Media (Multi-media Communications)

Media is a continuation of Computer Applications with a focus on applications used for multimedia production. In Media students will learn the skills and techniques involved in producing different genres of videos. Students will work with WeVideo, Canva, Garageband, and other applications used to produce videos. Students will also focus on utilizing applications involved in the video production workflow, including file storage and organization solutions, and team collaboration tools. One of our major projects is the daily student announcements. Finally, the class will focus on the social aspects of promoting the practices and values (Responsible, On Task, Accountable, and Respectful) that make Arden Middle School a great place!

Materials

Students are expected to be prepared for class every day. Being prepared consists of a positive mental attitude and bringing all required materials. Students should bring a pair of earbuds to class every day. All assignments and materials will be posted and available through our Google Classroom.

Grades

Academic

Students will be completing group projects, individual projects and taking basic proficiency quizzes. Students who do not complete their projects demonstrating the required proficiency may receive an Incomplete (I). It is the student’s responsibility to improve scores by completing tasks demonstrating the necessary proficiency. If the student receives an I, they should make an appointment (within 2 weeks of receiving the incomplete mark) with me to review the material and schedule a reassessment. Students can make up incomplete marks until the end of the grading period. Incomplete grades will become an “F” and can not be changed at the end of the final grading period.

All summative assessment grades are recorded in Q, our student information system, and can be checked by parents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with your Parent Portal pin and password.

The grading scale is as follows:

4.0 (Mastery): The student demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the material by completing advanced applications of the material. Students at this level can make connections about materials that are not explicitly “taught” in the class.

3.0 (Proficient): The student has mastered the complex, targeted knowledge and skills for the class. Students at this level have a sound understanding of the material as taught in the class but have not necessarily made inter-content specific connections.

2.0 (Basic): The student understands the foundational material that supports the targeted learning, but is still working to master the complex material for the class. Students can recall facts and perhaps solve basic problems by replicating solutions seen in their notes.

1.0 (Incomplete or Below Basic): The student is able to demonstrate an understanding of the foundational material for the class with help from the teacher, but still struggles when working independently.

Our student grade reporting system (Q) is limited in its ability to assign some grades. Specifically, students will receive LETTER grades on progress reports and report cards instead of the 4, 3, 2, 1 system used to grade assignments. The letter grades reflect that an A is MASTERY and indicates knowledge and skills beyond what has been taught. B’s indicate proficiency of the content and skills taught. C’s indicate that several learning targets have not been met, and an I indicates that the student has not demonstrated basic competency.

Citizenship

Students will receive an O (Outstanding), S (Satisfactory), NI (Needs Improvement) or U (Unsatisfactory) grade that reflects their attitude and actions in class. Descriptors of the grades can be found on the school-wide citizenship rubric that is posted on our school website and in each student planner. Copies can also be obtained by request.

Effort

Students will receive a 4, 3, 2 or 1 grade that reflects their effort in class and in preparing for assignments. Descriptors of the grades can be found on the school-wide effort rubric that is posted on our school website and in each student planner. Copies can also be obtained by request.

Communication

I encourage open and honest communication to resolve any potential issues that arise from misunderstanding. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email at mrowland@sanjuan.edu I try to answer all emails within 24 hours.

All student work and assignments are posted and completed through our digital classroom, Google Classroom. To view student work or access course resources visit the San Juan Portal and use your student login credentials.