Mr. Steenstra’s Computer Class
Course Description:
The goal of the Basic Computer Skills course is to teach students how to use personal computers, the Internet and other new technologies for academic, future career and life purposes for the furtherance of God’s kingdom; and to give students an understanding of these technologies as part of God’s creation.
Summary of Objectives:
Knowledge of how computers and the Internet can be used to further God’s kingdom, how they could be used for evil purposes, and how to take caution
Working knowledge of the Internet including how to access and search it, and how to evaluate information found using it
Knowledge of the history of computers and the Internet
Understanding of how computers operate and the technology utilized
Ability to use a spreadsheet to capture and analyze information
Ability to create dynamic presentations using computer presentation software
Ability to use a word processor to create letters, reports and newsletters
Ability to use the Internet, word processors, presentation software and spreadsheets together and exchange data between them
Course Outline:
The Internet and the Social Implications of Computers
Computer Basics
Spreadsheets with Excel
Presentations with PowerPoint
Word Processing with Word
File Types and Compatibility
Projects:
Stock Market Analysis I, II and III (using the Internet, Word and Excel)
Christian Issue Presentation (using PowerPoint)
Newsletter (using Word)
Movie Maker
Rules for Behavior (posted in classroom)
Computer Lab Rules
Computer Usage Rules
Assignments and Tests
Students are responsible for getting and keeping track of their assignments.
If a student needs help with an assignment they should let me know and I will make arrangements to help them during or after school.
Quia quizzes must be taken using the Internet. They are open book/open notes, and students may take them as many times as they want. I will keep the highest score.
Assignments are due before class begins on the date that they are due!
Mark answers carefully for Scantron tests (bring a good eraser or white-out). Points will not be added for poorly marked answers after the tests have been graded.
Grading
The Participation/Practice grade is mainly based on the completion of “Practices”. To complete a “Practice”, students need to follow the step-by-step instructions listed in the textbook or on a handout.
The Assignment/Quiz grade consists of computer exercises and Quia quizzes. The Quia quizzes must be taken over the Internet (see the links on this web site). A scoring rubric is usually provided for computer exercises.
Tests and projects have the highest weighting. They are typically weighted equally.
A maximum of 50 points of extra credit can be completed per quarter. Earning all 50 points would result in the quarter grade being increased by 10%. See the "Computer Skills Extra Credit" document located on the Files page of this website for details.
The extra credit grade is based on points, and it can only help a students grade. Sometimes the CrusaderConnection might list a low grade for extra credit since it calculates the grade based on points completed divided by total points. Please ignore any letter grades listed for extra credit.
I will update assignments and grades on the CrusaderConnection weekly, at a minimum.
Special Scores: Typically numeric scores are entered into the gradebook for participation, assignments and test. However, there are a few letter designations that might also be entered. Here's the key for those:
LAG = 60%: Lowest Assignment Grade. If an assignment is complete on-time, the lowest possible score earned will be 60% (passing).
VL = 50%: Very Late. If an assignment is handed in after it has already been reviewed and returned to the rest of the class, a 50% will be awarded. If it is not handed in at all, a 0% will be awarded. Note that a VL is a MUCH better grade than a 0!
LTG = 50%: Lowest Test Grade. The lowest possible score earned on a test will be 50%.
CHE = 0%: Cheating. If a student is caught cheating, they will receive a zero.
Contact Information:
I will gladly provide my home and cell phone numbers upon request
In person: The best time to see me is right after school (~3PM)