Overview

Welcome to your first ICT 8 class! This course is all about developing essential digital skills that will help you succeed in school and beyond. Today, we’ll go over how the course works, get you connected on Teams, and start building typing speed.

  • Review class expectations, the course outline, and our three classroom norms
  • Write your first professional email to your teacher
  • Join our ICT 8 Teams class and start your first TypingClub activity

1) Class Expectations, Course Outline & Digital Citizenship

Key Points Overview

  • Be Respectful — to classmates, online and in person
  • Be Safe — protect your info; ask for help if something feels wrong
  • Be Responsible — look after devices, manage your time, name your files correctly

📄 Course Outline (PDF)
Your reference for the whole course — bookmark it and check back throughout the year.

2) Write Your First Professional Email

Write a short, polite email to your teacher. This is your first practice in digital communication and helps you make a strong first impression.

Checklist

  • Send to: mahoy@sd44.ca
  • Subject line: ICT 8 – First Email
  • Greeting (Hi Ms. Ahoy,)
  • 5-8 sentences introducing yourself (interests, pronouns, favourite hobby)
  • Share one goal for this course
  • Closing + your full name

Example

Subject: ICT 8 – First Email

Hi Ms. Ahoy,

I'm <Your Name> and my pronouns are <pronouns>.
One of my interests is <interest>.
One goal I have for this course is <goal>.

Regards,
<Your Name>

3) Join MS Teams

Objective: Connect with your classmates and teacher using Microsoft Teams.

  1. From your email - click on the waffle and open Microsoft Teams.
  2. Click on the "Teams" tab on the left side of the screen.
  3. Go to the class team for ICT 8
  4. Find today's post read the instructions.

4) Start Typing Practice

Objective: Build speed and accuracy using TypingClub.

  1. Go to TypingClub.
  2. Sign in using your school email; first name and last initial; and don't forget your password!
  3. Start with the placement test.
  4. Start typing for the rest of the class.
  5. You will start with typing at the beginning of each class.

Tip: Use correct finger placement — accuracy first, then speed!

Heads up: starting next class, typing becomes a quick 5–10 minute warm-up at the start of every class in this unit — not a one-time thing.

Early Finisher? Try This

Optional Challenge: Fold an Origami Creation

Objective: Practice reading instructions carefully, following multi-step directions, and learning independently using online resources.

Choose an origami design to create. A paper crane is recommended, but you may choose another origami shape if you would like an extra challenge.

Why try this?

  • Learn to read and follow directions carefully
  • Practice problem-solving when instructions are unclear
  • Compare different learning styles (video, diagrams, written instructions)
  • Build patience and attention to detail

Your Task

  1. Find an online resource (video, diagrams, or written instructions).
  2. Fold your origami creation independently or with a partner.
  3. If you get stuck, try a second resource before asking for help.
  4. Hand in your completed creation to your teacher.

Suggested challenge: Start with an origami crane 🪽

Checklist - What you should have done today...

  1. Expectations: Reviewed class expectations and the course outline; talked through our Be Respectful / Be Safe / Be Responsible norms.
  2. Email: Sent your professional first email to your teacher.
  3. Teams: Joined the ICT 8 Teams class and read today's post.
  4. Typing: Completed the first TypingClub placement test and lesson.