The purpose of these educational programmes is not only to familiarise students with the use of Computers but to help them obtain knowledge which is characterised by continuity, under the guidance of specialised instructors. The School is equipped with state-of-the-art multimedia computers connected to a local network and the internet (leased ADSL line).The Interactive whiteboards increase students' enthusiasm, interest and participation.
The educational activities designed to familiarise children with the operation of PCs and New Technologies, begin in Kindergarten, focusing on the development of the following main areas:
- Acquaintance with computers.
- Familiarisation with the mouse and keyboard through educational applications such as mazes, memory games and observation exercises.
- Learning numbers, letters, words and complete sentences through original and entertaining educational programs.
- Practise with drawing geometrical shapes and colours through special drawing and painting applications.
- Listening to songs and stories through multimedia applications.
- Team-work.
The introduction of students in the First, Second and Third Grade of Primary School to the lesson of Information Technology is achieved through specific books and a number of educational applications which help them learn how to use computers and acquire the skills needed for the basic operations, and which stimulate their imagination and creativity. Students must also understand and learn what precautions they need to take, what habits they must adopt when using computers and comprehend the basic issues of ergonomics (correct position of hands, lighting in front of a PC).
1st GRADE:
First Grade students learn about a PC's main parts. They become familiar with the PC's interfacethrough educational games and applications. The children practice using the mouse by painting with the Windows painting application and drawing with Tux paint.
2nd GRADE:
Second Grade students are taught the terminology of Information Technology(Data, CPU, RAM, processor, ...).
They become familiar with the equipment andtechnical characteristics of a PC (input-output devices, peripherals).They are introduced to a word processing application WordPad and a drawing and painting applicationTux paint.
3rd GRADE:
Third Grade students understand and learn more about the 'Software' and 'Hardware' of a computer.They are introduced to the Microsoft Windows Graphical User Interface (GUI), they are taught how to use the Microsoft Wordtext processing software, as well as theRevelation Natural Artapplication.
4th GRADE:
Fourth Grade students become more familiar with theMicrosoft Windows interface and become more skilled in text processing with Microsoft Word. They are also introduced to (browsers) and safeinternet surfing, learning about the services offered on the internet as well as the risks which may hide in its uncontrolled use. They learn to visit selected websites and to search for information in online dictionaries and encyclopaedias.
5th GRADE:
Fifth Grade students learn about spreadsheets with, Microsoft Excel They become more familiar with browsersfor safe internet surfing, and with searching, collecting, processing and evaluating information. They are also introduced to the use of e-mails. They start learning about basic programming with the Scratch programming language, creating interactive stories and games.
6th GRADE:
Sixth Grade students are taught and get familiar with the Microsoft PowerPoint, presentations software, the Microsoft Picture Manager and Gimp, image and photograph processing applications, as well as, Movie Maker. or creating video-films. They also learn how to create word clouds with the Wordle,application,Blog,as well as digital books with ToonDoo and digital comics with ComicStripCreator.
Nowadays, it is essential to know how to use computers in any activity. Acquiring proper knowledge of computers starts at a young age.
ACTA, a spin-off of the Aristotle University (AUTh),has created a pioneering programme for children aged 6-12 aimed at teaching them to use computers,through games and fun activities..It also aims at encouraging them to discover new educational horizons, mainly through ('learning by doing'). The key features of the programme are participation in activities, research, observation, experience and discovery. TheBE ACTAcertifications are divided into four levels. Each level has three modules, and students are assessed on the two modules of their choosing. Beginners ACTA is a certificate for children which rewards youngsters who used more specialised, expanded material on both the basics of computer use and on Multimedia applications.The students receiving the certificates take part in annual national competitions and awards events organised by ACTA, in support of the "IT Education & Participation at a young age" concept.