Welcome to 6th Grade Computer Education at Pizitz Middle School!
Computer at Pizitz is a one-semester course for 6th grade students. One semester will be spent in Ulysses class, and another semester will be spent with one of our four computer teachers. Many students will come to our classes with at least some knowledge and skills for using computers. However, we strive to challenge and to sharpen the skills of everyone, from the novice to the experienced user. We think computer will be a fun course for us all.
TOPICS OF STUDY
--Keyboarding--We focus on correct technique, which when regularly practiced leads to accuracy and greater speed.
--The Computing Cycle--We take a look at how information moves through the computer hardware.
--Technology Ethics--What are some of the big moral issues that students face as technology permeates our lives more and more?
--Researching the WWW--Students will learn to search effectively for information and to evaluate the usefulness of webpages.
--Word Processing--We will master skills of creating and editing basic documents, including columns, inserting pictures, and page settings.
--Databases--How are computer databases useful in everyday life? How can one set up a database? How can one search a database for information?
--Spreadsheets--Students will learn how spreadsheets help us to organize and calculate numeric data, how to use basic formulas, and how to create and analyze charts.
--Presentations--We will finish the semester with a unit on Microsoft PowerPoint, learning to set up presentations complete with music, hyperlinks and animations.
CLASS EXPECTATIONS
We have a "TREATY" in computer class, agreed to and signed by our students and parents. The terms of our "TREATY" include...
1. Treat the room with respect.--Keep it clean!
2. Treat the equipment with respect.--Computers are fragile and expensive, and we all need to use them.
3. Treat the teacher with respect.--Listen with your face and ears when he or she is speaking.
4. Treat each other with respect.--Help each other without doing everything for each other.
5. Treat yourself with respect.--Be ready for class and follow posted instructions everyday!
GRADES
Grades in computer class are based on quizzes and tests, completed handouts, and hands-on computer projects. Homework is rarely given in class and usually is limited to gathering information for in-class projects. Handouts are an easy part of class grades, especially early in the semester. Be sure to complete and to turn them in when posted on the class webpages! Students in computer are encouraged to be responsible by keeping up with posted instructions on webpages and the board and keeping up with their handouts and grade sheets for projects. We have this standard because we believe you can do it!
Test days for our class are Mondays and Thursdays. Keep up with upcoming tests and projects by the webpages.
Bonus points can be earned by bringing current technology articles from the Internet, magazines or the newspaper. 3 points for the article alone, 5 points if the student completes a two-sentence summary of the article.
Below you can visit the class pages of our computer teachers.
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