CHARLESTON CUSD #1: CURRICULUM PROFILE
8TH GRADE COMPUTER SKILLS
(REVISED AUGUST 2014)
This one semester course is designed to introduce students to spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel). Students
will also develop their numeric keypad skills. Additionally, students will complete a career interest survey and
research possible careers. Students work toward meeting the standards of the International Society for
Technology in Education, as follows:
ISTE 2: COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION
Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a
distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.
b. Communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and
formats.
ISTE 3: RESEARCH AND INFORMATION FLUENCY
Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information.
d. Process data and report results.
ISTE 5: DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP
Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and
ethical behavior.
a. Advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology
b. Exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and
productivity
c. Demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning
d. Exhibit leadership for digital citizenship
ISTE 6: TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS
Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.
a. Understand and use technology systems
b. Select and use applications effectively and productively
c. Troubleshoot systems and applications
d. Transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies
SPREADSHEETS/MICROSOFT EXCEL
A spreadsheet is a grid of rows and columns containing numbers, text, and formulas, and it is used to
solve problems that involve numbers. The primary advantage of spreadsheets is the ability to complete complex
and repetitious calculations accurately, quickly, and easily. Students review the fundamental functions of Excel, as
well as how to change the appearance of a worksheet, to organize a worksheet, and to use helpful Excel features.
They will learn how to enter worksheet formulas and to use functions. Students will also learn to enhance a
worksheet with graphics and to create and customize charts. Additionally, students will complete lessons on the
10-key numeric keypad using the program Applied Microtype 3.0.
CAREERS
Students will complete an interest survey on the Career Cruising website, which will generate a list of
possible careers for students to explore. Students will use Excel to explore the difference between Gross Pay and
Net Pay on a check.