Ms Watkins is a veteran teacher of 24 years. She began her career at Apex Middle School in 1992 where she taught for five years. She has spent the remaining part of her career at West Lake Middle School. Ms. Watkins has a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Business Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She is a National Board Certified Teacher in the area of Career and Technical Education. She is also a two time graduate of North Carolina State University with a Master's Degree in the area of Instructional Technology-Curriculum and Instruction and a Master's Degree in School Administration. In her spare time she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends.
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Welcome to Business, Finance, and Information Technology Education. Three Courses are offered at the Middle Grades Level that are listed below.
- Keyboarding, Word Processing, and Digital Literacy (6th and 7th Grades)
- Introduction to Office Productivity Level 1; Office Productivity Level 2 (7th and 8th Grades)
- Exploring Economics, Finance, and Leadership (8th Grade 2nd Semester)
- Supplies: Students will be provided with a folder that will be used to store hard copies of all work and handouts. They will need to bring writing utensils, agenda, and earbuds/headphones. Students are required to bring their agenda daily to class because they will be used as a hall pass. During the multimedia unit students may need a USB Storage Device to save large files.
Keyboarding, Word Processing and Digital LiteracyIn this course students learn how to "Touch-Type" , Basic Word Processing Skills, and Digital Literacy. Edutyping and Microsoft Word are the two major software applications used in this course.
During the tough typing Unit, students learn to type without looking at their hands using proper fingering. They learn to use the QWERTY Keyboard to type the alphabetic keys, number-symbol keys, and the numeric keypad. Emphasis is placed on speed and accuracy. By the end of the course students should be able to type at a rate of about 35 GWAM (Gross Words a Minute) using correct fingering without looking at their hands. Basic Word Processing Skills will include formatting and editing documents, creating business letters, creating tables, and paragraph formatting. In the Digital Literacy Unit, students will learn about computer basics, computer ethics and security, software applications, using email and the Internet, and using multimedia tools. Links are provided below to online resources used in Computer Skills and Applications.
Edutyping Quia Nitrotype Kahoot Padlet NewsEla Ignition ICEV kidblog.org/digital-literacy-5th-period kidblog.org/digital-literacy-6th-period kidblog.org/digital-literacy-7th-period kidblog.org/digital-literacy-8th-period Wcpss Student Email Let's Fight it Together (Digital Safety) Take a Stand Together How to Write a Business Letter FreeTypingGame.Net Keyboarding Tutorial DanceMatTyping Speed Typing Online Course Sites The Journey Inside How Computer Work Understanding Parts of the Computer |
Introduction to Office Productivity Level I and Level 2In this course students learn how to use Office Productivity Applications. The Microsoft Office Suite is the primary software application used in this course.
In the Office Productivity Unit students will learn to create and edit documents using word processing, spreadsheet, database, multimedia presentation, and desktop publishing software. Microsoft Word is used to teach students how to create and properly format research papers using MLA Format with citations. Microsoft Excel is used to teach students how to create and format spreadsheets using basic formulas and charting (pie, bar and line). Microsoft Access is used to teach students how to create and edit database using search and filter techniques. Microsoft publisher is used to teach students how to create documents using templates such as resumes, cover letters, greeting cards, and newsletters to name a few. Microsoft PowerPoint is the primary software program used to teach students how to create and format multimedia presentations that include movies, animations, transitions, graphics, and text. Emphasis is placed on students' physical presentation skills. Additional multimedia software may be used in this unit such as Windows MovieMaker, Weebly Web Design, Glogster, and others. Links are provided below to online resources used in Advanced Computer Skills and Applications.
Citation Machine Quia Kahoot Padlet NewsEla Wcpss Student Email Course Sites Weebly Web Design Glogster https://www.quia.com/profiles/cwhidbee |
Exploring Economics, Finance, and LeadershipIn this course students learn about Economic Systems, Business Procedures, Employment Requirements, and Leadership and Team-building.
During the Economic Systems Unit, students compare and contrast the traditional, free market, command, and mixed economic systems learning about different countries that practice each economic systems and the impact on business. Students participate in business simulations such as Stock Market Game as they learn economic concepts. The focus of the Business Procedures Unit is to allow students to understand how to apply etiquette and ethical practices and decisions in the workplace. Emphasis is placed on copyright laws, plagiarism, acceptable use policies, email privacy policies, and internet use policies as they relate to the work environment. In the Employment Unit students learn the skills required to seek, gain, and maintain employment. Students will learn the personal and technical skills required for employment. They will learn how to use resources such as classified ads, the Internet, career agencies, and networking to find a job. While creating employment documents and participating in employment simulations, students learn the purpose of a resume, cover letter, job application, interview, and thank you letter. In the Leadership and Team Building Unit, students learn the characteristics that make a good leader and team player in the workplace. As part of this unit, students will will research business leaders and participate in team building activities. Links are provided below to online resources used in Exploring Economics, Finance and Leadership.
Stock Market Game Quia Kahoot Padlet NewsEla Wcpss Student Email Citation Machine Resume Generator One Country Two Economic Systems Hey Get A Job The Worst Resume Ever What Makes a Good Employee Crafting Your Cover Letter School To Work Ethics in the Workplace Exploring Careers Using the Internet Course Sites |
Grading Policy
Students are graded on the following 10 Point Grading Policy. A 90-100 B 80-89 C 70-79 D 60-69 F 59 and below |
Grading Procedures
Students are graded according to the following categories. Projects and Tests 40 Percent Quizzes 30 Percent Classwork 30 Percent Homework: Homework is kept to a minimum. Homework is usually only given when classwork is incomplete. All and any homework will be calculated as classwork. |