COMPUTER SOLUTIONS SYLLABUS Dan Ambrosio Thoreau Middle School 2505 Cedar Lane Vienna, VA 22180 703-846-8000 ext. 8024 dmambrosio@fcps.edu

Class Overview Students are introduced to the world of business using the computer as a problem-solving tool. Emphasis is placed on using basic touch keyboarding skills to complete a variety of projects incorporating word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software. Basic Internet safety and computer maintenance issues are important components of this course.

Standards and Benchmarks: The following list is a general list of topics your child will be studying in Computer Solutions throughout the semester. STANDARD 1: Implementing Virginia’s CTE Course Requirements and Participating in the Student Organization. 1-1 Demonstrate Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills in course activities. 1-2 Identify Internet safety issues and procedures for complying with acceptable use standards. 1-3 Identify the purposes and goals of the student organization. 1-4 Explain the benefits and responsibilities of membership in the student organization as a student and in professional/civic organizations as an adult. 1-5 Demonstrate leadership skills through participation in student organization activities, such as meetings, programs, and projects. STANDARD 2: Demonstrating Keyboarding Skills. 2-1 Identify computer system components. 2-2 Demonstrate competency in the operation of the computer system and software. 2-3 Key alphabetic, numeric, and symbol information, using a touch system and correct techniques. 2-4 Improve keyboarding techniques, speed, and accuracy. STANDARD 3: Using Application Software Programs to Solve Problems. 3-1 Apply keyboarding skills to revise and edit a written document. 3-2 Demonstrate the ability to use word processing software to solve problems. 3-3 Demonstrate the ability to use database software to solve problems. 3-4 Demonstrate the ability to use spreadsheet software to solve problems. 3-5 Demonstrate the ability to use presentation software to solve problems. STANDARD 4: Using Telecommunications to Solve Problems. 4-1 Demonstrate the ability to use telecommunication to solve problems. STANDARD 5: Solving Ethical and Security Problems Relating to Computers. 5-1 Demonstrate knowledge of ethical and security issues in relation to computers. 5-2 Practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software. 5-3 Demonstrate knowledge of the impact of regulations such as copyright and licensing agreements in computer software applications. STANDARD 6: Solving Problems Relating to Computer Maintenance. 6-1 Identify safety precautions associated with computer use. 6-2 Describe the care necessary for internal and external storage devices. 6-3 Describe methods of preventing the spread of computer viruses.

Classroom Policies and Procedures: Procedures grade will be based on Computer lab usage policy and the following: Arrive on time to class and prepared with necessary materials.

8 Begin the warm up activity immediately after the bell rings. Log into blackboard for warm up each day, unless otherwise instructed.

8 Show respect to self, others, and property at all times. 8 Create a productive learning environment and do not disturb others in class. 8 Have fun and do their best at all times. 8 Applications, programs, and websites only needed for the days assignment. No games or websites other

than what is assigned for the day. 8 Students will be dismissed from class when computer has been logged off, student workstation is cleaned up,

and all students are in their assigned seats. Computer Lab Usage Policy

8 Only use programs needed for the assignment 8 Do not change or personalize the school computer with wallpapers or gadgets. No gadgets on the desktop. 8 Do not touch other student’s computers. 8 Adhere to Fairfax County’s Acceptable Use Policy. 8 Print only with permission. 8 Inform the teacher immediately of any problems related to the computer. 8 Do not bring in any outside storage devices, headphones, laptops, or I-pods into the classroom without

teachers permission. 8 Use only those software programs needed for the day’s assignment. 8 Games are not allowed or personal email or listening to music. 8 No food or drinks in the computer lab.

Grading Policy: All computer assignments are to be completed in class or after school in a Thoreau lab unless there was prior teacher approval. Students will be graded on the following assignments…Warm-up Activities, Technique Evaluations, Teacher Observations (Procedures Grade 10 points per week, 15% of total grade. Refer to Standard 1.2 and Standard 5.2), Daily Activities and projects. Letter grades will be assigned as per the new FCPS Grading Scale… Late Work Policy: When tardy or absent, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain class notes and assignments which can be found on Blackboard (http://fcps.blackboard.com). MAKE UP WORK IS TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN ONE WEEK FROM THE DATE OF ABSENCE. Additional lab time may be scheduled with the instructor.

A (93-100) A- (90-92) B+ (87-89) B (83-86) B- (80-82) C+ (77-79)

C (73-76) C- (70-72) D+ (67-69) D (64-66) F (below 64)