January 4, 2011

Welcome to Computer Applications

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS SYLLABUS

Columbia Central High School
Instructor: René Harvey

School Phone: 381-2222 ext. 1072                       
Class Blog: http://harveychs.blogspot.com/
E-Mail Address: harveyr@k12tn.net

Course Description—18 weeks (1 credit)

This class begins with the introduction of the touch-key keyboarding system and continues into building skills in word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, Internet research, developing IT insights, and related leadership and career opportunities.

Course Objectives:
In this class, students will

1. Evaluate the impact and applications of computers in society.
2. Apply skills appropriate to the resident operating system.
3. Research and apply knowledge of ethical and legal issues within the industry.
4. Research and apply typography, layout, design, and composition concepts and guidelines for preparation of documents.
5. Accurately create a variety of word processing documents.
6. Create and design spreadsheets to produce and manipulate alpha/numeric data.
7. Develop database skills to organize and maintain information.
8. Design a multimedia presentation.
9. Examine the new and emerging technologies.
10. Examine network, hardware, and programming applications.
11. Develop and demonstrate human relations, self-management, organizational and professional leadership skills.

 Units Covered:
1. Workplace Safety
2. Future Business Leaders of America
3. Computer Components & Literacy
4. Internet Usage, Safety and Ethics
5. Word Processing Skills
6. Spreadsheet Skills
7. Presentation Skills
8. Database Skills
9. Network Systems
10. Careers

Grading System:
Each of these units will include computer-directed skills activities, projects, and assessments. These will be combined in the following way:

25% Tests
20% Daily Work/Quizzes
25% Projects
10% Article Reviews
20% Final Exam

 ** Three course-related article reviews are required each quarter. More information will be given about what to include in your summary, including a review sheet. A copy (photocopy or printer) of the original article must be provided when you turn in your report. One article review per quarter will be given in an oral presentation.

 Third Quarter Topics:
  •  Effects of Technology on Society
  • Computer Security, Ethics & Integrity
  • Computer Hardware and Software
 Fourth Quarter Topics:
  • Multimedia
  • Communications and Networking
  • Careers/Leadership
 **Each textbook chapter has a corresponding online crossword puzzle (www.scsite.com/dcfund) that can be completed and turned in on or before the day of the chapter test for 10 extra-credit points.

Class Supplies:
1. Three section dividers in required school notebook
2. Pencils, Pens (blue or black), highlighter, notebook paper
3. $10 Lab Fee—Due within the first two weeks of class
4. USB storage disk (2 GB minimum)
5. Signed Internet Permission Form on file
6. Headphones----students may bring personal set for class work when instructed

Computer Use Guidelines:
1. Please leave all screen savers and backgrounds as they are. Do not change any setting on the computers.
2. All computer use must have an educational basis.
3. Checking e-mail is not allowed in the classroom.
4. Internet use is for classroom assignments only, unless specific permission is given.
5. Programs should not be downloaded onto the computer.
6. Be respectful of the computer equipment:
    a. Do not write or mark on any part of the computer or table.
    b. Do not damage any part of the computer. Intentional damage to any computer or other equipment in the classroom will result in a referral to the principal.

CTE WORKPLACE CODE OF CONDUCT
Business Technology Education

Students are responsible for following the Maury County School Board Policies and CHS policies as outlined in the student handbook.


1. Observe Safety Guidelines
 • Respect all equipment and property in the classroom.
 • Know and follow all fire and safety regulations for the work area.
 • Keep book bags and personal belongings under your table.
 • Do not roll across the floor in chairs.
 • Practice healthy hand sanitation in relation to public keyboards.
2. Demonstrate Quality Workplace Ethics
 • Respect yourself and others
 • Observe all Computer Use Guidelines.
• Save all work completed on the computer only to your designated folder.
 • Do not turn in someone else’s work and claim it as your own.
 • Do not share your work with someone else to claim as their own.
 • If the teacher sees you looking down and your hands are in your pocket or purse, the conclusion will be that you are “texting” and will, therefore, have your phone confiscated.

3. Practice Professionalism
• Arrive on time and be prepared for class
• Bring ONLY bottled water into the classroom—no snacks or other drinks..
• Complete work in blue or black ink or pencil only. No others will be accepted.
• Complete work by deadlines given—points deducted for late work.
• Provide a note for any absence
• Complete make-up work within three (3) days of your return to school
• Clean up work area at end of class and remain in seat until bell rings.

Consequences for Failure to Comply:

 1. Conference with Immediate Supervisor (Teacher)
 2. Verbal Reprimand (Parent Contact)
 3. Written Reprimand (Detention)
 4. Referral to Campus Supervisor (Administrator)

 **Severe misbehaviors such as fighting, verbal abuse, cheating, accessing unauthorized websites and defiance of authority will result in immediate referral to principal.

Rewards:
 • Verbal and/or Written Praise
 • Periodic class breaks
 • Teacher authorized Internet and/or music privileges


Future Business Leaders of America

This organization is the largest business student organization in the world! This organization will not only prepare students for a career in business, but also provide them with opportunities to develop leadership, communication, social, and service skills that are beneficial in any workplace. Members will make professional business contacts that could help them later in life. Some meetings will take place during homeroom, but many will be held before or after school. We highly encourage students to join this valuable organization. The fee is only $15 for the year; however, payment must be made separately from the lab fee (for bookkeeping purposes).