Tech Literacy Expectations

The Tech Literacy course is designed to allow and encourage students to achieve high level competencies at all grade levels.  They are encouraged to take their technology learning as far as they need to and are capable of.  We are striving to build a foundation for technical knowledge and skills that will be expanded as students carry their knowledge with them to the next grade. Students are expected to ACTIVELY participate in their own learning. They are also expected to ACTIVELY work at building their knowledge and skills.

One of the key requirements of the is that ALL work on the assignments BE THEIR OWN, not something they download from the Internet. All graphics must be created by the student, such as link buttons, name banners, and graphic works of art. Also, photos must be taken by the student, except for photos of the student and previous photos of their family, etc., which should be scanned in. In some cases students can scan material related to their topics where taking phots is not possible or practicle.

Course Requirements and Evaluation:

Methods of Evaluation:
Students are evaluated by the following methods, weighted as follows:

Class Rules
Students are expected to follow all the rules and regulations stated in the school handbook and are especially expected to abide by the
Snowden Community Rules of Conduct
As a Snowden Student I am bound by the following Community Rules of Conduct.

1. I will treat others with the respect with which I would like to be treated.
2. I will arrive to school and all classes on time and be prepared.
3. I will not disrupt or adversely affect another person's learning.
4. I will not wear a head covering or display food, beverage, headphones, cell phones, or any other electronic devices.
5. I will not use profane, obscene, derogatory language or violate another person's personal space.
6. I will take responsibility and play an active role in my own education.

Course Description

A major emphasis for the Tech Literacy course is to combine the learning of technology skills with assignments that have meaning, relevance, and purpose and provide a basis for creating real and meaningful content. The course is designed to closely integrate technology, literacy, and the arts - fine art, theatre, music, and dance. Project based technology education provides for exposure to many technology skills and does it through meaningful engagement that integrates subject knowledge with technical knowledge.   Through projects, students will be exposed to a a wide variety of technology skills that are needed to become proficient and advanced.

How the Course is Organized and Structured

The Daily Assignment - DO NOW is on the Class website:
http://www.robertlamothe.net/rlamothe

When students arrive at class they are expected to go to the class website, read the assignment-Do Now for the day, and begin working on it. Other important information and links to step by step instructions are also listed there. At the top of the right hand column is a link to all previous daily assignments - Do Nows. This provides students with the ability to go back and see what previous assignments were and to review what work they have not completed yet.

Students will be expected to create a CDRom Portfolio and several projects that will be contained in that CDRom Portfolio. Work that they create in other classes will also be expected to be contained in their portfolio.

List of Projects/Assignments

1. CD Rom Portfolio - INCLUDES ALL ASSIGNMENTS LISTED BELOW
2. Autobiography
3. Children's Story using Power Point and Inspiration
4. Resume
5. Excel Spread Sheet Assignment
6. MS Access Database Assignment
7. 2 Poems
8. Writing Project - Writing a Play-Scene Study
9. All About Someone Important Power Point Slide Show
10. Writing and Research Assignment - Internet Research Techniques - Report on an important and/or famous person
11. Video Introduction with statement of dreams and goals that includes an MS Word document that will be used as a teleprompter when being filmed.
12. Classroom Oral Presentation of Portfolio and Power Point Slide Show about Someone Important

Additional Advanced Projects Available for Students

• Filming and use of professional film equipment
• Video Editing and Creating a Short Documentary Movie
• PSA - Public Service Announcement to be filmed
• Animation using advanced animation applications
• Web Page Creation and Use of HTML applications
• Advanced Graphic Techniques using Adobe Photoshop and other graphic applications.

Course Objectives

STUDENTS WILL:

1. Learn advanced technology skills needed to succeed in high school, college, and in the working world
2. Integrate Technology, Literacy, and the Arts when working on projects and assignments
3. Be Excited, Motivated, and Challenged when learning about Technology
4. Be Engaged in Project Based, Experiential based, Inquiry based, and Service Based learning that recognizes and celebrates multiple intelligences

Projects and Assignments - Scope and Sequence

I. Computer Components and Desktop

• Desktop Components
• Start Menu
• Icons and Shortcuts
• Starting Applications
• Web Browsers

II. Learning About Directory Structure

• Hard Drive Structure
• Parent - Child Concept for Directories

III. Creating and Formating Word Processing Documents

• Creating a MS Word Doc
• Learning the Fundamental Formatting Techniques
• Writing a Play
  • Using Inspiration to Organize the Play and Brainstorm Ideas for the Play.
  • Using MS Word to Write the Play
  • Learning About Play Structure
  • How to Set Up the Structure of the Play
  • Learning Structure Techniques using MS Word
  • Enhancing Literacy Skills - Writing and Organizational Skills
  • Presentation, Projection, and Performing Skills
  • Building Confidence

IV. Creating and Formating Presentation Slide Shows

• Creating Power Point Presentations - How to use the many tools.
  • Creating an "All About Me" presentation.
  • Organization and Content of Presentation - What Makes a Good Show?
  • Using Advanced Features to Enhance the Show
  • Presentation of Individual Shows

V. Understanding and Creating Spread Sheets

• General Discussion of Spreadsheets
• Uses for Spreadsheets
• Numbers, Statistics
• Creating Spreadsheets
• Gathering Data
• Categorizing and Imputing Data
• Creating their own Spreadsheet
• Sorting and Filtering Information
• Looking at Spreadsheets to Find Answers
• Analyzing Data, Data Trends
• Advanced analysis and Interpretation of Data
• Creating Graphs From Spreadsheets

VI. Using Databases

• Understanding the Concept of a relational database
• Understanding Database Terminology
• Understanding the Parts of a Database
• Defining parts of a database - fields - records,etc.
• Saving and exporting

VII. Using the Internet for Research and Reports

• Enclyopedias on Line
• Libraries on Line
• Search Engines - Where to Find and How to Use
• Advanced Searching Techniques
• Uses for Research
• Research Project - Collaboration with other Classes