Introduction to Technology

Welcome

Welcome to technology here at Surprise Lake Middle School (SLMS). The main goal of this class is to have fun while learning how to use computers as a tool to assist with Learning. To accomplish this goal we will be working on four skills. The four skills that we will be working on are:

1. Typing skills
2. Internet search skills
3. MS word Skills
4. Presentation skills

These skills will help you in completing the final research project on repetitive strain injuries as well as with your continued learning here at and beyond SLMS.

Expectations

As stated above the number one goal in this class is to have fun. To help us meet this goal there are several expectations for this class. Meeting the following expectations will help you, the rest of the class, and I have fun.

Expectations:

• Come to class everyday and on time
• No Food or Drink is allowed in the lab
• Complete work on time
• Enter and exit with a healthy attitude

If you meet the above expectations there is no limit as to the success you can have in my class and other classes here at SLMS.

Assignments, Grading, Homework, Late work, etc.

The majority of assignments will need to be done and completed in class. To assist you with this you will be given ample time to work on and complete assignments during class time. If more time is needed to complete assignments arrangements can be made with me to come in before or after school to come in and work. Major Assignments will be listed on my website: www.fifeschools.com/slms/SLMSstaffpages/jgarrett/Mr.GarrettsHomepage.htm

Assignment details including grading criteria and expectations will be included in descriptions.

Assignments, Homework & Late work Policy

Homework and Assignments are due on the date specified by the teacher. Since the majority of the work needs to be done on thecomputers in the class, late work will be accepted up until the Monday before the end of the trimester. At this time all late work not turned in will be counted as a Zero for the trimester.

Grading Policy

Grading for this class will be done on a standard grading scale, listed below. Grading percentages will be determined by in two ways. The main grade will be derived from point values from completed assignments. The second part of the grade will be based on improvement in the area of typing ability. To show improvement in typing ability you will be measured in two areas. One area is typing position and the second is errors on typing tests. You can earn up to four points a day for displaying proper typing position (wrists up, back straight, fingers returning to home row keys, feet out in front). Errors made on typing tests will count against your overall grade. The goal on the typing portion of this class is the emphasis on using proper typing position and reducing errors while typing.

Grading Scale :

Pluses and minuses will be given

Typing practice & Typing Tests

Typing will be practiced using the program TypingPal Online . This program is a self paced program that gives students feedback on their speed and errors. It also allows me to track student progress. Time is given in class to complete the typing program; however students can work at home on their typing lessons by going to the following address, school.typingpal.com. Grades are given in class for using proper typing position as well as for keeping their errors percentage down. Grades for errors are based on the following scale:

0-10 percent errors 20 pts

11-20 percent errors 15 pts

21-30 percent errors 10 pts

31-40 percent errors 5 pts

41-100 percent errors 0 pts

Grades for typing position are based on one point for each aspect of proper typing position displayed, Sitting up straight, Feet out in front of them, Fingers on right keys, Wrists up, this makes for a total of four points a day students can earn on typing position.

Extra Credit

Extra credit will be included in assignments as work that can be done above and beyond what is required. Individualized extra credit can be earned in the following two ways. One is to bring in a box of tissue for classroom use. Each box brought in, max two, will count as 25 points of extra credit. The other way is to bring in unsharpened pencils for 5 points of extra credit each.

Teacher Contact info

Listed below is my contact information. The preferred method is via email as I check it several times a day. I usually get to school at 7am and am around most days until 4:30pm .

E-Mail Address jgarrett@fife.k12.wa.us

Phone: 253-515-1300

I use an email list to send out reminders of what we are doing in class as well as heads up as to what might be coming down the road. In order to build this list I will need a few things from you, these things are listed below:

Student name: ___________________________________________________________

Parent name:_____________________________________________________________

Email address: ___________________________________________________________

Preferred contact numbers & times:

Daytime: _____________________

Evening: _____________________

Time(s): _________________________________________

Preferred method of contact: ____ email ____ phone

Please fill in the above information to help me in contacting you this is a 10 point assignment for them if this is brought back filled out and signed.

Parent Signature: _______________________________ Date: _________________