Middle Level

At the end of the Middle Level (grades 6-9), students will be expected to have the following knowledge and capabilities:

1. Information Management
• Participate in a range of online activities involving communication and virtual experiences. Extend the scope of a project beyond the classroom collaboration by using communication technologies.
• Plan and perform searches on the Internet or within a database as part of a project:
• revise the inquiry plan as necessary throughout the quest for information
• identify and assess the authority and reliability of electronic sources
• access alternative viewpoints on particular topics
• produce a document, following these steps:
• select and record data
• organize, compare and contrast information
• create product.
• Solve problems requiring the sorting, organizing, classifying and extending of data using information technology tools.
• Use and understand terminology appropriate to all tasks performed.


2. Hardware use and care
• Use various types of input devices independently and understand the capabilities and limitations of each.
• Use various types of output devices independently and understand the capabilities, limitations and costs of use for each.
• Be aware of new developments in input and output device technology.
• Be aware of the proper uses of all hardware and understand ways to enhance its efficiency and reliability.
• Understand the causes of "repeated use syndrome" and practise ergonomically correct use of all hardware.
• Be able to rectify simple hardware problems and be able to identify and describe more complex problems.


3. Software use and care
• File management:
• organize files into directories/folders
• understand that different applications store files in different ways
• understand the nature of viruses and other destructive files and be able to check files for danger
• share files among different applications
• download files and open attachments in a safe manner, understanding the virus danger
• Operating systems
• understand the functions and use of a computer operating system and that there are several different ones
• understand that there are many settings involved in an operating system and the ramifications of changes to them
• run multiple applications and transfer data among them using functions of the operating system such as cut, copy and paste.
• Use productivity tools to enter, edit, manipulate and distribute information. Use advanced features of these programs such as thesaurus in word processor or graph generator in spreadsheet.
• Create a set of web pages including:
• links between pages
• links to outside sites
• a variety of graphics
• friendly navigation
• Social and Ethical Issues
• Understand that messages and audiences can be influenced by the medium and be alert to hidden persuasions.
• Responsible use of Information and Communication Technology:
• demonstrate the ethical and legal use of digital resources
• comply with current school or school division acceptable use policy
• respect intellectual property rights
• employ effective strategies to maintain personal safety in a digital environment.
• Social, Human and Environmental Issues:
• explore and recognize the impact of Information Communication Technology on self, society, and the environment, including these topics:
• privacy
• communication styles
• information accuracy
• equity and access
• consumer education about e-commerce
• copyright obligations
• technology related illness and addiction.
• consider how ICT affects the personal environment and the global community.