Course Description and Goals

Welcome to Advanced Computers. The things we learn in this course expand on what we learned in last years course, and expand into new topics.

As this is an advanced course, we will be doing things that require absolute perfection in order for the assignment or project to work when completed. Because of this, the expectations of the students are more elevated than in a normal course. Therefore, students are expected to put forth effort that is above and beyond what is called for in their regular classes. The instructor expects the learners to listen and take careful notes during lessons, and other learning times.

We will be in class for 12 weeks, and during that time, we will continue practicing keyboard techniques in order to achieve mastery. We will make some advanced word processor documents, learn to create professional PowerPoint presentations, and merge them into web pages that we will learn to create.

Course Objectives

We will definitely be doing these things:

1. Strike keys using correct keyboarding techniques.
2. Keyboard at a minimum of 45 words per minute.
3. Use MS Word to format advanced documents.
4. Use the Internet as tool and to create a simple web page for the Internet
5. Use PowerPoint to create professional presentations
6. Research paper on a computer topic of your choice. (Required to get an A in class) Suggested length is 3-6 pages with graphics, charts, graphs, or other material.

Should we have time, we will also:

1. Use MS Excel to create advanced spreadsheets.
2. Learn what DOS is and some of its commands.
3. Learn to install programs and to maintain computers.
4. Other things that we can use computers for.
5. Reading material on the Internet, then send me e-mail about what you read.

Materials

Students will be required to keep notes taken during class, handouts, and graded assignments organized in a binder. This binder and a pen or pencil must be brought to class every day. Assignment grades will be given periodically based on the organization of this binder.

Rules (these are the school wide rules)

1. Follow directions the first time they are given, and always be on task.
2. Do not leave assigned area without the teacher's permission.
3. No disruptive or disrespectful behavior. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
4. No talking without the teachers permission.
5. Be prepared and ready to work when the bell rings. Bring books(s), paper, pencil, notes, and assignments(s).
6. No food or drink in the lab - you are responsible for any damage done to your assigned equipment. If you notice a problem, report it immediately.

Consequences

School wide consequences are posed on the board. Mistreatment of equipment will result in and automatic 60 minute detention and/or ejection from the lab. If you get your name on the board during the week, you will not get free time on Friday.

Disciplinary consequences for tardiness

Standard tardy policy will be enforced.

Grading Procedures

Keyboarding: You will spend the first several days of class in Mavis Beacon, and then at least 30 minutes a week thereafter in Mavis Beacon. Your keyboarding grades will be averaged together and will be worth a test grade. Students will receive one point for practicing each of the following techniques continually throughout the period.

1. Sitting in seat, feet on floor, elbows at side.
2. Eyes on screen or copy to be typed.
3. Fingers curved over home keys while other fingers are reaching for a key. Fingers returned to home row keys after striking a key.
4. Using the correct finger to strike keys.

Assignments: One half of the course grade will be based on in-class assignments. Students are expected to complete and turn in every assignment. Students have two days for every day missed to complete work missed due to illness. You may need to come before or stay after school and use the computers to complete missed assignments.

Test: One half of the course grade will be based on tests. Tests will be given to assess student learning. Realistically there will only be two tests in class, there will be projects that will be graded as tests however. These include Internet projects, PowerPoint projects, and making Web Pages. Your Research Paper will be worth two test grades.

Research Project: In order to get an A in class, a research project must be completed. More information this will follow.

Cheating

Cheating will NOT be tolerated. Anyone caught cheating on any daily work, quizes, or tests will receive the following things:

1. An F on the assignment, quiz, or test.
2. One hour of automatic detention.
3. Loss of all free time privileges for the remainder of the time you are in class.

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