|
Questions About TechnoExplorers
Question: Who
is TechnoExplorers?
TECHNOExplorers.info
distributes TechnoKids computer curriculum under
the name TECHNOExplorers
in the state of California. RTSG, Inc. is the parent
company of TECHNOExplorers
.
Question: Can
I place an order outside the United States?
No. No orders can be placed outside of the United
States.
Question: Are
there any other restrictions on ordering?
Yes. Orders may only be placed from within the
state of California.
Questions About the Curriculum Site License
Question: What is a Site License?
There are two types of site licenses. The first
is a EDUCATIONAL site license gives the purchaser the right to
purchase and use all projects within a single
project level (Primary, Junior, Intermediate, Senior,
Camp, and Teacher/Adult) and related TECHNOKids
Computer Curriculum at a particular location or
site for a period of twelve months from the date of purchase. The site
license grants the purchaser the right to print unlimited teacher guides for the
staff working at that site. It also grants the right to print unlimited
student workbooks for students learning and teacher guides
at that site.
However, it restricts the
transfer of files to the number of computers licensed at that site.
The second type is a CONSUMER site license gives the purchaser the right to
purchase and use a single project within a project
level (Primary, Junior, Intermediate, Senior, Camp, and
Teacher/Adult) and related TECHNOKids
Computer Curriculum at a particular location or
site for a period of twelve months from the date of purchase. The site
license grants the purchaser the right to print unlimited teacher guides for the
staff working at that site. It also grants the right to print unlimited
student workbooks for students learning and teacher guides
at that site.
However, it restricts the
transfer of files to the number of computers licensed at that site.
For
detailed information refer to the site
license agreement .
back
Question: What
is considered a "site"?
A site is defined as a geographical location such as an
home, office, elementary school, high school, training center, learning
center, college, or university. TECHNOKids computer curriculum may be used to teach at
a single, designated location. If you want to use the curriculum at more than
one location you must purchase multiple curriculum site licenses. For
detailed information refer to the site
license agreement .
back
Question: How
many teacher guides and student workbooks can I print?
EDUCATIONAL and CONSUMER purchasers can print an unlimited number of teacher guides for teachers that are working at the site. The purchaser can
also print an unlimited number of student workbooks for students learning at
that site. For detailed information refer to the
site
license agreement .
back
Question: How
many computers can I transfer resource files onto?
The EDUCATIONAL and CONSUMER purchaser may place resource files
only onto the licensed number of computers at a particular site. Moreover, a teacher can
load the resource files onto their home computer for the purpose of preparing
a lesson at the designated site, but must email support at
support@technoexplorers.info
for permission. For detailed information refer to the site
license agreement .
back
Question: Can
I put the resource files on my home computer?
A teacher can load resource files onto their home computer for the purpose of preparing a lesson at the designated
site by emailing support at support@technoexplorers.info
for permission .
For detailed information refer to the site
license agreement .
back
Question: How
many students can use the curriculum?
With an EDUCATIONAL site license an unlimited number of students can use the curriculum. The students must be learning at the designated site. No
distance learning is permitted by our site license. For detailed information refer to the
site
license agreement .
back
Question: How
many teachers can use the curriculum?
With an EDUCATIONAL site license an unlimited number of teachers can use the curriculum. The teachers must be teaching at the designated site.
No distance learning is permitted by our site license. For detailed
information refer to the site
license agreement .
back
Question: I
teach at more than one school can I use the curriculum at each location?
If you want to use the curriculum at more than one location you must purchase multiple curriculum site
licenses. For detailed information refer to the site
license agreement . Special pricing is available for multiple curriculum
site licenses.
back
About the Computer Curriculum
Question: What is a
project?
TECHNOKids Computer Curriculum is similar to a set
of electronic books containing teaching ideas. We call these ideas projects.
A project is a set of activities that use the computer to complete a
theme-related task such as create a magazine, presentation, or web-based tool. A project
is comprised of a teacher guide, student workbook, and resource files.
back
Question: What
is a teacher guide?
A teacher guide is a set of instructions about how to complete a particular project. A typical teacher
guide consists of a project overview, preparatory steps, teaching strategies,
lesson plans, learning objectives, assignments, answer keys, review questions,
skill review, and extension activities. The teacher guide should be printed.
back
Question: What
is a student workbook?
A student workbook is a collection of assignments that include step by step instructions with pictures to
explain how to complete a task. The student workbook can be printed or viewed
digitally on a monitor.
back
Question: What
are resource files?
Resource files are digital files needed to complete project activities. The resource files include
customizable handouts, sample files, templates, bookmarked Internet Favorites,
and flashcards. In the preparing to teach section of the teacher guide
an explanation of which files need to be transferred to computers and those
that need to be printed are described.
back
Question: What
type of resource files do I receive?
Resource files are digital files needed to complete project activities. There are many different types
including handouts, templates, sample files, flashcards, teacher resources, skill
review files, Internet Favorites, or assessment tools. Below is a description of
each resource file.
- Handout: A handout is a customizable document that is distributed to students. This often takes the form of a parent letter summarizing project activities or a certificate designed to celebrate student accomplishment.
- Template: A template is a file used to complete a task.
- Sample file: A sample file is a completed assignment. Teachers can show students these files as a model.
- Flashcards: Flashcards are enlarged pictures of program tools placed on a 3.75” x 3.75” (9.75 cm x 9.75 cm) card providing an essential visual aid. These can be used to create a bulletin board or used to review the function of program tools.
- Teacher resources: Teacher resources are materials intended for the sole use of the teacher. These include answer sheets, supplemental instructions, or visual aids. Teachers use the resource materials when teaching a session.
- Skill review file: A skill review file is used to complete activities that focus on practicing technology skills addressed in the project.
- Internet Favorites: Internet Favorites are bookmarked Internet addresses made available to students to assist in completing activities.
- Assessment tools: Assessment tools include a checklist of skills and/or a rubric for grading the final product.
back
Question: What
forms of assessment are provided?
Assessment of students should be
multi-dimensional. With the TECHNOKids Computer Curriculum, teachers are provided
with review questions and skill reviews to measure student knowledge. At the end
of each project, a checklist that summarizes the technology skills addressed
within the project is provided. In addition, many projects include a rubric that can
be used to grade the final product.
Student input is an important part of assessment. For this reason many projects have checklists to
allow students to assess their own work.
Peer evaluation is also an essential element of assessment. Many projects end with an assignment that
has students share their work. Peers offer positive feedback about the
technology product.
back
Question: What
is project-based learning?
Project Based Learning is a unique
approach to teaching technology skills. In many classrooms, students learn how
to use the computer by completing lessons focused on a software application,
such as Introduction to Word Level 1. This can lack interest for students and
does not meet their individual needs.
With our approach to learning, students complete fun projects that focus around problem solving tasks.
Students learn information and communication technology skills gradually as
they complete activities such as publishing a magazine, creating a
multimedia storyboard, or developing a website.
Project Based Learning is personally meaningful to students. This is because everyone in the class
is learning the same technology skill. However, within the boundaries of the
project, each student can select a topic based on their interests.
back
Question: How
long does it take to teach each project?
There is no standard answer on how long it takes to complete a project. A typical project is divided into
seven sessions. Typically, a session takes between 60-90 minutes to complete
depending on the grade level. However, this does not account for the time needed
for review questions, skill review, or extension activities.
Based on this time frame a typical project takes between 400-600 minutes to complete. This is about 6-8 weeks
if your students come into the lab twice a week. However, if your students
come into the computer lab every day a project can be completed in about 2-3 weeks.
back
Question: How
many projects can I teach in one year or semester?
You can complete between three and five projects per school year at the elementary school level. However, a
high school student who typically attends classes every day would be able to
complete the same number per semester.
back
Question: Does
the curriculum integrate into other subject areas?
Yes, the curriculum integrates into other subject areas. The curriculum promotes skills in language
arts, science, geography, history, mathematics, art, and social studies.
The theme-based approach to learning enables teachers to easily select a
project that fits into their existing units. For example, TechnoCity integrates into
a unit on community, TechnoQuest integrates into a unit on Medieval
Times, TechnoTravel integrates into a geography unit on a particular country or
region, and TechnoVenture is suitable for a business or entrepreneurial course.
back
Question: Is
the curriculum correlated to NETS?
Yes. To view the correlation documents click on an option below:
-
Primary Projects: Grades K-2
-
Junior Projects: Grades 3-5
-
Intermediate Projects: Grades 6-8
-
Senior Projects: Grades 9-12
back
Question: Is
the curriculum field-tested?
Yes, the curriculum is field-tested. The TechnoKids curriculum development team works directly
with local schools in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Teachers at these schools test
each project. Our unique relationship with local schools offers the
TechnoKids curriculum development team valuable feedback. This ensures our curriculum
has clear instructions, has a relevant theme, is interesting to students, and
is developmentally appropriate.
back
Question: Can
I view a sample of an entire project?
Yes. Complete the form to gain access to our secure downloads area. This will allow you to print out
an entire project for each curriculum category. The samples offer an example of
the structure of the teacher guide and content of the student workbooks.
Often we hear the comment, "You only put your best projects on the downloads area. They are
probably not all like this". This is not the case. However, we are happy to
prove it! Simply complete the contact
form and in the comments area request to see a particular guide.
back
About Hardware and Software
Question: Can
I use the projects with a Mac-based system?
Our product is Windows-based.
Although our curriculum can be used on a Mac-based system this is not
without complications. We find that the TechnoKids Computer Curriculum does not
view properly on a Macintosh as the filenames are too long. For example a folder would read as Tech~004 instead of TechnoReporter. However, once the teacher
guides and student workbooks are printed the instructions for completing
each assignment are similar between the Windows and Macintosh versions of
Microsoft Office.
We do have schools using our materials that have Macintosh computers. However, they printed the
teacher guides and student workbooks using a Windows-based PC. Moreover, their staff
has needed to make some adjustments to the assignments.
If your school has Macintosh computers you need to consider the confidence level and technical knowledge
of your staff. Our product is not suitable if your teachers lack confidence
when using technology and possess only basic computing skills. This is because
they will be unable to easily make modifications and could become frustrated
or discouraged. Only a knowledgeable, confident, computer user would
feel comfortable using our product on a Macintosh.
back
Question: Do I
need a computer lab?
No, you do not need a computer lab. Our curriculum can be used to teach children in a computer lab setting, computer pod(2-4 computers), or on a stand alone computer. The student workbooks
allow children to work independently to complete a project.
back
Question: Do
I need the Internet?
Yes, you initially need the Internet to
download the projects and access the student workbooks and
teacher guides.
All of the projects that use the Internet have files web archived so that
it simulates the process of using Internet Explorer without being connected to
the World Wide Web. Moreover, those assignments that use the Internet to
gain information or pictures can be modified to include the use of
interactive encyclopedias, books, or a scanner.
back
Question: Do
I need a lot of high-tech equipment?
No, you do not need high-tech hardware. All you need is a computer that has at least a 166 Mhz processor with32 Mb of RAM.
back
Question: What
software do I need?
The only software that you require is the Microsoft Office suite of applications, however five of our
Primary projects use Kid Pix Deluxe 3.0. This software is available from
www.broderbund.com at educational pricing.
back
Question: What
if I don't have all the software?
No problem, just teach the project guides that use the software already on your computers. Most projects use
only the basic Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Paint,
and Internet Explorer.
back
Question: What
version of Office do I need?
Our projects are written for Office 97, Office 2000, and Office XP.
back
About Curriculum Implementation
Question: What
knowledge do teachers require to use the curriculum?
Teachers do not need to be a computer whizzes. Each of our projects have detailed point and
click instructions, pictures, and samples so that teachers can effectively
integrate ICT into their lessons.
back
Question: What
type of training is available?
Depending on your location, training is available for teachers. However, you need to contact TECHNOKids
Head Office to locate a TECHNOKids Associate in your area.
back
Question: How
do I print the teacher guides and student workbooks?
The teacher guides and student workbooks are
available for download on the Internet. They are in PDF format. This means you need
Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the files. A version of this software is
also available on
the page where you download the student workbooks and
teacher guides. Install this software and you will be able to view the teacher guides
and student workbooks.
You can print them out
on your local printer. It is more economical and faster if
you set your printer to draft mode and print in grayscale
or black and white.
The project guides are created to be printed on double-sided paper. For more information about the number of
pages in each teacher guide and student workbook refer to the document Printing
Information . Please note the amount of pages outlined in the
Printing Information documents refers to the amount of single sided pages. Therefore,
if the document is printed double sided only half the stated amount of sheets
of paper is required.
back
Question: How
do I select a project to teach?
There are several ways to select a
project. TECHNO Explorers offers a project
matrix which is a document that recommends a grade level for each
project. Teachers can use this document as a guide when selecting a project to
teach. Another way to make a decision is to consider which projects will integrate
into curriculum units you have already planned based on the project theme.
Still another option is to select a project based on your students interests.
back
Question: In what
order do I teach the projects?
There are several ways to sequence the projects. TECHNOKids offers a project
matrix which is a document that recommends a sequence for teaching
each project. Teachers can use this document as a guide when selecting a project
to teach. Another way to make a decision is to consider which projects
will integrate into curriculum units you have already planned based on the
project theme. Still another option is to select a project based on your
students interests.
back
Question: What
do I do if I need help?
If you have any questions about our curriculum contact us. Our support staff will provide you with
the assistance you need right away.
-
Email Support: Complete Online Form
-
Toll Free Support: 1.800.221.7921 (North America only)
-
Telephone Support: 1.905.829.4171
back
About Ordering TECHNOKids Computer Curriculum
Question: What
do I receive when I order a TECHNOKids
Computer Curriculum Site License?
When you order a TECHNOKids Computer Curriculum Site License you receive
a Username and Password which allows you to access the
download area. The download area contains links to
the Curriculum Site License Agreement, Product
Overview, Adobe Reader, Net Nanny Internet Filter, Kids
Pix Deluxe 3.0, Teacher Resource Folders, Student
Workbooks and Teacher Guides.
The product overview contains information about the curriculum including suggestions about getting started
and a detailed outline of each project.
Each curriculum category (primary, junior, intermediate, senior, camp, and teacher) are on a separate
download page.
Each download page contains project folders. Inside each folder are the teacher guides, student workbooks, and resource
files needed to teach the project.
In addition the download page also contains the product overview.
Moreover, a version of Adobe Acrobat Reader is also on the
download page.
back
Question: How
do I order a TECHNOKids Computer Curriculum Site License?
You may order from the Place Your Order page or from the
order links located at the bottom of each curriculum page
that describes each level of curriculum.
back
Question: Am
I charged shipping and handling?
No. Resource folders, student workbooks
and teacher guides are delivered digitally.
back
Question: How
long does it take to process my order?
Expect delivery within about two to four
hours. Your Username and Password are emailed
after your order has been confirmed and processed.
back
Question: Do
you accept PO numbers?
Yes, we do accept PO numbers but payment must be
made within 30 calendar days. Since all
Curriculum materials are digitally downloaded you
must help facilitate the payment process by your
organization. Typically an organization's
Purchasing Dept. waits for an invoice and forwards a
copy to the school or unit that made the
order. This is done so the ordering entity can
sign indicating they have received the
materials. The confirmation is then returned
to the Purchasing Dept. who then requests that a
check be issued. This can often be a lengthy
process in which paperwork can and does get lost in
the shuffle. Your Username and Password are
provided when you submit the invoice giving you
instant access to the Curriculum. Failure by
your organization to effect payment within 30
calendar days may result in you being denied
access to the Curriculum. Please fax the PO number to
1.562.366.1771 or email to order@technoexplorers.info.
back
Question: What
major credit cards do you accept?
We accept MasterCard, VISA, and DISCOVER CARD.
We also accept payment through PayPal.
back
Question: What
are the prices for the curriculum site licenses?
To learn more about pricing and product
availability in your area click
here to go to the Order page.
back
Question: Is
there special pricing for multiple site licenses?
Yes, there is special pricing for multiple site
licenses. Email us at info@technoexplorers.info
and outline the number of schools and curriculum required for each location.
We will be happy to provide you with a price.
back
Question: What schools are
using TECHNOKids Computer Curriculum?
As of
TECHNOKids project-based computer curriculum is used by these outstanding schools, organizations, and individuals;
-
Inglewood Christian School
-
Casas Christian School
-
The Carver Academy
-
Open Bible Christian School
-
Airdrie Koinonia Christian School
-
Pacific Collegiate Charter School
-
The Unquowa School
-
Fremont County School District #21
-
Legacy Christian School
-
Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy - Armleder
-
Waimea Country School
-
Excel Commons
-
Whittier Christian Schools
-
Easterbrook Discovery School
-
Campbell Hall
-
Kingswood-Oxford School
-
Los Olivos School District
-
Learning for Life School
-
Morrilton Middle School
-
Granville T. Woods
-
Faith Lutheran School
*Student workbooks are available in Junior, Intermediate, and Senior only.
*Student workbooks availability varies according to region.
|
