CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE FOR "USEFUL LINKS" 

1. What is that computer teacher's name again?

Mrs. McKinley

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2. What is Mrs. McKinley's Background?

Vestavia Graduate, University of Alabama Graduate

Majors: Corporate Finance/Marketing

Certified Teacher-Business Education grades 6-12

National Board Certification in Career and Technical Education achieved 2002

Pizitz Teacher and Technology Coordinator-7th year

Previously worked for IBM - 3 years

Worked as a marketing director in Germany - 3 years

Worked for HQ Air Force Reserve as a Marketing Director and Computer Software Trainer-4 years

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3. Does Mrs. McKinley LOVE computers?

You bet

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4. Does Mrs. McKinley LOVE my child?

Definitely

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5. Does Mrs. McKinley want my CHILD to love computers?

Of course!

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6. What if my child DOESN'T love computers?

Let Mrs. McKinley know if there is a problem, but we hope he/she will find something this semester to "Fall in Love" with on the computer.

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7. What will my child be learning in computer this year?

Keyboarding

How Computers Work

Types of Computers

Ethical Use of Technology

Word Processing

Database

Spreadsheets

PowerPoint Presentations

Internet

 

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8. What software programs do you use in the lab?

Microsoft Office 97 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Microsoft Works (We use this program for database because it is easier for sixth graders than Access), Type to Learn, Typing Tutor 10, Internet Explorer, Windows 98

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9. What is this "O,S,N,U" grading scale all about?

O=Outstanding, S=Satisfactory, N=Needs Improvement and U=Unsatisfactory. Computer is on this scale for a number of reasons. Students have varying technology experience when they come in and we want this scale to help take a little pressure off the student.

(O = 90-100, S=70-89, N=60-69, U=0-59)

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10. What are grades based on?

Work in labs, tests and quizzes, bonus work

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11. What can my child do for bonus?

Bring in articles covering current technology topics for up to 25 points per 9-week period

Five points for article with short summary

Three points for article with no summary

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12. Are there FREE typing programs I can use?

Yes, try the first link under "useful links" below for a free download of KP Typing Tutor. It is a wonderful typing program. Use the help after download to learn how to move through the lessons. It even includes a fun typing game!

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13. Will I ever get to see my child's work?

Yes,at the end of each semester, we have a computer open house showcase. You can come visit and view your child's PowerPoint presentation and watch him/her keyboard. You can even try out the keyboarding program that day. In addition, we print certain projects like an "All About Me" Newsletter that you will see--that is IF it makes it home…) We will also put all of your child's work on CD to keep as his/her electronic portfolio.

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14. Does the school need computer donations?

Yes, but we can only use Pentium class computers. We can also use keyboards or mice if they have the small adapter/connection plug (PS/2 port).

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15. Can I e-mail Mrs. McKinley?

Yes, but please don't e-mail the latest e-mail hoaxes or forwards. I use e-mail communication to help with educating your child and welcome your e-mails for this purpose. Thanks!
E-mail: CmcKinley@vestavia.k12.al.us

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16. Is Mrs. McKinley glad I came to visit?

YES!!!!!

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17. If I have more questions, can I ask Mrs. McKinley?