ICT Programming

Why learn to program?

Programming skills are becoming ever more important, quickly turning into the core competency for all kinds of 21st Century workers. Learning to program is important because it develops critical thinking and problem solving abilities. It is a creative activity and provides us a mean to express abstract ideas. Thus programming is fun and is much more than a vocational skill. By designing programs, we learn many skills that are important for all professions. These skills can be summarized as:

Critical thinking
Creative synthesis
Problem Solving

Student Expectations

Be courteous and respectful during class time
Arrive to class on time, ready to work
Check the website at home if you miss a class
Take personal responsibility for your work and participation
Ask for help as many times as you need to find success
Be social, make friends, and work with a group to solve problems. Sharing is caring.
Make sure you have read and understood the school district's internet use policy

Computer Lab Rules

Course Description

This course is designed to introduce the basic concepts of object-oriented programming. ICT Programming will teach students to solve problems and strategize in an organized and productive way. Logic and problem solving skills will be

heavily relied upon to succeed. Students will use a number of programs and interfaces such as Dreamweaver, HTML, BlueJ, Scratch, Code Academy, and Greenfoot to support their learning.

Online Portfolio

Students will be creating online portfolios using Google Sites to showcase their classroom work and projects.

20% Time / Genius Hour

1. For the rest of the year, 20% of your time in my class will be spent working on something you want to work on.

2. It has to be some type of learning, and you have to document it using your portfolio.

3. You’ll present your accomplishments to the class twice (and will not be graded on it).

4. That’s it. Have fun. Find your passion. Explore it. Enjoy learning what you want.

See our 20% Time Resource Page

Course Units

1. Arrive to class on time. Important information is communicated during the first 5-10 minutes of each class. Arriving late will put you at a disadvantage and cause you to miss valuable material.

2. No eating or drinking in the computer lab except water

5. A quiet work environment is expected. I encourage you to help one another, but always respect other students’ right to work in peace (use “classroom voices”)

6. Use respectful language at all times

7. Use of online games, and non-class-related web sites is prohibited at all times. Any unauthorized use may result in account suspension, followed by further sanctions, up to and including suspension from school. Do not abuse your computer privileges. You have a limited time in these labs, make the most of it. Save recreational computer activities such as games and social media for outside of school.