Computer Applications

Welcome To My Classroom

Hello and welcome to Mrs. Johnson's Web Page for...

• Computer Technology (Introductory Computer for 6th Grade),
• Computer Applications I (Beginning Computer for 7th and 8th Grade) and
• Computer Applications II (Advanced Computer for 8th Grade).

ALSDE Philosophy of Computer Education

Computer Education should provide students with an understanding and appreciation of how computers work and the vast uses of computers in every facet of life. It should ensure computer literacy, satisfy the immediate needs and goals of the students, and prepare them for the productive citizenship in an ever changing technologically oriented society. Instruction should accommodate the individual needs of students and provide numerous and varied experiences. To find out more about Technology Education, visit the Alabama State Department of Education.

Course Goals

• To become familiar with the components of computers and how they operate.
• To understand the history and development of computers and related technology and the major contributors to their development.
• To develop a proficiency in operating a computer and related technology and the basic terminology associated with thier use.
• To develop skills in using computer productivity, communication, and research tools such as application software and the Internet.
• To understand social, ethical, and human issues related to computer technology.
• To develop problem-solving and decision-making skills through the integration of technology to complete projects and assignments.

Grading Policy

Homework

Most assignments are given during class time; however, in some cases, assignments may be given to complete at home. Generally speaking, these assignments can be completed without the textbook or a computer. Computer assignments not completed during class may be taken home via diskette to complete prior to the due date. Ccomputer labs will be open during advisory time for any students who do not have access to a computer at home. All diskettes that have been used at home must be scanned for viruses by a teacher.

Supplies and Fees

• There is a $10.00 fee for all computer courses which is used to help purchase supplies such as paper, ink, workbook and to offset other costs.
• Textbooks are used in the classroom only and will not be issued to individual students for the semester.
• Each student is REQUIRED to bring at least a 1.5" BINDER (3-ring) with paper and either an pencil or pen (black or blue ink only) to class EVERYDAY!
• A 3.5" HD floppy diskette (IBM formatted) to save work to take home and work is optional. They will not be provided. They are available in the library for $1.00 and will have to be scanned for viruses by a teacher upon return from home.
• All The Right Type is the typing program used at the school. Keyboarding is a required, graded component of the 6th grade course. You have the option to purchase the home version of this software for only $25.00. Contact me for an order form.

Student Notebook

Students are responsible for taking notes in class each day and reviewing those notes each night. Students should use their computer notebook to do the following: 

1. Take notes and keep up with handouts.
2. Record assignments, projects and due dates.
3. Maintain a record of grades to show parents their progress.

Communication

• Assignments, projects, and due dates will be updated weekly on the SchoolNotes website at www.schoolnotes.com. Just enter the school's zip code (36111) and click on the teacher's name.
• Parents should feel free to contact me in writing or via email through the SchoolNotes website or here, through my website email address.
• Phone calls and conferences can be scheduled through the office at 284-7130.
• Please contact me if you would be available to speak to the class on how technology is used at your workplace, you can volunteer your services for technology hardware amintenance or repair, software or networking issues, or if you are able to chaperone during fieldtrips. Just submit a Technology Department Volunteer Form.

Absences

• On the first day after the absence, it is the STUDENT'S responsibility to determine any make-up work, assignments, and due dates missed.
• Late work due of an excused absence will receive full credit if submitted in the allotted time.
• For each excused absence, 5 days are allotted to complete make-up work. If it is not completed in the allotted time, or if an absence is unexcused a grade of "0" will be given for that work.

Classroom Expectations

• Enter the lab quickly and quietly and be seated at your assigned workstation.
• Attendance will be taken at the beginning of the class period. If you are more than 5 minutes late, you must have a pass from your teacher to be admitted.
• Required supplies, inlcuding pencil or pen, notebook and paper, must be brought to class everyday! All other items need to be placed in assigned lockers.
• Await instructions before logging onto computers or starting any projects.
• You may work in pairs unless otherwise instructed on daily classwork.
• Raise your hand and wait to be called upon if you have a question, need some assistance, or have a comment.
• All school rules will be fully enforced, especially those regarding food, gum, dress code, personal grooming, and responsible behavior (see your Student Handbook).
• When a substitute is present, students are expected to behave as though the regular classroom teacher was present.
• Always logon to the network before starting computer assignments, save work in your designated network folder, close all programs so that only the desktop appears when finished and always logoff the network.
• All written assignments must be turned in before you leave class in order to receive credit. I encourage correct spelling and grammar, good penmanship and neatness in all assignment in order to receive the highest possible credit.
• Await to be dismissed by the teacher only! Gather your materials, clean the area around your workstation, push in your chair and get your belongings from your locker.

Consequences