Introduction to Computers

The course is designed to teach all seventh grade students’ basic skills and terminology associated with the operation of the Macintosh™ computer and peripherals in the Palma Computer Learning Center. Special emphasis will be placed on the learning of keyboarding, word processing, presentations, blogging, internet navigation and video editing skills in order to facilitate students' utilization of the computer lab during their years at Palma.
About the Class

Office Hours:
By appointment only. I can be reached at 831.422.6391 or by clicking the contact link above.

Software:
MasterKey, Microsoft Office, iMovie, Grageband, Wordpress

Grading Policy:
This course adheres to Palma’s official grading criteria (Student & Parent Handbook, page 9).

Using a point system, your final grade will be based mostly on your class work, but it will also include class participation. The following percentages will be used to determine your grade for the quarters and semesters based on a breakdown of Q1 = 40%, Q2 = 45%, FINAL = 15%:

Grades are earned based upon class work (80%) and participation (20%). Class work will encompass day-to-day assignments including but not limited to chapter projects, blogs, exams and the understanding of software applications. Participation is made up of day-to-day points that the students receive for working on their class work. If at anytime the student is not actively working on their projects they will be marked down a point for the day.

Late Work:
I will accept late work for a penalty of 20% off the grade earned by the student up to the final day of each grading period (see the dates below). Special dispensations will be granted under special circumstances. It is the students responsibility to notify me of completed latework. Deadlines for late work:

  • Sep. 11 for 1st Quarter Progress Reports distributed on Sep. 16
  • Oct. 9 for 1st Quarter Report Cards distributed on Oct. 19
  • Nov. 13 for 2nd Quarter Progress Reports distributed on Nov. 18
  • Jan. 11 for 2nd Quarter Report Cards distributed on Jan. 21
  • Feb. 12 for 3rd Quarter Progress Reports distributed on Feb. 17
  • Mar. 19 for 3rd Quarter Report Cards distributed on Mar. 29
  • Apr. 23 for 4th Quarter Progress Reports distributed on Apr. 28
  • May 28 for 4th Quarter Report Cards distributed on June 11 (required before Final Exams)
For make up work due to unavoidable absences please review the 2009/2010 Palma Student and Parent Handbook (Timetracker), pages 16-17.

If you have any questions or comments I will be available at Mini-Schedule Night to address them, or you may contact me by phone or email listed above.

Class Calendar


Resources
Online Grades