Syllabus, Introduction to Digital Technology, 2014 Page 1 of 4

Introduction to Digital Technology

A and B Course Syllabus

Veterans High School

Name: Monica Kearse Room: 1102 Email: monica.kearse@hcbe.net Phone: 478-218-7537 X64042

Edmodo Code: _______

Course Description:

Introduction to Digital Technology is the foundational course for Web & Digital Communications, Programming,

Advanced Programming, Information Support & Services, and Network Systems pathways.

This course is designed for high school students to understand, communicate, and adapt to a digital world as it impacts

their personal life, society, and the business world. Exposure to foundational knowledge in hardware, software,

programming, web design, IT support, and networks are all taught in a computer lab with hands-on activities and

project-focused tasks. Students will not only understand the concepts, but apply their knowledge to situations and

defend their actions/decisions/choices through the knowledge and skills acquired in this course.

Employability skills are integrated into activities, tasks, and projects throughout the course standards to demonstrate the

skills required by business and industry.

Competencies in the co-curricular student organization, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), are integral

components of both the employability skills standards and content standards for this course.

Various forms of technologies will be highlighted to expose students to the emerging technologies impacting the digital

world. Professional communication skills and practices, problem-solving, ethical and legal issues, and the impact of

effective presentation skills are taught in this course as a foundational knowledge to prepare students to be college and

career ready. The knowledge and skills taught in this course build upon each other to form a comprehensive

introduction to digital world.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Digital Technology is a course that is appropriate for all high school students. The pre-

requisite for this course is advisor approval.

COURSE STANDARDS

IT-IDT – 1 Demonstrate employability skills required by business and industry

IT-IDT - 2 Explore, research, and present findings on positions and career paths in technology and the impact

of technology on chosen career area.

IT-IDT-3 Demonstrate effective professional communication skills (oral, written, and digital) and practices

that enable positive customer relationships.

IT-IDT-4 Identify, describe, evaluate, select and use appropriate technology.

IT-IDT-5 Understand, communicate, and adapt to a digital world.

IT-IDT-6 Explore and explain the basic components of computer networks.

IT-IDT-7 Use computational thinking procedures to analyze and solve problems.

IT-IDT-8 Create and organize webpages through the use of a variety of web programming design tools.

IT-IDT-9 Design, develop, test and implement programs using visual programming.

IT-IDT-10 Describe, analyze, develop and follow policies for managing ethical and legal issues in the

business world and in a technology-based society.

IT-IDT-11 Explore how related student organizations are integral parts of career and technology education

courses through leadership development, school and community service projects, entrepreneurship

development, and competitive events.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES

Published Materials Instructional Supplies

Discovering Computers Online Companion 3-ring binder, paper, pen or pencil, headphones

Syllabus, Introduction to Digital Technology, 2014 Page 2 of 4

Teacher Expectations: For students to become familiar with the terminology and tools used in IDT, they will

participate in daily assignments that introduce them to new concepts or reinforce topics previously covered.

Incomplete assignments will receive a grade of 0 until the student makes up the work. Late work may be

accepted, depending on the circumstances, but will receive point deductions.

NOTE: It is the responsibility of the student to keep up with what assignments are to be completed.

Make-up Policy: Since all work is done in the lab, attendance is extremely important! When students are out of

class, the work must be made up in the classroom. Graded work must be made up within 5 days after an excused

absence. It is the student’s responsibility to get the assignments after having been absent! Students can stay after

school to make up their work, BUT they must schedule an appointment with me. NO after school make-ups will

be on Fridays.

Grading System: Student averages prior to the final exam will be calculated as follows:

Major Assessment (Test, Projects) 60%

Minor Assessment (Quizzes) 25%

Daily Work (Participation, Class Assignments) 15%

This course includes a cumulative exam at the end of the semester. Information about exam exemption is available in

the student handbook. There is no End of Course Test (EOCT). A Student Learning Objective (SLO) pre-assessment

will be given at the beginning of the course. The final exam for first semester is worth 20% of the semester

grade. Additionally, a SLO post-assessment will be administered at the end of the second semester of the course,

which will count 20% of second semester’s grade.

Edmodo is a free and secure social learning network for teachers, students, and schools. It provides a safe and easy way

for all stakeholders to connect with one another, share content, and access coursework. Students will use Edmodo in a

variety of ways. Teacher use and classroom incorporation will vary depending on the course and content area.

Students must establish an individual Edmodo account. If a student has an account from a previous course, he/she must

only have the course code to add the course.

Parents are encouraged to join Edmodo, and add each student course. This allows the parents to be an active and

integral part in monitoring the progress of their students. With a parent account you can monitor student progress,

receive class notifications, and see class expectations. To join a classroom on Edmodo, follow these steps:

• Go to www.edmodo.com

• Select “Parent Signup” (the link is located below the student and teacher sign up

buttons)

• Key in your unique code: [XXXXXX] in the Parent Code field, then create your

unique username and password. The student is to provide this code.

• Select Sign Up.

There’s an App for that: Edmodo is accessible online and on any mobile device with Internet capabilities, offering a

free iPhone and Android app. Notification settings within Edmodo can be set to receive alerts via text or email.

Cyberbullying: As defined by Dictionary.com, “the act of harassing someone online by sending or posting mean

messages.” Please keep in mind that the Edmodo communication system is designed to work as an extension of the

classroom; therefore, anything done on the site through the access of a school course group code will be treated the

same as if it were said aloud in the classroom. Inappropriate comments or use of the site can result in disciplinary

action.

Class Rules

1. Be food, drink, and gum free. It is a school policy that food, drink (except bottled water), nor gum is allowed in

the classroom. This policy will be enforced.

2. Be punctual. As a student in a business education class, you have a responsibility to be in class seated and ready to

work when the bell rings.

3. Be productive. Use your class time wisely. Poor work habits could result in a lower grade.

4. Be courteous. Treat your fellow classmates and your teacher with respect. No one likes a disrespectful attitude.

Syllabus, Introduction to Digital Technology, 2014 Page 3 of 4

5. Be responsible. It is your responsibility to take care of school property. Please treat the equipment in the computer

lab carefully. No horseplay! Remember that you would not want to be held responsible for replacing broken

equipment, nor would your parents. Students caught tampering with the equipment or network in any way will

be written up and sent to the office.

6. Be alert. No sleeping or putting your head on the tables in class.

7. All school rules (Student Handbook) will be enforced.

TARDIES: According to the student/parent handbook, students are expected to be in the classroom when the tardy bell

rings and must sign the tardy log if they are late. Excessive tardiness to class will result in office referrals.

Please sign the next page and have your child return only that page within seven days, or parents will be contacted and

detention will be assigned. (If there are circumstances that would cause your child to not have this page returned by the

due date, please contact me ASAP. Thank you).

Syllabus, Introduction to Digital Technology, 2014 Page 4 of 4

I have read and understand all of the objectives, requirements, and expectations for Introduction to Digital

Technology A and B taught by Monica Kearse.

Student’s Name: _____________________________________________

Student’s Signature: ___________________________________________ Date _____________________

Parent/Guardian’s Signature: ____________________________________ Date _____________________

Parent’s e-mail address: ___________________________________________________________________

Parent’s Home Phone: _________________ Work: _________________ Cell: ______________________

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