Software
The number one most important should be WORD:
Students should learn word first because more than likely it is the one thing you will use on a computer the most frequently in your life. Especially during school and work. I would say that around 4th or 5th grade would be a good age to begin teaching this to your students. At this age they are older enough to comprend and grasp the basic information. As they get older and become more familiar they will catch on to the other aspects.
Number Two - Powerpoint:
Powerpoint is an extremely useful tool. It can help you display ideas in a much less and more fun format than a simple outline. A powerpoint document is a lot easier to add your own written notes to than an outline and especially in college I have found powerpoint to be a huge part in my learning experiences. Students should begin learning this program right after word, approximately sixth grade. The concepts will be easily mastered at this age especially with a background in word.
Number Three - The Internet:
The internet provides people with an outstanding array of information which is greatly beneficial to students. Learning to search topics and gather information via the internet will be something most people continue through their entire lives in this day and age. Sixth grade would be a good age to start this learning. Although I know many parents that start their kids on the internet at a much younger age. My nephew who is six now has been playing online games at disney.com since he was probably three or four.
Number Four - Excel:
Excel is a great program for organization and data. This is extremely useful to those in the business or administrative fields. Students should learn this program at a later age because its concepts are a bit more difficult and tricky to master or understand than most other programs. I think 8th grade would be a good time to begin, and if they can handle it sooner, maybe 7th grde.
Number Five - Images, Editing and Digital Photography:
More than likely people will also use this information through their entire lives because it isn’t always work, it is a lot of play as well. But the concepts and organization can be hard to use if you aren’t familiar with what you are doing. I think 8th grade is a good time to start this type of program. By now the students should have a good base knowledge about the computer and its capabilities. This will only enhance the student and make them more well rounded and proficient at using their computer and all of its components.
