MIDDLE SCHOOL COMPUTING

About the Instructor
Betsy Janis teaches the computer classes for Red Cloud Elementary, grades 1-8. Betsy was born and raised in New Mexico, and came to Pine Ridge in 1974. She is married to Arlen Janis, and they have 3 children and 4 grandchildren. Betsy attended college at Oglala Lakota College, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She taught 3rd grade for 9 years prior to becoming a computer teacher. Her father sparked her interest in computers, and has inspired her over the last 6 years.

Curriculum

• In grades 5-8 the students work with their applications as employees of fictional organizations to give meaning to their work.
• The 5th graders have just completed a unit using the HyperStudio program, and will soon learn word processing.
• The 6th graders are also working with word processing.
• The 7th graders learned about spreadsheets and chart-making.
• The 8th graders are working with publishing software to assist them in creating and producing their own invitations for graduation.