Tag Archives: technology

Do we really need to teach keyboarding in elementary schools?

We’re finding that our current version of Type to Learn is not functioning properly because it’s not fully compatible with Windows 7. Type to Learn has been used for many years, predominately in grades 3 thru 6 for keyboard instruction. Now that the problem has arisen, here are some of the options/recommendations that we’ve received from staff…

Option #1) Just buy the new Windows 7 version of Type of Learn, install it, and let’s move on!

Option #2) Seriously, do we really need to teach keyboarding anymore? It’s not necessary, let’s stop.

Option #3) Yes, we need to teach keyboarding, but we don’t need to buy any software… just use the many free on-line options like Dance Mat Typing.

Option #4) Get a small group of teachers together (perhaps 3rd and 4th grade since it affects them most) and review our options before deciding. Holding this review would allow us to review what the expectations are for each grade level.

Our district curriculum directors have discussed the topic and we are going to proceed with option #4 – to put together a team of teachers to review our options. If you’d like to join this team… please contact Jackie Neuberger, neubergerj@wdmcs.org

4 cool things you can do with our library app – Destiny Quest!

West Des Moines Schools recently launched the ability to utilize the Destiny Quest app (for iOS and Android) to access our school libraries.   Although parents can’t actually “log into” the library system (since they don’t have library accounts), there are 4 really cool things that parents and students can do with the Destiny Quest app to help encourage reading! 

#1) Check out the top 10 most checked out books from your child’s school library!
If you’re not up to date on the latest children or teen literature, log into to see the most frequently checked out books.  This is a great way to find out what other kids are reading and talking about.

2) What’s new…
See a list of the latest books that have been added to the library!

3) Resource Lists…
Ever wonder what books are used for Lang & Lit class?  Destiny Quest app provides you with access to resource lists for specific courses and grade levels.

4) Last, but not least… Search
Using the search option at top, you can search through the library collection to find out if there’s a certain title/resource available!

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How to setup Destiny Quest
Checkout the YouTube video to see how to download the app >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZlXmRy46sw   After it’s installed…

1. Download the app

2. Add    library.wdmcs.org   for the library web address.

3. Select your school

4. Click on TRY DESTINY QUEST