INTRODUCTION TO TECHNOLOGY

INTRODUCTION TO TECHNOLOGY 9012 2007-2008 Instructor Information: Name: Patrick Gittings Phone Extension: 240-283-3402 Email: gittings@olgchs.org Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 2:50 – 3:30 p.m. Course Description: This course is designed to introduce students to basic computer concepts and will provide a practical exposure to the computer. It provides an understanding of how a computer functions, what the computer components are and the types of work the computer can do. Students will learn how to make use of the World Wide Web as a repository of the latest information and an integrated learning tool and will acquire knowledge in using common software applications. This course will address modern day issues such as security, privacy and ethics. Course Goals/Objectives: 1 Basic operations and concepts  Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.  Students are proficient in the use of technology. Social, ethical, and human issues  Students understand the ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology.  Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.  Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity. Technology productivity tools  Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity.  Students use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, prepare publications, and produce other creative works. Technology communications tools  Students use telecommunications to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts, and other audiences.  Students use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences. Technology research tools  Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.  Students use technology tools to process data and report results.  Students evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on the appropriateness for specific tasks. Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools  Students use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions. Investigation of Careers in Computers 2 3 4 5 6 7 ISTE National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS*S) http://cnets.iste.org/students/s_stands.html Instructional Methods: Class and small group discussion(s) / debate(s) (both in class and online). Occasional group jigsaw activities. Electronic journal will be kept using weblog software. Self-guided and collaborative projects and activities. Selective use of videos with related discussion and analysis. Give oral presentations on appropriate topics (i.e. current events as related to the technology field) using available technology or traditional means. Brief lecture/note taking. Hands on lab work. Keep a (well organized) class notebook and folder with all assignments, notes, activities dated. Text(s)/Materials for Course: Textbook provided by Good Counsel “Introduction to Computers: GC Style” Supplementary Materials: Students will need a notebook and pocket folder. All handouts and class notes will be maintained and kept in these folders. Students are asked to purchase a USB Flash Drive labeled with the student’s name and class period (A 1GB flash drive can be purchased for about $20). Students must also have a working email account. Evaluation Methods: Description Projects Tests/Quizzes Homework/Digital Journals Class Participation Point Value/Percentage of Grade 35% 30% 20% 15% Make-up Work Policy: Making up work (class work, assignments, presentations, quizzes, tests, etc.) for missed classes excused by the school is the responsibility of the student. The student must personally contact the teacher on the day he/she returns to school. Classroom Procedures/Policies: 1. Students are to arrive on time and be prepared for the day’s activities. Arriving on time counts towards “Class Participation” grade. For third period classes students must return from lunch on time. 2. Students should respect other student’s ideas, opinions and property, teachers and school policies. 3. Students are to have appropriate textbooks, notebooks and other materials necessary for class with them. Being prepared counts towards “Class Participation” grade. 4. Use of computers and the Internet is for class work only. Any abuse of the Internet (e.g. any inappropriate sites, emails, etc) will be flagged by the technology department and you will be cited accordingly. Using computers for other class work or surfing the Internet counts against Class Participation grade and can result in detention. 5. Students cannot tamper with the school’s equipment in any way, shape or form. This includes the keyboards, mice, monitors and trying to access portions of the network that are outside of your rights. Any tampering will not be tolerated. 6. No food or drinks are ever allowed in the classroom and absolutely nowhere near the computers. 7. Class ends when the teacher releases you. No standing before you are released. 8. Students are expected to complete all assignments on time. Late work is only accepted for full credit if the student has an excused absence or has made prior arrangements with the teacher. Students who are sick are expected to turn in their assignment(s) on the first class after they return to school. Topic Troubleshooting / Shortcut Keys TOPICAL OUTLINE Curriculum Objective Acquire basic troubleshooting techniques and strategies Identify and utilize shortcut keys Keyboarding Demonstrate proper keyboard position, posture, and finger/hand placement. Demonstrate ability to create, organize and maintain files and folders Explain the concept of computer literacy and identify how computers and technology are used in our daily lives and careers Describe the major components of personal computers and their functions Acquire knowledge of the history of computers, major contributors to the computer industry and categories of computers and their uses Windows and File Management Computers and Computer Literacy Security, Privacy and Ethics Discuss the ethical issues posed by computer technology pertaining to access and privacy Internet and the World Wide Web Explain how the Internet is used as a life long learning resource and communication tool. Assess various emerging Internet technologies as to their value in our everyday lives Internet and Research Use the Internet to research information in multiple disciplines and describe different search engines Justify reasons for evaluating Internet resources and develop a criteria for evaluating electronic information Evaluating Electronic Information Creation of a Web Page Plan and publish a Web page using html code How the Computer Processes Data Describe the major components of personal computers and their functions Input, Output, Storage and Networks Distinguish between the most common input, output, and storage devices. Acquire a knowledge of networks and various network topologies Operating Systems and Software Explain the difference between software and hardware and gain knowledge of the categories of systems programs Topic Word Processing TOPICAL OUTLINE cont. Curriculum Objective Use word processing to create various documents containing text, graphics and objects from other programs Use a spreadsheet to analyze numerical data, perform calculations and create graphs Organize information using a database and how to query a database to extract information and run reports Use multimedia software in various modes to create and deliver presentations Use word processing to create various documents containing text, graphics, and objects from other application programs Import and export data between Microsoft Office applications Spreadsheets and Graphs Database Presentation Graphics Desktop Publishing Integration How Technology is Changing the Workplace and Society Examine the ethical issues posed by computer technology pertaining to privacy, security property, access and accuracy