Technology Syllabus

Description: This course is an introduction to basic computer skills. Students will gain familiarity with the history, social implications, and terminology of computing. Students will be able to identify hardware components, peripherals, and compare purchasing and building options for personal computers. Students will learn to use word processing, data management, presentation, and operating system software. Students will also learn basic web development coding and internet research skills.

Course Purpose: The pace at which our world is changing is exponential. Our world is becoming ever more digital everyday. If students are going to be viable content producers and consumers in the 21^st century, they are going to need access to the digital information network. A successful student should have the skills necessary to use a computer for communication and further education. A computer is simply a tool. The user is what makes it useful.

Assessments:

Extra Credit: Each unit has extra credit opportunities. Extra credit is not granted upon request. Students are expected to do required assignments and to meet deadlines to receive course credit.

Policies:

Grades: Progress reports are sent home every 5 weeks. Please expect them and contact the school if you do not receive a grade report. Student grades and reports are available by request as well. Grades are issued at the end of each unit. Copies of all assignments and homework are available online as well.

Availability: Meetings, tutoring, and lab hours are Mon-Fri 3:00pm-4:30pm and during lunch by appointment.

Food Policy: Lab facilities must be kept free of debris that can harm technological resources. No food, drink, or gum is allowed in class. Violation of this rule will result in documentation and discipline according to the consequence list above.

Materials: Student must come to class with required materials daily. Repeatedly coming to class without materials will result in documentation and discipline according to the consequence list above.

Computer Usage: Our classroom is gifted with valuable technological resources that must be used responsibly. Any inappropriate use of classroom computers will result in documentation and discipline according to the consequence list above.

Tardies/Absences: It is vital that students arrive on time and attend class regularly to succeed in this class. Tardies will result in detention. Unexcused absences will result in loss of credit.

Homework: Students are expected to complete assigned readings before coming to class. Each unit has required readings from the textbook as well as independent reading projects. Students should be supervised by parents to ensure completion. Weekly reading logs will require parent signatures.

Late work: All work is due at the end of the unit. Each unit has a deadline that must be met. If absences are foreseen, special arrangements for deadline-extension or testing retakes must be made in advance of deadlines. Be advised that all assignments, notes, and lectures are available online. Students should consult the website for missed assignments during absences.

Credit Recovery: In the event that students fail a unit, students may seek credit recovery by attending office hours weekly to receive supplemental instruction. Credit recovery is available only until the end of the following unit. Office hour attendance is mandatory for credit recovery. Absences will result in loss of credit recovery privileges. Credit recovery is a last resort, remember to keep up with assigned work and to ask for help.