Teaching Technology Help

[BigBear]

Hey Folks,
I've been tasked to teach a technology class to 6th graders this year (yay budget cuts, etc [Rant1]). It's basically keyboarding, Office, and explanation of basic computer components, etc. I would like to make it halfway interesting... maybe as a final project having them go onto NewEgg or some other site and "build" a computer with components, etc... Anyways, do you tech guys have some online resources, or ideas on how to approach this class and make it interesting instead of book intensive regurgitation of my lectures??

Remember, the only thing I've taught is music and I'm NOT a super technosavy person...

Thanks,
Bear

[Hound]

Show them how to sniff a password off the network. It is easy and will get their little minds pointed in the right direction. Teach security at a young age and the future will be brighter.

[ChadAmberg]

I've got a "Certified Ethical Hacker" online course you can take. That should give you some interesting ideas, but probably get 1/2 the kids expelled the way things are anymore in school.

Actually, I also have the CompTIA A+ course on video too I can get you. Basically A+ is the "I'm an entry level computer guy" certification. Building systems, troubleshooting, etc. Give that a watch, and it should help you come up with ideas that would keep them interested. Send me a PM and I'll figure out how to get you the videos.

[RblDiver]

For typing, you should get them... http://www.amazon.com/The-Typing-Dead-Pc/dp/B00005RV5M/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1374178565&sr=8-2&keywords=typing+of+the+dead [ROFL1]

[BigBear]

Interesting ideas... keep in mind this is for a 6th grade class though. I'm not sure sniffing passwords would be.... helpful... at this point in time, lol!!! HAHA. Oh but the fun we could have....

[mdsmd]

My wife was a tech for CCSD and the tech teacher was a great tech teacher. He has a site with all kinds of cool stuff, check out his personal page on teaching it may give you some good ideas. http://joelsolomon.com/HTML/education.html

[Mazin]

How many students and is it a full year or just semester class?


Sent from my Otterbox Defended Tactical iPhone using High Capacity "Clips".

[cfortune]

Show them how to make ethernet cables. The newegg thing is definitely a good idea too. Maybe show them how to setup a home wired/wireless network with password protection and MAC white listing.

[buckshotbarlow]

my favorite saying for windows is:
ctrl+alt+del, wait for reboot and kickstart or insert linux.

If you can, show them as many os's as you can or time permits. Make it fun, like hound said...find my password!

[asmo]

How many seperate classes over how long of a period? e.g. One class and they are done -- twice a week for an hour for 6 months, etc??

[Hound]

Interesting ideas... keep in mind this is for a 6th grade class though. I'm not sure sniffing passwords would be.... helpful... at this point in time, lol!!! HAHA. Oh but the fun we could have....

I know what the initial thought is on this but I was serious. PM me. It can be educational and there is a real need for security professionals out there. 6th grade is a great place to start. That is when I got started and it pays well. Buckshot also has a good idea with multiple OS's. There is more than Windows out there.

[buckshotbarlow]

I know what the initial thought is on this but I was serious. PM me. It can be educational and there is a real need for security professionals out there. 6th grade is a great place to start. That is when I got started and it pays well. Buckshot also has a good idea with multiple OS's. There is more than Windows out there.

and that goofy pita apple...

teach em bsd, and have them load it on a toaster!

[cmailliard]

Once I get back to school I will try to get some stuff put together for you, shoot me your email in a PM. Some initial ideas - Digital Citizenship, online safety, emerging technology these are all topics these students will need going forward.

I am a huge fan of two things - iPads and Google Apps, both a very powerful and students figure it out pretty quick. Some other ideas - scavenger hunt with QR codes throughout the school, create a digital portfolio or each student. Consider blogging, I have seen kindergarten students do it with iPads. This teaches them some good new skills and reinforces basic skills.

We also have two computer classes this year including cyber security. I will see if they have any ideas that may help.

[ChunkyMonkey]

Uh yeah.. my last iphone was unlocked by a middle schooler... my last PSP was flashed by a 6th grader. I recommend you watch Jeff Foxworthy's smarter than 5th grader to prepare LOL

[baglock1]

Send them to http://www.hackthissite.org/ for extra credit.

[cmailliard]

Digital Citizenship - You have to register but everything is free. It has Common Core alignment and very detailed lesson plans.

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators/scope-and-sequence

[BigBear]

Thanks folks, I'll send out some PMs and stuff the closer I get to Aug. very busy right now. Thank you.