Course Syllabus

Welcome to the 2023-24 academic year! I am excited to have your child in my class and I am committed to working with their individual needs and learning styles. At St. Thomas More, the campus thrives on respecting our learner’s personalities and abilities by creating an open, positive and comfortable learning environment. I am dedicated to helping students succeed in class. 

CLASS DESCRIPTION

Middle school computer classes are designed to provide students with an exceptional foundation for living and working in the information age. Our emphasis this year will be on learning basic computer skills (Keyboarding), problem solving and comprehending how to read and follow directions.

TEACHING/LEARNING OBJECTIVE

The students will learn how to log into and off of the network using their user name and password. They will also learn basic computer/IT vocabulary. Keyboarding techniques will be taught so that students learn the correct fingerings while their eyes are on the written material. Software programs will be introduced for mastery and include: MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Publisher, Photo and Video Editor Software, One Hour of Code, Scratch, and Google Suite. Students will be excited to learn how to use the web browser to navigate the World Wide Web. Interactive discussions will be lead on how to find specific information using various search methods. Also, students will learn how to send, receive and use attachments for emails.

This year students will learn and comprehend the ethical, cultural and social issues related to technology. We will practice responsible use of technology systems, information and software. We will discuss State Senate Bill 179 - "David's Law" and how the law relates to Cyberbullying. Our goal is to teach students how to be good digital citizens. Students will use appropriate technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources. Students will use appropriate technology tools to process data and report results. Students publish, interact and communicate information and ideas to multiple audiences.

 COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Completing assignments in a timely manner by the end of the grading period. Completing assignments to the best of one's ability. Saving and locating files in the student's individual drive on the computer server.

GRADING:

Grading is by an accumulation of points. Grades are earned by the student, not given by the teacher. The following grading scale will be applied:

Grades K - 8th

A= 93 - 100

B= 86 - 92

C= 78 - 85

D= 70 -77

F= 69 and below

It is the student's responsibility to finish the work, even if absent. Please visit my classes on RenWeb.com to check your child's grades.

KEYS TO SUCCESS IN THE COMPUTER CLASSROOM

1. Attend class regularly

2. Come to class with a positive attitude and use class time productively and wisely

3. Approach learning with a respectful and resourceful attitude, and be open-minded 

4. Be responsible for your actions and the choices you make

SCHOOL POLICIES and CLASSROOM POLICIES

A student is expected to follow all school rules and policies as found in the Student Handbook. Likewise, a student is expected to follow specific computer classroom rules. Students who have difficulty following established rules will have consequences for their actions. It is the student's responsibility to know policies and rules. The ladder I follow will be to give a warning, asking the student to correct his/her behavior. If necessary I will give a second warning. The third infraction will result in a call home. Depending on the severity of the infraction, an immediate referral may also be given.

In order to achieve that success, it is important that we develop a positive working relationship and maintain open lines of communication. Please refer to RenWeb or Google Classroom for updated assignments. As always,  do not hesitate to contact me if you should have any questions. 

I sincerely hope to see you at the Open House and at Parent Conferences.