Course Information
Contact: swoodward@rbusd.org (please try to avoid voice mail, email is preferred)This class is an introduction to most of these topics:
Keyboarding |
Paint & Draw Graphics Computer Animation Spreadsheets Web page Creation with HTML Presentation Software Internet Research Outlining |
Grades:
Class wiki, projects, & notes
Each student is responsible for projects and documenting progress.
Students will be expected to produce meaningful goals and directions for successful learning.
Class Wiki - Students are responsible for recording their daily learning at their wiki site.
Their wiki will be used as their primary measure of learning. The progress of any project
worked on, should be recorded at the wiki.
Assignments will be graded as follows:
A completed on time with all or almost all of the criteria met
B has slight errors but is very good overall
C has multiple errors, a major flaw, or is late
D is only partially completed
F very poor or little effort
Each student is required to bring daily:
Notebook; see below
Pencil and pen
Planner book for writing assignments
Homework for this elective class is assigned only about once a month. For daily in-class assignments, see the SchoolNotes page.
Notebook: Notes are used frequently in this class since there is no textbook. Students
must learn to take good notes, keep them in the properly in their notebooks, and write the homework in
their planner books. All students are required to maintain a 3-ring notebook with the following items:
* A computer section marked with a tab specifically for this class only
* All handouts including assignments and completed projects
* Papers in order and on the rings; not in flaps or pockets
* Unused paper for assignments and notes
Students are to enter class quietly and begin by copying the agenda/notes quietly. NO TALKING.
Students are also expected to work quietly. If help is needed, one may quietly raise a hand. Student helpers may help quietly. Students who are talking or distracting will get two warnings and then a time-out on the third instance. If they continue to talk during time-out, or come back to their seats again and talk, they will receive up to 1/2 hour detention after school or possible referral to the administration if a detention has already been served. Good students will be rewarded with tickets for drawings, independent assignments, or leadership roles.
Assignments should be turned in on time. Assignments cannot be re-graded after deadlines. Students absent with legal readmits are responsible for finding out what they issued and turning in the make up work within three days of returning. Students who don't find out what they missed, could lose points.
Rules for helping:
* No touching another student's mouse or keyboard. We remember things better when we do it ourselves.
* Whisper or speak very quietly. If you distract others, you are not helping.
* Stay at your row unless given permission to help around the class. No walking around the class without permission.
With computers, it's very easy to copy assignments. This is cheating and any assignment copied will get a zero, and result in unsatisfactory citizenship or other disciplinary action.
Students are expected to be in class on time. On the third tardy of the semester, and every tardy after that, you will have 1/2 hour detention after school. The fourth tardy (and beyond) will earn a referral to the administration.
Students going to the restroom lose instructional time and distract others. Students should go to the restroom between classes. Any time there is an emergency, students may go, but are required to make-up the time after school. Students who miss the make-up time without prior arrangement, will do extra make-up time. On block days, students are allowed to use the restroom during class time, but not the first 1/2 hour or last 10 minutes. Students abusing this privilege will lose it. Students who must leave class on Mondays will be expected to make up the time after school.
Because computers are expensive, powerful tools, students need to use good judgment and act responsibly at all times. Some of the rules specific to computer lab are:
* Do not play with power buttons or controls.
* Unplugging any cables will take all students off the computers immediately
* No food or drinks in the lab
* Never change any of the settings on the computer or monitors
* Students will work only at their station; stay at your seat
* No "horseplay", running, etc.
* Don't tip the chairs
* Always ask before printing
* Be careful with all equipment
* Never move or change equipment
* Do not download any files from the Internet without permission
* No offensive or obscene material
* Keep hands clean
* Never tamper with any security
* The use of school computers is for school business only
* Leave your area clean; shut down, flip mouse, and push in chair before you go
All School Rules will apply; (see Adams Discipline Matrix & District Acceptable Use Policy)
Students should learn to use computers as a tool for learning. We will use computers to practice important aspects of learning such as research, organization, communication, and imagination.
Hint: Mistakes are an important part of learning with computers. We often learn by trial and error. Learn to protect yourself from serious errors by saving frequently and creating back-ups, but don't be afraid to try commands and explore menu items to find what you want. Get used to the help feature (usually F1 key), to learn new tricks.
Other Student Concerns
Nutrition
Make sure your child gets a good breakfast and lunch. Foods with a lot of fats and sugars slow kids down. Healthy kids do better! More information:
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM)
No Junk Food
Food Hygeine
Marketing Poor Nutrition
Thinking Outside the Lunchbox - series of articles
Internet Safety and Supervision
Don't put a computer (or television) in a child's bedroom. Always monitor your child's internet activity and teach them to protect themselves. Tell them never give away any personal information and report anything that makes them feel uncomfortable or may not seem right. More information:
Internet Safety from Yahooligans
PBS Internet driver's license
Basic Rules from Safe Kids
yWeb Wise Kids -Strategies for Internet Safety
Television
Monitor and minimize television watching. Dozens of studies show the adverse effects of too much television. More information:
TV and attention span
Behavior and learning
Negative behaviors
