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Friday, March 19, 2010
 
 COURSES: Minimize
  • Introduction to Computers
  • Website Design
  • Multimedia
  • Word Processing
  • Java Programming
    
   Minimize


Mrs. Downer
    
 About me Minimize

Originally from the thumb of Michigan, I worked as a bank teller and a letter carrier before returning to college to earn my Bachelor of Science Degree from Eastern Michigan University with a major in computer science and a minor in mathematics. After spending one year teaching on the western side of Michigan, I was very happy to find a teaching position in Dundee in 1997. I continued my education through Marygrove College where I earned my Master's Degree in the Art of Teaching. I am blessed to have spent most of my career teaching in this community and hope to continue to do so for many years to come.
    
 Introduction to Computers Minimize

course syllabus

The purpose of this one trimester class is:
  • To make the student familiar with the computer and its uses especially with respect to word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and internet usage.
  • To give the student an introduction to programming.
  • To enable the student to make an informed choice about taking further courses in computer applications or programming.
Successful completion of this class will satisfy the computer requirement for graduation for classes of 2009 and 2010.
Day 1................... Programming with Alice
Weeks 1-2............ Office Basics and Internet Use
Week 3-5.............. Word Processing                      
Weeks 6-8............ Spreadsheet
Week 9................. Database
Weeks 10............. PowerPoint
Week 12............... Review and Final Examination
 
The textbook used in this class is A Guide to Microsoft Office 2007, Lawrenceville Press. You will be given assignment sheets for each major section of the course syllabus (one for Word Processing, Spreadsheets, etc.) The assignment sheets (for the most part) follow the chapters in the textbook. Textbooks are for classroom use only (you may check a textbook out from the media center); each student will be provided a folder that may be taken home for study. Vocabulary sheets, assignment sheets, etc., will be kept in this folder.
 
Tests will be given as follows: (2 for word processing, 2 for Spreadsheet, 2 for database, 1 for Internet use and 1 for PowerPoint) – plus of course, the final examination.
 
Quizzes will be given from time to time.  Daily work will not be accepted late.
 
You need to be working on the current assignments in class to insure you are ready for tests on test days. If you have been absent, you need to catch up outside of class during open lab times. Some exceptional students are able to do their daily work and still get caught up in class. This is allowed as long as you are doing the current work first.
 
Your daily work counts 50% of your grade; tests count 50%. Daily work and attendance are very important for success. Work may only be accomplished in the lab. If you fall behind, you are allowed to come in by appointment at lunch and/or before or after school, provided you are not behind due to time wasted in class or unexcused absence. Tests will be taken the first day back after the missed test. It is your responsibility to make up a test – you need to request the make-up test upon your return. All conduct codes and classroom rules are strictly adhered to.
    
 Website Design Minimize

course syllabus

The purpose of this one trimester class is:

  • To offer the student an understanding good website design practices.
  • To offer the student the opportunity to learn to use the macromedia software (Dreamweaver, Flash and Fireworks) to create web pages.
  • To enable the student to make an informed choice about a career choice in the field of web development.
There are 14 chapters in this text. When we get the text books, I will give you a tentative outline of what will be covered and when. 
The textbook used in this class is The Web Collection Revealed, Thompson Publishing.
Tests will be given over each chapter covered in class plus of course, the final examination.
Daily work will not be accepted late.
 
You need to be working on the current assignments in class to insure you are ready for tests on test days. If you have been absent, you need to catch up outside of class during open lab times. Some exceptional students are able to do their daily work and still get caught up in class. This is allowed as long as you are doing the current work first.
 
Your daily work counts 50% of your grade; tests count 50%. Daily work and attendance are very important for success. Work may only be accomplished in the lab. If you fall behind, you are allowed to come in by appointment at lunch and/or before or after school, provided you are not behind due to time wasted in class or unexcused absence. Tests will be taken the first day back after the missed test. If a review day is missed due to illness, you may have the option of taking one additional day before the test. Two percent will be deducted from your grade for each unexcused absence. All conduct code rules are strictly adhered to as well.
    
 Multimedia Minimize

course syllabus

The purpose of this TWO trimester class is:
  •  To offer the student an understanding of the ways in which video communicates with viewers and the methods it uses to do so.
  •  To offer the student a better understanding of how the various medias are combined to communicate.
  •  To enable the student to make an informed decision about a career choice in the media fields.
Subjects covered:
  •  Use of still cameras
  •  Use of video cameras
  •  Use of microphones
  •  Use of lighting equipment
  •  Use of video/audio mixer
  •  Teamwork/peer teaching
  •  Video production
  •  Use of digital editing machines
  •  Animation
  •  Desktop publishing
  •  Website Design
  •  Maybe more…
The textbook used in this class is Video Communication and Production text and workbook, Goodheart-Willcox Company. You will do many exercises outside the text since the text covers only the video aspect of this class. 
 
Assignments:
  •  Broadcast announcements daily
  •  An intro to the announcements (1 hour)
  •  One video project (25 hours) – handout will explain
  •  Chapters 1-10 of the Video composition – workbook exercises (as assigned)
  •  An animation project
  •  A website – create or maintain
  •  A publisher newsletter
  •  3 seasonal duo folds that include all high school sports – handout with specifics
  •  A newsmagazine or activity for the announcements
  •  Etc.
Tests will be given for each of the areas covered – plus of course, the final examination.
Daily work will not be accepted late.
In real life, we are always working to improve our work. All class time must be spent on improving an old project, or planning a new one. Wasting class time will result in a loss 2% of your grade for each offense.
 
If you need more computer time, you are allowed to come in by appointment at lunch and/or before or after school, provided you are not behind due to time wasted in class or unexcused absence. Tests will be taken the first day back after the missed test. Two percent will be deducted from your grade for each unexcused absence. All conduct code rules are strictly adhered to as well.