DIGITAL ARTS & COMPUTER LITERACY
This course is a broad introduction to the use of computers as tools for creativity, communications and organizing information. We do not assume that you have any previous computer experience, but even those students who are already advanced computer users will find activities to challenge them. In addition to learning the technical fundamentals of computer use, we hope to help you build your skills in researching information, making appropriate ethical choices about the use of computers, and using technology to help you learn on your own and pass your new skills on to others. The role of the computer as a communications tool will be central to this course. We expect that much of the interaction between students and teachers over your next four years at Xavier will be conducted through electronic mail and other network communications technologies. All students will be given user accounts on Xavier's multi-user computers, as well as some space to edit and organize your electronic communications. We will also emphasize the use of the Internet as a tool for finding information and communicating with your peers worldwide, and word processing, presentation software, photography, image editing and video production to organize and communicate your ideas.
Much of your grade will depend on how well you work together and interact with the teachers and other students in this course. Those who already have some computer skills at the beginning of the year are expected to help the teachers by passing on their knowledge to the other students. There's nothing like having to teach a subject to someone else to help you learn it yourself! We want every student to work on developing the ability to teach each other and cooperate in the kind of team environment that is necessary in all real-world technology projects.
During this summer, we will cover the following major topic areas:
· Apple Macintosh and Windows personal computers and operating systems
· Ethical and responsible use of computer technology
· Technology the Xavier Way! Google Docs, XavierGators email
· Creating online and paper publications and graphics using computers
· Practical use of information technology to assist you in other coursework
· Microsoft Word and PowerPoint as tools for writing, analyzing and presenting information
· Creating Web Pages and using spreadsheets to manipulate and display data
· Using the Internet for communications, research and entertainment
· Traditional and nontraditional ways to find and share information
· Creating, editing and sharing digital images and video
· Creating and sharing enhanced podcasts
There are two Mac labs with the latest Apple computers (VPC 100 A & VPC 100 B) and two Windows labs (VPC 101 & 102).
Rules for the use of the labs are posted in each room. You are responsible for following them, as well as the terms of the Xavier College Preparatory Computer Usage Agreement.
8:30 AM -
12:30
June 1 - 24, 2011
Computer Labs
|
Week |
Topic |
Teacher |
|
|
June 1-3 - VPC 102 |
Introduction to Technology at Xavier |
Mrs. Wyman |
cwyman@xcp.org |
|
June 6-10 - VPC 10O A |
PowerPoint, Photo Booth, and SketchPad |
Mrs. Gibbons |
sgibbons@xcp.org |
|
June 13-17 - VPC 102 |
Introduction to Web Pages and using Excel to display data graphically |
Mr. Beringer |
jberinger@xcp.org |
|
June 20-24 - VPC 100 B |
Introduction to Digital Photography, Podcasting, Digital Storytelling |
Ms. McMahon Ward |
fmcmahonward@xcp.org |
There is no required text for this course.
Each week will count towards 25% of your final grade.
Grade Percent:
A 90-100%
(A+ = 97 -100) (A- = 90 - 92)
B
80-89% (B+ = 87 - 89) (B- = 80 - 82)
C
70-79% (C+ = 77 - 79) (C- = 70 - 72)
D
60-69% (D+ = 67 - 69) (D- = 60 - 62)
F Below 60%
Credit is
awarded to high school students, therefore attendance is critical. One
day absence for illness only is allowed for Digital Arts. Thereafter a student
will be withdrawn from the class and no credit or refund will be given. Time
missed for absences must be made up. Students will not be excused from class
for travel, workshops, student conventions or to participate in sports camps.
Summer School is offered as a service to Xavier students. A few students are
required to take summer school but most students who enroll elect to do so. All
students in summer school must comply with the Attendance Policy. Failure to do
so will result in a significant lowering of grades and a possible loss of
credit and/or disenrollment.
In the event of an absence because of illness, the student’s parent or guardian
must call the attendance office by 7:45 a.m. and speak with attendance
personnel. Voice mail messages will not be accepted. The parent or guardian is
also asked to write an excuse note for the absence and the student is required
to present this note to the attendance office prior to going to class on the
day she returns to school.
Limited summer staff prohibits contacting parents regarding student absences.
No one may leave campus for illness without checking with office personnel.
Excessive tardies will constitute an absence.
Each student is to be in class, seated and prepared to begin class at the
designated time for the course. A student who arrives at school anytime after
the start of class is to have an excuse note signed by a parent or guardian and
take it to the attendance office before going to class.
A student who is tardy will be required to serve a detention with Sister Joan
Nuckols after school on that day or the following day. The amount of time
served will be double the time missed because of tardiness.
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