
4. Tick the option to Show extracted files when complete.

5. Click Extract.
6. Now you can open the folder to view the files. The folder may have automatically opened.
7. Refer to Step 2 to learn how to view the TechnoKids files. Refer to Step 3 for a tour of the TechnoKids project folder.
These instructions explain how to unzip the downloaded TechnoKids folder and copy the project files into your Google Drive.
1. You may already be looking at your Downloads folder.
   If you are not, on your Chromebook, click Launcher (white dot in the left corner). Select the up arrow. Pick Files.
2. Select My files from the left pane. Select Downloads.

3. Double click on the TechnoKids file technokidsMMDD.zip.
4. Once you've double-clicked, notice the zip folder appears in the sidebar.

5. The contents of the zipped file are displayed. You will see a folder that has the name of the TechnoKids project you selected to download (e.g., pri-me, jnr-timeline, int-biography).
6. Press ALT and then click the TechnoKids project folder. From the shortcut menu, choose Copy.

7. Select Google Drive from the sidebar. Select My Drive.
8. Click More in the top right corner (3 dots). From the menu, select Paste. The TechnoKids project is now in your Google Drive.

9. Refer to Step 2 to learn how to view the TechnoKids files. Refer to Step 3 for a tour of the TechnoKids project folder.
Sometimes you lose your files. You have downloaded them, but you do not know where they have gone. The good news is that TechnoKids has created a standard file name for all downloaded files. It is technokidsMMDD. For example, the search term technokids1013 will find a file downloaded on October 13 from TechnoHub on your device. Please note, if you do not know the date, just type technokids when searching.

Windows
1. Click Search in the Windows taskbar.
2. Type technokidsMMDD.zip into the search box, where MMDD is the month and day the file was downloaded.
3. As you type, matching files will be displayed in the search results.
4. Click the arrow beside the file name.
5. Choose Open file location.

Chromebook
1. Click the Launcher icon on your Chromebook.
2. Type technokidsMMDD.zip into the search box, where MMDD is the month and day the file was downloaded.
3. As you type, matching files will be displayed in the search results.
4. Click the file to go to the location.

If you received your curriculum on a flash drive:

1. Plug the flash drive into an empty USB slot on your computer.
2. Wait for the device to be recognized. It will open in a window.

If you are on a Windows device our PDF files are only viewable with Adobe Acrobat Reader XI or higher. Other PDF software will not open the files. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader. It is a free download:

1. Visit Adobe Acrobat Reader.
2. Select Adobe Acrobat Reader to download.
3. Follow the onscreen prompts to install the version for your operating system.



Step 3 View a Project Folder will describe the contents of a TechnoKids project. This will help you to understand the types of files. However, if you want to get started right away below are some tips for opening our PDF files.

• How to open a PDF with Acrobat Reader
• How to type in a PDF


Option 1: Set the Default PDF Reader
1. Your default program for PDF files may not be set to Adobe Acrobat Reader. Browse to the location of the TechnoKids project folder. Locate a PDF such as the Teacher Guide.
2. Right click on a TechnoKids PDF file. From the menu select Choose another app.
3. Scroll through the list of programs and select Adobe Acrobat Reader.
4. Select the option to Always use this app to open .pdf files.
5. Click OK.
6. Now when you double click a TechnoKids PDF file it will automatically open in Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Option 2: Open the File in Adobe Reader
1. From the Start menu , launch Adobe Acrobat Reader from the list of programs. If you do not see it in the list, visit Adobe Acrobat Reader.
2. Click the File menu, choose Open.
3. Browse to the location of the TechnoKids project folder. Locate a PDF such as the Teacher Guide.
4. Click Open.
1. Open a TechnoKids PDF file such as a student assignment sheet in Adobe Acrobat Reader. You will find them in the Workbook folder. TIP: Look in the downloaded TechnoKids project folder from Step 1. For example: int-biography > Office 2019 > TechnoBiography Resources > Biography > Workbook.
2. From the right pane, click Comment or from the View menu select Tools - Comment - Open.

3. The Comment toolbar will appear. Use the text comment or text box to type an answer or the drawing tool to make a checkmark or circle on the page.

4. When done, do not forget to save changes.


Watch a short video to see how to type in a PDF

TechnoKids PDF files can be opened in Google Docs. However, sometimes they lose their formatting. Using Google Docs to view TechnoKids PDFs is best suited for simple worksheets. To keep the page layout, we recommend using a Google Drive Add-on, such as Kami. Many schools have an IT administrator whose responsibility is to manage teacher and student Google accounts. You may need to gain permission before completing the steps below.

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Visit the Chrome web store or Google Workspace Marketplace.
3. Search for a PDF extension or Google Drive Add-on such as Kami or DocHub.
4. Click Add to Chrome or Install.
5. Follow the onscreen prompts.



• How to open a PDF on a Chromebook
• How to type in a web-based PDF


1. If necessary, sign into your Google account.
2. Browse to the location of the TechnoKids project folder. (TIP: You copied it into your Google Drive in Step 1 when you unzipped the downloaded files). The folder will be: category-project. Such as pri-me, jnr-timeline, or int-biography.
3. Open the TechnoKids project folder and then open the Google folder. Locate a PDF such as the Teacher Guide (e.g. TechnoBiography Guide GS.pdf).
• How to Preview or Print the PDF: Double click a TechnoKids PDF file to open it in the web browser. You can preview or print the document.

• How to Open using an App or Drive Add-on: Double click a TechnoKids PDF file to open it in the web browser. Hover over the top bar to select Open with. Pick an option such as Annotate with Kami.
  
  TIP: If you cannot see the Open with option return to Google Drive. Right click the TechnoKids worksheet (press ALT and the track pad at the same time). From the menu, select Manage in Drive.
  
  TIP: If you do not see Kami (or the app you need), click Connect more apps. Search for a PDF annotator and follow the on-screen prompts to install it. You will likely need to sign in, to grant permission for Google Drive access. This will allow PDF files to be opened, edited, and saved.


• How to Open Directly into Chrome Extension:
  If you installed a Chrome extension, click the Extensions tool at the top of the browser window and select it. You may be asked to sign into your Google account. Select Open from Google Drive. Select the TechnoKids PDF file to view and/or edit.

1. If necessary, sign into your Google account.
2. Locate a TechnoKids PDF file. For example, there are student worksheets in the Workbook folder. TIP: Look in the downloaded TechnoKids project folder from Step 1. For example: int-biography > Google > TechnoBiography Resources > Biography > Workbook.
• How to Open using an App or Drive Add-on: Right click a TechnoKids PDF file (press ALT and the track pad at the same time). From the menu, select Open with. Pick an option such as Open with Kami.
• How to Open Directly into Chrome Extension: If you installed a Chrome extension, click the Extensions tool at the top of the browser window and select it from the options.
3. You may be asked to sign into your Google account again. You may also need to select Open from Google Drive and then pick the TechnoKids PDF file to edit.
4. Use the Text Box tool to type an answer or the Drawing tool to make a checkmark or circle on the page.

5. When done, click Save. Select Save Now.

6. If the menu states that the file failed to save, click the text and authorize Google Drive.

1. If necessary, open the downloaded TechnoKids project folder from Step 1. If you downloaded multiple versions you may need to pick the one you want such as Office 2019 or Google. The TechnoKids project folder has a path like this:
   
   technokidsMMDD > category-project > version
   For example: technokids1215 > int-biography > Google
   
   
2. A project has a Resource folder, Get Started document, Teacher Guide, and Student Workbook:

3. About the project files:
• Project Resources folder: Instructional materials required to complete the project including assessment tools, samples, and templates.
• Get Started document: Links to helpful resources including how to install a PDF viewer, access help with Google Classroom or Class Notebook, and FAQs.
• Guide: File that contains instructions for teachers. Includes preparatory steps, material list, lesson plans, and answer keys. It requires a PDF viewer to open such as Adobe Acrobat Reader or Kami.
• Workbook: File that contains assignments for students. It requires a PDF viewer to open such as Adobe Acrobat Reader or Kami.

The majority of the instructional materials in the Resources folder are for the teacher. When and how to use these files is explained in the Teacher Guide. Most of them are customizable. Although no modification is necessary, it does allow flexibility. Teachers can insert a school logo onto a certificate, adjust text in a parent letter, add questions to a quiz, or alter the scoring system on a marking sheet.

1. If necessary, open the downloaded TechnoKids project folder from Step 1. If you downloaded multiple versions you may need to pick the one you want such as Office 2019 or Google. The TechnoKids project folder has a path like this:
   
   technokidsMMDD > category-project > version
   For example: technokids1215 > int-biography > Google
   
   
2. Open the TechnoProject Resources folder:

3. The instructional materials are organized into folders:

• Assessment: Tools to evaluate student learning including checklists, marking sheets, rubrics, and/or a skill summary. These files are in Google Docs or Word format.
• Handouts: Documents to be distributed to students including parent letters and certificates. These files are in Google Docs or Word format.
• Project folder: This folder contains the files students need to complete project activities. It includes templates, samples, and/or worksheets. It is named to match the project title. For example, the project TechnoBiography will include a Biography folder.
• Samples: Files used to demonstrate a completed project. Often they are customizable.

The Student Workbook is an optional resource that teachers can use. It contains illustrated step-by-step instructions that explain how to complete the project activities. It includes assignments, reviews, skill reviews, and/or extension activities.

The Student Workbook is available in two formats: Complete Workbook and Individual Worksheets. Both formats require a PDF viewer such as Adobe Acrobat Reader or Kami.

• Complete Workbook: This format is designed to be printed double-sided. Place the document in a binder as a reusable class set. Or print single use copies for each student to follow instructions and answer questions.

• Individual Worksheets: This format has each assignment separately. Control the pace of instruction by assigning a worksheet for each class session. Or challenge students working at a faster pace with optional enrichment activities. Worksheets can be printed or used digitally.

The Teacher Guide is an excellent tool for guiding instruction. It will help you prepare to teach and deliver each lesson. Please note, TechnoKids tends to give teachers more than what they may need. This is done to provide flexibility. Select the activities that fit with your instructional time and meet the needs of your students. You can omit assignments to shorten a unit or lengthen it using the reviews, skill reviews, and/or extension activities.

1. If necessary, open the downloaded TechnoKids project folder from Step 1. If you downloaded multiple versions you may need to pick the one you want such as Office 2019 or Google. The TechnoKids project folder has a path like this:
   
   technokidsMMDD > category-project > version
   For example: technokids1215 > int-biography > Google
   
   
2. Open the Teacher Guide in a PDF viewer. The file name will be TechnoProject Guide version.

A Teacher Guide with sessions, divides the content into six main parts or units. Each session revolves around a problem-solving task that relates to the theme of the project. The assignments in each session guide students to complete the task.

The Teacher Guide contains the following sections:

• Getting Started - This section contains a material list, project overview, implementation and technology integration ideas, and preparatory steps.
  IT IS IMPORTANT TO READ THIS SECTION first.


• Project Instructions - This section contains the project instructions divided by sessions. Each session includes the following parts:
• Overview – an explanation of the session activities and their purpose.
• Materials – a list of handouts, sample files, templates, and teacher resource materials needed to teach the session.
• Teaching Strategies – instructional methods recommended for teaching the activities.
• Lesson Plan – a detailed list of each step in the session.
• Learning Objectives – a summary of the content knowledge and technical skills taught throughout the session.
• Assignments – a session consists of assignments completed by students. Actions to be performed on the computer by the student are indicated with a triangle (▷). Background information is indicated with a dash (–).
• Review – a session review contains a list of fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, or short-answer questions intended to review concepts and tools (answers included).
• Skill Review – an additional assignment to practice digital literacy skills in a different context (includes completed sample).
• Extension Activity – an optional enrichment activity that relates to the problem-solving task presented in the session.


• Appendices - This section contains additional information or materials including the following resources:
• Assessment Tools – skill summary and marking sheets to evaluate completed project(s).
• Glossary – a definition of each term.
• Contact Information – how to contact TechnoKids Inc. for curriculum support.

• Overview - Summary that outlines details about the project including purpose, objectives, preparation steps, materials, activities, extension activities, assessment, and notes.
• Technology Integration Ideas - List of themes or topics for integrating project activities into subject areas such as language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, geography, history, computer studies, or visual arts.
• Prepare to Teach - Preparatory steps that should be completed before teaching. Typically, this includes installing apps and sharing student resources.
  IT IS IMPORTANT TO READ THIS SECTION before teaching.
• Assignments - Detailed step-by-step instructions, duplicated from the student workbook, explain how to complete a task. Use these worksheets as a guide when teaching or provide them to students to work independently.
• Extension Activities - Additional assignments for enrichment that extend learning.
• Appendix A - Assessment tools including skill summary, marking sheets, and/or rubrics to evaluate completed project(s).
• Appendix B - List of instructional materials and their location in the TechnoProject Resources folder. This includes assessment, handouts, samples, templates, and any other files.

All the files students need to complete the assignments are in one folder. This folder can be placed on a local computer, memory stick, school server, or private web-based server. If using a web-based option, this area must be password protected and require students to log in to gain access. Files cannot be posted in the public domain. Refer to your site license agreement for further details.

1. If necessary, open the downloaded TechnoKids project folder from Step 1. If you downloaded multiple versions you may need to pick the one you want such as Office 2019 or Google. The TechnoKids project folder has a path like this:
   
   technokidsMMDD > category-project > version
   For example: technokids1215 > int-biography > Google
   
   
2. Open the TechnoProject Resources folder.

3. Locate the folder that is the name of the project. For example, if you are teaching TechnoBiography the folder is called Biography. Whereas, if you are teaching TechnoMe the folder is called Me.

4. Copy this folder and place it in the desired location to share with your students.

If your students are working digitally, they can tile or stack their screens to see two windows at one time. This will allow them to have the necessary application, such as Word or PowerPoint, open on the left side of the screen, while having the TechnoKids assignment sheet open on the right side of the screen.

1. Open the TechnoKids worksheet in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
2. Click the top bar.

3. Press the WINDOWS key on the keyboard. Press the RIGHT ARROW key on the keyboard to snap the window to the right side of the screen.
4. Open the application that will be used to complete the task such as Word or PowerPoint.
5. Click the top bar.

6. Press the WINDOWS key on the keyboard. Press the LEFT ARROW key on the keyboard to snap the window to the left side of the screen.

TIP: You may need to drag the bottom frame of the window to make it taller.

TechnoKids assignments vary in their structure. The majority of assignments contain step-by-step instructions that explain how to use an application such as Word or PowerPoint to complete a task. However, some assignments require students type answers using the Comment tools in Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Open a PDF Worksheet

1. From the Start menu , launch Adobe Acrobat Reader from the list of programs. If you do not see it in the list, visit Adobe Acrobat Reader to download the latest version.
2. Click the File menu, choose Open.
3. Browse to the location of the TechnoKids assignment sheet.
4. Click Open.

Type Answers into a Worksheet Using the Comment Tools

1. From the right pane, click Comment or from the View menu select Tools - Comment - Open.

2. The Comment toolbar will appear. Use the text comment or text box to type an answer or the drawing tool to make a checkmark or circle on the page.

3. When done, do not forget to save changes.

Watch a short video to see how to type in a PDF

If your students are working digitally, they can tile or stack their screens to see two windows at one time. This will allow them to have the necessary application, such as Docs or Slides, open on the left side of the screen, while having the TechnoKids assignment sheet open on the right side of the screen.

1. Open the TechnoKids worksheet in the Chrome browser. If you need to type answers, then open the file in a PDF Annotator such as Kami.
2. Click and HOLD the Maximize/Restore button in the top left corner of the window. Press the RIGHT arrow to snap the window to the right side of the screen.

Or, press the ALT and OPEN BRACKET [ keys on the keyboard.

3. Open the application that will be used to complete the task such as Docs or Slides.
4. Drag the tab to detach it from the window.

5. Click and HOLD the Maximize/Restore button in the top left corner of the detached tab. Press the LEFT arrow to snap the application to the left side of the screen.
   
   Or, press the ALT and CLOSE BRACKET ] keys on the keyboard.
   

TechnoKids assignments vary in their structure. The majority of assignments contain step-by-step instructions that explain how to use an application such as Docs or Slides to complete a task. However, some assignments require students type answers using a PDF Annotator such as Kami.

Option 1: Open a PDF Worksheet Using the Kami Google Drive Add-on

1. Go to the location of the TechnoKids worksheet in Google Drive.
2. Double click a TechnoKids PDF file to open it in the web browser.
3. Hover over the top bar to select Open with.
   TIP: If you cannot see the Open with option return to Google Drive. Right click the TechnoKids worksheet (press ALT and the track pad at the same time). From the menu, select Manage in Drive.
4. Pick an option such as Annotate with Kami.
5. If you do not see Kami (or the app you need), click Connect more apps. Search for a PDF annotator and follow the on-screen prompts to install it. You will likely need to sign in, to grant permission for Google Drive access. This will allow PDF files to be opened, edited, and saved.
   

Option 2: Open a PDF Worksheet Using the Kami Chrome Extension

1. If you installed a Chrome extension, click the Extensions tool at the top of the browser window and select it. You may be asked to sign into your Google account.
2. Select Open from Google Drive.
3. Select the TechnoKids PDF file to view and/or edit.

Type Answers into a Worksheet Using Kami

1. Use the Text Box tool to type an answer or the Drawing tool to make a checkmark or circle on the page.

2. When done, click Save. Select Save Now.

3. Check to make sure the file saved. If it did not, you will see a menu option that reads Save Failed.

4. If the menu states that the file failed to save, click Save Failed and authorize Google Drive.

5. When done, click Save. Select Save Now.