The eighth grade technology curriculum prepares students for their future not by teaching widgets and programs— though that happens— but by showing them how to be life-long learners. How do they decide what program works best for what inquiry? How do they acquire the use of tools they have never before seen? How do they self-assess their knowledge, insuring they acquired what they need?
Curriculum Guide:
Quarter 1
a. Projects:
1. Smore Flyer
2. Digital Life Simile
3. Powtoon
2. Blogging (Blogger)
a. Maintain throughout the year (quarterly grade)
3. Digital Bookmarking (Symbaloo)
a. Maintain throughout the year (quarterly grade)
4. Digital Portfolio
5. Video Projects introduced
Quarter 2
a. Movie Basics
1. Windows Movie Maker (Adobe Premier for Production group)
b. Interviewing
c. Marketing
2. Hour of Code
a. Code.org
Quarter 3
Quarter 4
Classroom Guidelines and Expectations
1. Be here. You need to be in your assigned seat when the bell rings or you will be counted tardy. Each day you should immediately login to the computer using your own login information and check for your work on google classroom.
2. Be responsible. Bring everything you’ll need, such as paper, a pen, and passwords!. All assignments and projects are collected at the beginning of class on the due date. Late homework will not receive credit. Major projects, will be accepted for half-credit within 24 hours of the due date. After that, no credit will be given. You are responsible for getting any missed notes or assignments that were given during an absence. Check the google classroom! If I am absent Check the google classroom for your daily work! Obviously, things that can be completed during your absence are expected on the day you return. If work was given that you didn’t have access to, you’ll be given up to three days to complete the work. If you suffer an extended illness, contact me to discuss a schedule for you to turn in your work.
3. Be respectful. You are expected to be courteous and respectful to all students, teachers, and guests. There will be no swearing, name calling, or snide comments. Also, use of technology at inappropriate times is rude and, per school policy, devices that are ill-used will be taken from you and returned as per district policy. Remember, you control your technology; it shouldn’t control you.
4. Be awesome. Think for yourself. If you merely parrot back to me things I already said in class, you are not being you. If, however, you are willing to think deeply, take risks, and work together, then you’ll love this class.