ÁNIMO VENICE HIGH SCHOOL
TECHNOLOGY AND LEADERSHIP
Academic Year: 2006-2007
Instructor: Mr. P. Hsu
Email: phsu@animo.org Phone #: (310) 283-1856
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Why does Ánimo Venice require you to take a technology class in the ninth grade? Nowadays you cannot succeed in college without knowledge of technology. Moreover, if you want to be better than other college-bound students, technology is one way to make you stand out. By the time you graduate from Ánimo Venice, you will be experts and ahead of other students.
So how will the class be taught? Actually, I am not going to teach you technology itself. I am going to assign projects that will force you to use technology. In my class, you will learn all subjects, including English, Math, History, Science, and Language, all according to each subject’s standards. Remember, technology is a tool, and it must serve a purpose for it to be useful.
You may also notice that this class also focuses on leadership. Part of Ánimo Venice’s mission is to create young leaders who want to make a difference in this world. However, you cannot make a difference in this world if you do not have the tools for being a leader. Thus, we will also focus a lot on who you are and how you want to lead yourself and other people into the future.
COURSE GOAL
Students must not only understand the importance of developing technology skills, but they must also understand the importance of using technology as leaders for the betterment of society.
COURSE OUTLINE
The following major categories and National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) will be covered in this course:
1. General Computer Knowledge and Skills (Windows XP)
2. Internet (Internet Explorer, Blogs, Research)
3. Email (webmail, attachments)
4. Presentation Software (Powerpoint)
5. Spreadsheets (Excel)
6. Publishing (Publisher)
7. Word Processing (Word)
8. Geographic Information System (Arcview)
9. Basic Programming (StarLogo)
10. Privacy, Security, and Safety Issues
REQUIRED MATERIALS
-
3-ring binder (shared with another class)
-
Notebook paper
-
Pen and Pencil
TEXTBOOK
Macromedia Dreamweaver MX 2004 H•O•T, Lynda Weinman
Macromedia Flash MX 2004 H•O•T, Lynda Weinman
GRADING POLICY
Students will be graded based on the number of points they accumulate throughout the semester. The highest point value in the class will be used as the standard (100%).
90-100% A
80-89% B
70-79% C
Under 70% F
*As you may have noticed, there will be no Ds in my class. Colleges do not accept anything below a D.
Progress reports will be sent home the 5th and 15th weeks, and grade reports will be sent home 10th and 20th weeks.
Grades can also be viewed on the Powerschool website at http://ps.greendot.org/public/. Please look in the orientation folder for your ID and password. I will teach you how to use Powerschool in class.
EXAMS AND QUIZZES
There will not be many exams and quizzes in this class. Most of your grade will depend on how well you complete your projects and classwork.
ATTENDANCE
If you have an excused absence, it is your responsibility to get a re-admit, and then acquire and complete any missed work. The best thing to do is to read the email that I had sent on your day of absence, and come to office hours if you have any questions. If your absence is unexcused, then you cannot make up any missed work.
TARDIES
You are responsible for getting to class on time. Unexcused tardies will result in detention.
Everyday, there will be a “Do Now” assignment on the board or in your email account when you enter the classroom. If you are late to class without a valid excuse, then you will not be able to receive full credit for the “Do Now.”
If your tardy is excused, you must give me a note with an explanation signed by a parent or teacher. It is your responsibility to get to class on time and be ready to learn the moment the bell rings.
CLASS RULES
1. Respect the occasion (on time, prepared, ready to participate)
2. Respect the speaker (active listening, no side bars, no looking at computers, no ringing cellphones)
3. To be determined by students.
Respect means that 1) students do not disrupt their own learning; 2) students do not disrupt other people’s learning; and 3) students do not disrupt the teacher’s teaching.
CONSEQUENCES
Step 1—Verbal Warning
Step 2—Student-teacher conference
Step 3—Parent Contact
Step 4—Referral to counselor or administrator
Step 5—Suspension and/or removal from class
REWARDS
Students will receive raffle tickets for active class participation, leadership, and helping others. Also, students can receive prizes for winning project competitions.
CLASS POLICIES
Absolutely no cheating. Any student caught cheating or helping another student cheat will automatically receive a “0” on the assignment.
Unexcused late homework will not be accepted. This rule will be strictly enforced.
Unexcused late classwork will be accepted at half the points (automatic “F”).
I do not give extra credit assignments to students who want to make up missed assignments or late work.
I only give makeup exams for excused absences. Student cannot re-take exams.
Name, period, and date must be written on the top-right corner of every assignment. Any paper without a name will not be graded.
I expect each student to work until the end of the class period. It is your responsibility to work until the bell rings.
TUTORING
IF YOU NEED EXTRA HELP, PLEASE COME SEE ME. I have office-hours after school on Mondays and Wednesdays, and most other weekdays.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Cell phone: (310) 283-1856
Email: phsu@animo.org