Students at George Washington Middle School can elect to take a four-part cycle program during their three years at the school, which includes one marking period of Computer Applications at each grade level.  Our goal is to prepare students for the REAL WORLD by teaching them computer skills necessary for high school and college along with an awareness of employment opportunities for career planning.

Sixth Grade

Students learn to touch type during this cycle with the aid of Keyboard Mastery software.  Emphasis is placed on correct finger position, posture, and developing acceptable levels of accuracy and speed.  After building fundamental skills, students learn to prepare homework assignments using Microsoft Word.  They learn basic formatting techniques including margins, font effects, paragraphing, symbols, borders, and clipart.  Students also become skilled at using the Internet for sending e-mail and information research.  Safe Internet usage is stressed.  

Seventh Grade

Greater keyboarding speed and accuracy are developed during the first week of the second cycle using the Keyboard Mastery program.  Advanced formatting techniques are developed using Microsoft Word.  Students learn to apply graphic design techniques and desktop publishing programs by designing cards, posters, and cover pages using Print Shop and Microsoft Publisher.  Fundamentals of digital photography are learned by taking pictures with a digital camera and enhancing them with Photoshop Elements, Microsoft Photo Editor, and MGI PhotoSuite.  Charts and graphs are developed using Microsoft Excel.  The principals of web design are taught using WebExpress software as well as basic HTML. 

Eighth Grade

The eighth grade computer cycle builds on skills learned in the sixth and seventh grade by reviewing and developing additional Word competencies such as leaders, headers, and templates.  Using Microsoft Access, students learn to design a database, enter information, and retrieve data.  After a review of Excel basics, students learn to work with formulas, use auto features, format tables and charts, and transfer Excel files to other application programs.  The basics of CAD are developed by using 3D HOME DESIGN to design and furnish a home.  Desktop publishing skills are strengthened by preparing the graphic design for an original CD project.  Students learn to track information on the Internet by setting up a Yahoo financial account to trace stock prices during the nine weeks of the cycle.  Two PowerPoint projects prepare students to effectively use presentation software.  The cycle ends with an animation unit using PhotoShop Elements to design an original comic character.