Computer Lab -- Fourth Grade

Projects in Store for Fourth-Graders

In fourth grade, typing is more necessary than ever. Standardized testing will require students to be proficient typists. Most of our fourth graders should be at an intermediate level of typing, unless the student is new. Just to be sure, all students will be tested and placed at an appropriate level on the Typing Tutor. Each student will progress at his or her pace. They should practice typing at home two to three times a week, and their skills will be monitored on weekly basis.

The semester will start off with cyber safety conversations and presentations. The importance of usernames and password and the discretion around them will be explained thoroughly. We will start the year by reviewing our research skills as we re-teach and review copyright and plagiarism.

The project we start with is a complicated Power Point project called a Virtual Museum. Many new tricks and tools will be taught to students, and the completed project will be spectacular. In this project, you are transported to a virtual world and feel you are part of a video game.  You get to roam the halls and visit the rooms of the museum and even meet the curator!

Two other projects will round out the semester. We will work on a movie project, where students will learn to direct, edit and present. They will also learn about different video formats. The final project for the semester will use Excel. Students will generate charts and graphs and use formulas to calculate the sum and average on amounts.

All fourth graders should bring pen drives to computer lab every week.

Next semester, students will blog on a class topic, work on some social studies/science topic projects, and start working with Google Apps.

Please contact our Computer Lab instructor, Mr. Richmond, at srichmond@computerwisekids.com if you have any questions about the program.
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Balboa students prepare for the future in the school's Computer Lab.

Help Keep the Computer Lab Open

The Computer Lab's instructor is paid by the Balboa Spirit Club's COMPASS fund. Contribute now to keep our students computer-literate.

How to Login to the Portal

Students can login via the portal at http://www.cwksmarts.com/portal.php to use:
  • Typing Tutor to practice typing. (Required for grades 2-5.)
  • The student email system. Students in grades 3-5 can email peers within their grade level only.
  • The student projects gallery to view student work.
To login, you will need the Grade Key and password, which is sent home via a flyer.  If you missed the flyer, please send Mr. Richmond, the Computer Lab instructor, an email at srichmond@computerwisekids.com
to request the Grade Key and password (don’t forget to mention your child’s name).