COURSE SYLLABUS for SY 2011-2012

Computers for College

COURSE OVERVIEW

Computers for College is designed to give students extensive knowledge of the basic concepts of computer use including keyboarding, word processing, Internet research, Microsoft Office and project applications. Students will learn important computer terminology and how to effectively use the computer for academic and personal research. Students will learn appropriate methods of typing and word processing, with an emphasis on Microsoft Word. An overview of Microsoft Office is included as well as basic troubleshooting and computer safety techniques. Students will complete cross-curriculum projects involving extensive research and online applications. Students will be assigned a computer in the classroom and will logon using their LPS username and pass code. All computers are equipped with Microsoft XP. A variety of text will be used (see below). All textbooks, computer equipment and materials will remain in the classroom.

PREREQUISITES:    basic understanding of computers

TEXT:                         Go! Word 2010

REQUIRED:              pen/pencil, username and password

(Folder and other supplies provided by LCHS as needed)

 

GRADING POLICY:

• Class work – Following General Class work Rubric                   65%
• Quiz/Test Points/Collins                                                                  25%
• Effort/Behavior                                                                                   10%

 

 

COURSE OUTLINE

 

Topic #1:        The Basics: What is a PC?

Introduction to PC’s: Console, Hardware, Software, USB ports, I/O symbols, PC Power, Logging On, Disk Drives, Floppy Do’s and Don’ts, Types of Drives, creating/naming/finding files, keyboard shortcuts, glossary of tech terms

 

Topic #2:        Computer Keyboarding

Letter Keys, Build Keyboarding Skills, Symbol Keys, Formatting Memos and Email, Reports, Personal/Business Letters, Building Tables, Assessing Document Formatting Skills

 

Topic #3:        Word Processing

MS Word Basics, Creating/Saving and Printing Documents, View Modes, Rulers, Margins, Shift and Punctuation, Font Styles, Creating Tabs, Spelling and Grammar Tools, Headers/Footers, Line Spacing, Number Keypad, Special Character Sets, Moving and Copying Text, Graphics Basics (Text Boxes, Shapes, Tables, Word Art/ClipArt)

 

Topic #4:        Discovering the Internet

• Into the Internet, (defining the internet, internet activities, history of the internet, connecting to the internet) Browsing the Web (web sites/pages/servers, IP addresses, domain names, web browsers, desktop shortcuts, saving online information, using the web: risks and safeguards)
• Searching the Web (the search process, search tools, specialized searches)
• Communicating Online (email, outlook express, web-based email, real-time communication)
• Getting More Out of The Internet (news/sports/traffic resources, research and reference tools, personal finances)

 

Class Rules and Expectations

 

General Rules and Responsibilities

Ø      Be on time.

Ø      Be prepared to work.

Ø      Retrieve your work folder at the beginning of each class.

Ø      Sit in your assigned seat.

Ø      Be respectful to others.

Ø      Stay on task.

Ø      Do not abuse locker/bathroom privileges.

Ø      Take care of school materials and property.

Ø      Offensive and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated (see discipline code).

Ø      Students are expected to participate in class discussion and cooperative assignments.

Ø      Make-up work because of an excused due within 2 weeks.

Ø      No food or drink in the classroom.

 

Computer Usage Rules

 

• All students must log in using their own passwords.
• No software may be downloaded or installed.
• Do not customize the settings on the computers and software in any way.
• Do not disconnect or reconnect any equipment. (Ask Ms. Aiello for help if you have a problem.)
• Internet use for class assignments only.
• No game playing, email, IM, or unauthorized applications allowed.
• Printing is by permission only. Raise your hand if you want to print.
• Once you have permission, check print preview before you print.
• Close all applications and LOG OFF before you leave.
• Clean up your workstation.

 

Attendance:

• Follow LCHS’ attendance policy – bring a note when you are absent.
• 7 unexcused absences from class will result in an automatic failing grade for the quarter.
• All make-up work is due within 2 week of absence. Failure to make-up assignments will result in a zero.
• If you’re absent the day before an assignment, you are responsible for it the day it is due.

 

 

EXTRA HELP:

• Mondays in Room B105 or by appointment.
• Students will be encouraged to come for extra help but it is their responsibility to seek it.
• Students and parents/guardians may email me at: aiellok@lynnschools.org