SAFETY FIRST/RESEARCH TECHNIQUES

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Lesson Five:  Technological Competency
Grade Level: 12
(Unit may be adapted to any class using computer lab online activities)

Learner Outcomes:

The students will use word processing software to produce a typewritten report of research results in preparation for a research paper/electronic portfolio.

Materials:

Century 21 Keyboarding & Information Processing, 6th ed.
Expert Software Crossword Puzzles Software (Puzzle-Making Software)
MS Word Formatting & Editing Terms Word Search Puzzle
MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 5th ed.
Handout:  Proper Keyboarding Techniques (Safety/Health Issues)

Computer lab with Internet access
Computer projection LCD device
Microsoft Word software program
3 1/2" floppy disks for each student

The language arts teacher will work collaboratively with the business education teacher in completion of the state-mandated senior research project and/or electronic portfolio through the use of effective Internet search tools.

Student will apply what has been learned in Safety First/Research Techniques Using Online References (LessonA1-A5) as they complete their Electronic Portfolio (LessonB1-B5) (see The Solution Site).

Refer to MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 5th ed. if necessary.

1. Student will begin the lesson “Technological Competency” by reviewing proper keyboarding techniques as keyboarding teacher models techniques.  Student will key a report using proper techniques at the keyboard in keyboarding lab as business teacher observes techniques.
2. Student will review parts of the MS Word Screen (title bar, menu bar, standard toolbar, formatting toolbar, I-Beam, Mouse Pointer, Cursor, & Scroll Bar) as teacher re-teaches items using LCD projector.
3. Teacher will re-teach formatting & editing tools by utilizing LCD overhead or projector to model or demonstrate formatting tools (font style & size; bold, italicize, & underline; cut, copy, & paste; enumeration; line spacing; margins; header & page numbers) and editing tools (spell checker, thesaurus) needed to key report using a computer & MS Word.  Student will spend time as they key sample report utilizing formatting tools and editing tools as teacher observes/facilitates.
4. Student will complete crossword puzzle of terms utilized on MS Word screen, in formatting tools, and in editing tools.
5. Teacher will utilize LCD overhead or projector to model or demonstrate creating, naming, saving a file (report name) to a floppy disk because student will not complete report in one day.
6. While improving techniques and formatting skills, student will learn/review how to format  an MLA-style report (with title page, table of contents, internal citations, reference page) by keying a report.  (see Century 21 Keyboarding & Information Processing, pp.293-294).  Save as "MLA Report" on floppy disk at end of the day to be continued the next day.
7. Teacher will utilize LCD overhead or projector to model or demonstrate opening a saved file (file name--MLA Report) from a floppy disk to complete or edit report and model or demonstrate printing a file as teacher observes/facilitates.  Student will complete keyed report this day.
8. After research has been completed by student (see Electronic Portfolio--LessonB1-B5 on The Solution Site) for their research paper and/or electronic portfolio, the student will then key/format/spell check/save/print the their research report in MLA-style.

1. Team teaching should be done between business education teacher and language arts teacher.
2. Teacher should determine the need for student assistance based on Inclusion and request a special education teacher and/or aide be present during lesson instruction & activities.
3. Teachers can also use peer tutoring during oral review.

        Completion of crossword puzzle--terminology
        Completion/revision of MLA-style report

Evaluation/Assessment:

        Class participation
        Teacher observation of techniques & formatting/editing skills
        Completed keyed/formatted research report and/or electronic portfolio

West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives:

Language Arts:  12.38, 12.52, 12.53, 12.82, 12.88, 12.89, 12.90, 12.94, 12.95
Process/Workplace Goals:
    Communications:  PW.2, 9, 10
    Technology: PW. 27, 29, 30
    Self Management:  PW.35, 36, 37, 40, 44
Vocational Instructional Goals and Objectives:  ACA 5, 22, 23, 24  and KIP 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 18

For Further Information:

Abigail Reynolds
West Virginia State Dept. of Education
National Standards

      Gibaldi, Joseph. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 5th ed.  New York:  The Modern Language Association, 1999.

MS Office 97

Robinson, Jerry W. and et.al.  Century 21 Information Processing & Keyboarding, 5th ed.  Cincinnati:  SouthWestern Publishing Co. (an ITP Publishing Co.), 1997.

Authors:   Terri H. Burgess  | Natalie Cook  | Mary Ruth Hale  | Man High School

Date Modified:

Attachments:  Technique Checksheet, Crossword Puzzle