technology enthusiast – Steven Foxworth

Did You Know These Tech Tips?

October 24, 2023October 24, 2023
by Steven Foxworth

Similar to the show “Are you smarter than a fifth grader”, most 5th graders know these.

Technology has become an integral part of our lives. From smartphones to smart homes, technology has changed the way we interact with the world around us. For students, technology has opened up new avenues for learning and exploration. But how tech-savvy are fifth-graders? According to a recent report by the National Education Association (NEA), many fifth-graders have a good understanding of technology and its various applications.

The NEA report, written by Jacqui Murray, found that fifth-graders use technology for a variety of purposes such as research, communication, and entertainment. They are proficient in using search engines and are able to navigate various websites with ease. They are also comfortable using social media platforms and understand how to use them safely and responsibly.

Here are some computer functions you might not use daily, but need to know:

Ctrl+C: Copy selected text
Ctrl+V: Paste copied text
Ctrl+X: Cut selected text
Ctrl+Z: Undo previous action
Ctrl+A: Select all text in document
Ctrl+F: Find a specific word or phrase
Ctrl+P: Print document
Ctrl+S: Save document
Ctrl+N: Create a new document
Ctrl+O: Open an existing document
Ctrl+B: Bold selected text
Ctrl+I: Italicize selected text
Ctrl+U: Underline selected text
Ctrl+K: Insert hyperlink
Ctrl+T: Create a new tab in web browser
Ctrl+W: Close current tab in web browser
Ctrl+Shift+T: Reopen last closed tab in web browser
Ctrl+Tab: Switch between open tabs in web browser
Ctrl+Shift+Esc: Open Task Manager in Windows
Alt+F4: Close current window or program.

However, the report also found that there are areas where fifth-graders could improve their technological skills. For example, they may not be familiar with coding or programming languages, which are becoming increasingly important in today’s job market. Additionally, they may not be aware of the potential risks associated with using technology, such as cyberbullying and online scams.

To help students improve their technological skills, the NEA recommends that schools incorporate technology into their curriculum. This could include teaching coding and programming languages, as well as educating students on how to use technology safely and responsibly. The NEA also recommends that parents and caregivers play an active role in their child’s technology use, by monitoring their online activity and teaching them how to be responsible digital citizens.

In conclusion, fifth-graders have a good understanding of technology and its various applications. However, there is always room for improvement, and schools and parents can play an important role in helping students develop their technological skills. By doing so, we can help prepare the next generation for a world that is increasingly reliant on technology.

Jacqui Murray outlines 16 Tech Solutions:

16 SIMPLE TECH SOLUTIONS

1. Take the first step to solving many problems.
Turn the computer off and then on. Close down and reopen your internet browser. Turn the modem or printer off and then on again.

2. The website doesn’t work.
Check to be sure the URL is entered correctly, and is not missing letters or the http. If that doesn’t work, change browsers.

3. I can’t exit a program.
The universal exit command for Windows-based computers is “alt-f4”

4. I can’t find a program.
Type the name in the “search” field. Most middle and high school students prefer this method of locating a program.

5. ____ doesn’t work.
This could be the mouse, keyboard, monitor, speakers, or some other piece of hardware. Make sure everything is plugged in and turned on. If it is, unplug-replug.

6. The sound doesn’t work.
Is it muted? Are the headphones plugged in? For little ones, do they have the right headphones on?

7. I deleted _____ .
If it’s part of a document, use “ctrl+z” to undo. If it’s a file, check the recycle bin and restore if it’s in there.

8. The font is too small.
Use “ctrl+” to zoom in and “ctrl-” to zoom out.

9. I can’t find _____ in the file.
The universal keyboard shortcut for “find” is “ctrl+f”. This works in documents and online.

10. The document is ‘read-only.’
“Save as” under a different name and edit.

11. I’m worried about security.
This is a massive topic, but two solutions that work even for kids in grades K–5 are to cover the webcam and put smartphones in airplane mode (to cut access to the internet).

12. The program froze.
Is there a dialogue box open that’s waiting for an answer?

13. The”shift” key doesn’t work.
Is caps lock on?

14. Double-click doesn’t work.
Push “enter” after the first click.

15. I can’t remember how to _____ .
Right-click. This reveals the most common actions for the context you are in.

16. The internet toolbar disappeared.
Push “f11”.

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Kind Doesnt Mean ‘Push Over’

October 22, 2023October 22, 2023
by Steven Foxworth

In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. With so much going on, it’s important to remember to be kind to one another. That’s why the National Education Association (NEA) has launched a campaign to promote kindness in schools across America.

According to the NEA, “kindness is the foundation of a positive school culture.” When students feel valued and respected, they are more likely to succeed academically and socially. The campaign emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and engaging with others.

One way to promote kindness in schools is through service learning projects. These projects give students the opportunity to work together to make a positive impact in their community. By working together to help others, students learn the value of empathy, compassion, and teamwork.

Another way to promote kindness is through the use of positive reinforcement. Teachers and administrators can acknowledge and celebrate acts of kindness by students, whether it’s through a simple thank you or a public recognition ceremony. This helps to reinforce positive behaviors and encourages students to continue to be kind to one another.

Overall, promoting kindness in schools is about creating a culture of respect and empathy. By teaching young people the value of kindness, we can help to create a brighter future for all.

Being kind is one of the most important virtues that we can possess as human beings. It is an attribute that can be expressed in a multitude of ways, from simple acts of courtesy and consideration to more profound displays of empathy and compassion. Being kind not only benefits those around us, but it can also be beneficial for our own mental and physical health. Studies have shown that kind acts can lower stress levels, decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety, and even improve our immune system. In a world where negativity and cruelty often dominate the headlines, choosing to be kind can be a powerful way to make a difference and create a better world for ourselves and others.

In the article “Learning to Be Kind,” published by the National Education Association (NEA), the importance of teaching kindness in the classroom is discussed. The article highlights the fact that kindness is not only important for creating a positive classroom environment, but it is also essential for the social and emotional development of students.

The article cites research studies that have shown that students who are taught to be kind exhibit more positive behaviors, including increased empathy, improved relationships, and better academic performance. The NEA also emphasizes the importance of modeling kindness for students by demonstrating empathy, forgiveness, and gratitude.

The article provides several practical tips for teachers to incorporate kindness into their everyday classroom routines. These include creating a kindness calendar, where students are encouraged to perform acts of kindness every day, and using literature to teach kindness and empathy.

Overall, the NEA’s article “Learning to Be Kind” emphasizes the importance of teaching kindness in the classroom and provides practical tips for teachers to incorporate kindness into their everyday routines. By teaching kindness, educators can help create a positive classroom environment and promote the social and emotional development of their students.

Flannery, M. E. (2020, April 13). Learning to be kind. NEA. https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/learning-be-kind

Tag: <span>technology enthusiast</span>

Did You Know These Tech Tips?

16 SIMPLE TECH SOLUTIONS

Kind Doesnt Mean ‘Push Over’