Class overview
This syllabus gives an overall summary of the class, it is written for both families and students.
Hey there, whether this is your first, second--or third year in tech, experience is not required. We will explore different concepts, play with new ideas and learn from each other. Since technology changes at lightening speed, come prepared to be befuddled, ask questions, share ideas and move everyone's thinking forward. We have a lot to do this semeseter; bring your A-game! 💫🦾🏃🏽♀️
Check out the units we will work with together:
Through discussions about social media and cyberbullying, you will develop the digital literacy skills needed to thoughtfully navigate the online world.
You will learn to code your own programs, make exciting projects, and build your computational thinking skills. No experience? No worries! Here is where you'll explore and learn. 💻🖱️
You will sharpen your ability to follow instructions while using block-based coding to rework and create apps that can be played on a tablet or a smart phone.
Choosing a topic of interest, you will learn how to create a podcast.
Students will experience a variety of real-world AI applications and be made aware of the ever-increasing range of AI-related careers. As well as considering the social and ethical implications of AI developments, theywill have the opportunityexplore machine learning models and the engines that make them work.
Use what you learned about coding to get your robot moving, then create an obstacle course and race the other teams. 🏎️🏎️
⭐Expectations: Be curious, respect yourself and others, give your best effort in everything we do, participate in class discussions and activities, and have fun!
⭐Participation can look different for everyone! There are many ways to be part of the learning!
⭐Materials Needed: A positive attitude, charged Chromebook, and writing utensils.
Screen Time in Technology
Reading these abbreviated unit descriptions might give you the impression that students spend the entire class period on a device. This is far from the truth! While their Chromebooks are an integral part of creating and learning, students spend time communicating and collaborating with their peers--and that doesn't involve electronics. Hands-on problem solving, presenting ideas, and asking questions are paramount in this class. 🗣️👂🏼🎤👐🏼👀
Room 107 is a Safe Space where you are
Welcome
Valued
Heard
Accepted
Your student will bring home a handout of classroom agreements. Please discuss and sign for participation credit.
We learn best when we:
1) Create an inclusive environment
2) Use positive language
3) Work together, solve problems, and ask questions
4) Follow community agreements as stated in our Student Handbook, linked below:
Families: I use Google Classroom to communicate feedback on daily work/practice and digital assessments. This is where you can get a sense of your student's participation. Skyward/Qmlativ is a static reporting system updated weekly and provides a grade mark at the time you are viewing your student's progress.
As part of our commitment to ethical and responsible use of technology, our class follows the Cashmere School District Technology & AI User Agreement. Students are expected to adhere to district expectations when using AI tools.
Before using AI assistance, make sure to check with me about the AI use level for your assignment. If it's not clearly marked as AI Permitted (🔸), please ask me first, as some assignments may be AI Restricted (⛔). ⚠️ If AI use is not clearly indicated for an assignment, assume it is restricted and ask before using any AI tools.
Your overall grade, posted on Skyward/Qmlativ:
85% of your grade is based on Standards-based assessments
15% of your grade is based on daily work and practice
You will also receive a Behavior grade. These are referred to as Employability Skills. While your student may not be job hunting today, it's never too early to learn and practice these life skills. The grade mark appears as: E-expectional, S-satisfactory, or U- unsatisfactory. Behavior grades are not factored into your overall grade.
Standard Reporting Guide, posted in Google Classroom as 4-1:
A-4- DIS Distinguished: work exceeds grade level standard
B-3-PRO Proficient: work meets grade level standard
C-2-APP Approaching: work needs assistance to meet grade level standard
D-1-BEG Beginning: work is below grade level standard
NE- No evidence: work was not submitted or not attempted
Late or Missing Work Policy: All assignments have due dates which can be extended when necessary. If you are absent, make arrangements to complete missed assignments. I encourage you to speak with me about your work and how you can best show me what you know! This is known as advocating for yourself. 💪🏼
About me
I've had the privilege of being an educator for numerous years, with this current chapter marking my 6th year here at CMS. The warmth of this community has been truly heartening, and I find immense joy in the task of facilitating the different ways in which students grasp new concepts. ¡También puedo comunicarme en Español!
If you have any questions, please contact me either on Home Room Connect (ClassTag), by email at cbenita@cashmere.wednet.edu, or call at 509-782-2001.