Technology 8 Syllabus

undergoing updates

Course Description:

Technology provides support for students and preparation for entering a four-year college. The MIT Academy Technology staff will work together as part of the MIT Academy learning community to build the skills necessary for academic success.

This 8th grade Technology course is meant to ensure that students who have the potential and put forth the effort can successfully apply, enter and achieve in a four-year college. Technology not only teaches and provides practice in organizational and study skills, collaboration, critical thinking and questioning, but also exposes students to today's latest and most important electronic tools. Together they provide opportunities for sutdents to hone business skills, master critical thinking, and allow exploration of technology to evaluate their career paths.

Course Content:

Topics and skill to be covered this year include:

Course Activities include:

• Daily activity logs
• Cornell note-taking
• Tutorials
• Skill building exercises
• Online & Computer Etiquette
• Collaboration in projects
• Creating business documents
• Creating and maintaining a current work folder
• Creating a Tech-portfolio
• Creating websites
• Guest speakers
• College and career research
• College and career preparation

Goals and Objectives

• Students will take and meet proficiency requirements which correspond with obtaining Microsoft User Certifications
• Students will apply AVID skills, including note-taking, organization, time management and goal setting to their academic life
• Students will improve their oral communication as well as writing skills
• Students will learn requirements necessary for the academic pathway of their choice and track their own progress toward these goals

Required materials / supplies:

• Earbuds or headphones
• Small notepad or Steno-pad for taking quick notes
• Pen & paper
• Hand sanitizer

Evaluations: Students will be assessed on a bi-weekly basis on Software applications, Cornell notes, work assignments, participation, collaboration/teamwork and other academic discussion formats

Submitting Assignments: Note folders and daily activity logs will be checked weekly. Binders will be checked weekly. Daily assignments will be assigned credit or collected and assessed at the teacher's discretion. Project assignments will be submitted via the MIT Academy network or to the teacher by the given due date.

Absences & Make-up work: Being successful in Tech8 requires keeping up with the class. That means zero missing work, and no excuses. Exceptions are rare, and will be made at the teacher's discretion.

Behavioral Expectations: As Tech8 students, you are expected to be committed to your academic success. This class is designed for students who want to be here. Students who show by their actions that they cannot manage themselves in the Tech8 environment are subject to removal from the class.

I have high expectations regarding behavior in class. You must consistently be ON TASK and RESPECTFUL of all members of the school community.

1. All school rules apply pertaining to cell phones or other personal electronics, as well as dress code, computer use, and food / drink.
2. Please never talk when the teacher or another student has the floor and is speaking. There will be time for discussion and questions. Use library voices during work-time. All conversations must be school-appropriate. If talking becomes excessive or inappropriate you will be moved. It this happens repeatedly, disciplinary action will be taken.
3. NO food or drinks permitted in class.
4. Computers must be used appropriately at all times.
5. Please be respectful of class time. Come into class quietly and be ready to work in a timely manner. Do not pack up your things before wrap-up time at the end of class.

Consequences of Misbehavior: Possible consequences of misbehavior are warnings, seat changes, being sent out of class, a direct call home, referrals, and / or clean-up duties.

These will be assigned based upon the situation, severity of the violation, and history of misbehavior. If behavior is a serious issue impairing the functioning of the Tech8 community, a student's guardian will be contacted and a Probationary Contract and/or dismissal may become necessary.

Parental Involvement: Parents, your Parental in Tech8 is important. Ovten times students are learning advanced applications which Parents are not familiar with. Take the time to acclimate yourself to your students' learning environment so you can more effectively support their studies.

Please check in frequently with your student and communicate with teachers and/or staff on any matters which concern them or their education.

In addition, Parents & Guardians may monitor their students' progress and grades as often as they like by using the MIT Academy PowerSchool Portal at: http://ps.mitacademy.org/public . In addition, please attend the Parent University classes that will be offered throughout the year.

Tech8 - specific Policies & Procedures:

***IMPORTANT: Read the MITA Responsible Use Policy. (See p.33)

• All hardware, software, equipment & support items are expensive and must be handled in a professional, mature manner. Students will be held responsible for the deliberate destruction of classroom equipment.

• At the end of each class, all equipment used should be properly cleaned and returned.

• Students are responsible for scheduling of equipment use

• All work is submitted via school email directly to teacher email, or to a network location based upon assignment specifics

• Computer use is for classroom work only

• Students are not allowed to play online games unless directly specified by teacher

• Students are not allowed to visit inappropriate or unapproved websites.

Cheating, Plagiarism and Consequences:

• Any student caught cheating or stealing work (plagiarism) will receive a zero for that assignment as well as a referral to student services for disciplinary action. No make-ups given.

Teacher vs Student responsibilities:

• It is my responsibility to:
• Present the topic and assignments in a clear, concise fashion
• Clearly communicate any expectations, due dates or guidelines.
• Attempt to find a way to reach each student to help them achieve.
• Arrive to class each day with a good attitude, open to teaching

• It is the students’ responsibility to:
  • Understand it is my job to instruct them on the topic at hand
  • Honestly put forth their best work in class, each and every day
  • Complete assignments and projects exactly as I have specified
  • Arrive to class each day with a good attitude, open to learning