Computer Awareness 9

 

Class Description

Computer Awareness is a one semester course that meets three times per week for freshmen high school students.

These are the topics we will be covering with the number of class periods spent on each topic. A brief description of each topic follows. For more details, contact the instructor.

  1. Introduction - Instruction on logging on to the network, finding the network folders, and stating the goals for the semester. 1 period

  2. Word Processing -Creating, saving, printing and retrieving files as well as other features useful for high school students to use for preparation of assignments. Those features include, but are not limited to, work with page formatting, margins, justification, line spacing, font sizes and types, tables, columns, outlining and spell checking. 8 periods

  3. History of Computers - To learn about the beginnings of the personal computer industry, we will view the PBS video titled "Triumph of the Nerds." The students will fill out viewing guides and complete a comprehensive test after watching the videos. 6 periods

  4. Internet - Proper use of the Internet will be stressed including Internet safety, search engines, researching on the web and citing web sources. 6 periods

  5. Hardware - Students will learn about hardware by assembling two computers from parts. A test of hardware identification will follow. 4 periods

  6. Spreadsheets - Students will learn the basics of using a spreadsheet including terminology, cell-referenced formulas, built-in functions and making and editing charts. Several projects will be completed by the students. 5 periods

  7. Digital Cameras - Students will use three different digital cameras employing various methods of downloading pictures including USB, serial port and floppy disk transfer. 3 periods

  8. Scanners - The students will scan both photographs and text and learn how to use correct resolution settings based on the anticipated use of the scanned item. OCR technology will be demonstrated to and used by the students. 2 periods

  9. Presentations - Each student will design and show a slide show presentation including scanned graphics, digital photographs, downloaded music, recorded voice, and animated bullet lists and clipart. 6 periods

  10. Wikis/Blogs - Students will collaborate on a class wiki or blog on a topic mutually chosen. 3 periods
     
  1. Applications: Google Sketchup, Finale Notepad, Terrapin Logo, Liberty Basic, others 3 periods

Grading for the course is based on percentages for each project completed as well as the score on the comprehensive semester final.

Those grades will be determined according to the following percentages:

93-100% A 80-83% B- 67-69% D+
90-92% A- 77-79% C+ 64-66% D
87-89% B+ 74-76% C 60-63% D-
84-86% B 70-73% C- 0-59% F


Attendance & Class Work

bulletAll work assigned is expected to be completed by the due date. Failure to do so will normally result in a mark of 0%.
bulletAny work not completed because of an excused absence must be submitted at the next class you are present following the absence. Failure to do so will ordinarily result in a mark of 0%.
bulletAny work not completed or late because of an unexcused absence will receive a mark of 0%.

Date last edited: 01/13/2008