Ms. Grace Codd is the Roberts computer lab teacher. In addition to this page, you may visit Ms. Codd's SchoolNotes teacher page.

All students at Roberts Elementary work in the Computer Lab once a week for 45 minutes during their scheduled class time. The work in the Computer Lab coordinates with what is going on in the classroom as much as possible. For example, in Social Studies, fifth grade students study the United States. In the Computer Lab students use the internet to research a specific state. Students then create a multimedia slide show. Projects include work with the software Oregon Trail. as well as research on this time period. In the Computer Lab students also use software with an emphasis on higher level thinking skills.

Kindergartners begin working with a graphics program on the Macintosh computers. They learn to control the mouse and to create pictures from simple shapes such as the rectangle and circle. They also use software such as I Spy to strengthen their reading skills.

First graders continue this work in graphics, adding proficiency with various tools. Pictures become more complex. Students utilize higher level thinking skills "breaking down" an object into its component parts and recreating it as their graphic. Students also use various types of higher level thinking skills software.

Second graders begin working on the internet, reading the news, playing games that meet instructional objectives. Students continue working with graphics and use them to create simple projects.

Third graders learn how to touch type using the software Type to Learn. On this grade level students begin to use a folder for homework assignments. Grades are based on typing progress. Word processing is also taught at this grade level.

Fourth graders build on their word processing skills and begin research projects using the web as well as other resources. Students work with software such as Power Point and Kid Pix to create slide shows. Animation is also taught in the context of the slide show.

Fifth graders are responsible for writing the quarterly school newspaper, Roberts Reporter. The research projects for this grade level center primarily on the social studies curriculum. For example, students create a slide show using the information they have researched about a specific state. Software used includes Oregon Trail and Where in the USA is Carmen SanDiego?