Computer Applications Syllabus

• Students will learn advanced techniques in word processing and desktop publishing using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Students will learn the basics of digitizing video footage into QuickTime movies and recording microphone voice-overs using a small mixing console to be able to include sound files in PowerPoint and web page projects.
• Students will learn fundamental and advanced skills in Macromedia DreamWeaver for designing and creating web pages. Assignments will include updating school web pages as needed, as well as the creation of an Educational Web Site. Elements of the project will include such things as QuickTime movies, microphone narrations, scanned photos, downloaded internet graphics, digital pictures taken with a digital camera, and sound files created with Sound Edit 16 or downloaded from the Internet.
• Students will learn how to create web objects using Macromedia Flash so that a Flash animation can be included on their Educational Web Site.

2006-2007 Computer Applications Grade Contract

            It is necessary that you sign the contract below specifying the grade you desire in Computer Applications.   Decide what grade you want by reviewing the list of skill and major projects that must be completed by the end of the trimester and sign the contract.   You cannot break your contract unless an emergency should arise, or you will be given an unsatisfactory grade (D or F) in this class.

            You will be given an evaluation sheet with a letter grade on all major projects once they are completed.   If an assignment does not meet the requirements of the contract level, it will be returned to you so work can be completed.   It must be resubmitted within 2 class days of the final due date for final evaluation unless other wise specified by the instructor.   If it does not meet the acceptable level of performance upon being resubmitted a second time, the grade for that project will be reduced by one or more letter grades, depending on the amount of work completed.  

It is extremely important that the final project be completed on time by the final due date prior to the end of the trimester, so there is time to make any final changes by the last day of class.  

Daily homework is not given per se in this class but you must be willing to work on projects outside of class to complete them on time if you miss class or tend to work slower.

An average of all grades on projects will be calculated at the end of the trimester to verify that you have met your contract level.   If you have not met your contract level, your final grade will reflect this as well as any unexcused absences you may have.   Please speak with me if you think you are going to be late for any reason on a project so arrangements can be made for you to finish in a timely manner.

I reserve the right to reduce any assignment one-letter grade if turned in late for the final submission.

For a   C :   1)   Do C or better work on all required assignments.

For a   B :   1)   Do B or better work on all required assignments.

For a   A :   1)   Do A or better work on all required assignments.

Skill Projects:

1. Microsoft Word - Word Processing Skills 1 - 6
2. Microsoft Excel - Spreadsheet Project 1
3. Saving Internet Graphics
4. Scanning Pictures
5. Recording voice-over narrations
6. Digitizing camcorder video
7. Scanning Text using OCR software
8. Basic Dreamweaver Skills
9. Creating Flash Animations

Major Projects:

1. Microsoft Excel - Spreadsheet Project 2
2. Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation
3. Fireworks/Flash - Animated GIF project
4. Dreamweaver - Educational Site