Did You Know These Tech Tips?

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”.