Course Syllabus

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Gaming and Applications Elective

Mesa Middle School

Mrs. Charlene Ortega

Room: 206

School: 575.527.9510 Ext. 5318

E-mail: cortega@lcps.net 

Grades: http://parentvue.lcps.k12.nm.us/

Assignments: canvas    

User: lastname+firstname @lcpsmail.org Password: lcps+lunch # (all together)

I keep in contact with parents using the Remind app. Please download the following app and put in this code to receive updates from my class and school announcements. 

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Dear Parents/Guardians,

Your student is currently enrolled in Gaming and Computer Science. Technology Learning is a program that utilizes computers and many other laboratory components in the instructional process. Due to these factors, it is essential that students enrolled in technology learning follow all the classroom expectations.

Please review with your student the syllabus for the course as outlined in the following pages. Your assistance in reviewing and discussing this with your student will be most appreciated.

 

Course Description

The class will focus on:

  1. Designing and programming computer games and robots and learning about computer coding (JavaScript and HTML). 
  2. Students will learn how to use different apple applications to display work, utilize for future work, building on literacy, numeracy and writing skills. 
  3. Students will be learning to work as groups on their projects and assignments.  
  4. Students will be learning about computer science and how to apply it by theory and practice that allows you to program a computer to do what you want it to. As well as using a tool that helps you tell a story or make something happen with technology. Computer science programs that we will use also allows for discipline that emphasizes persistence in problem solving — a skill that is applicable across disciplines, driving job growth and innovation across all sectors of the workforce. Lastly, a skill that teaches students how to use computers to create and build for computer science purposes.

 

This class is for students interested in exploring production techniques associated with gaming, computer science, animation, graphic arts and web design. Students will work in groups and individually to create a portfolio demonstrating their achievements in understanding processes of the technology and media used. The student will become aware of assorted multimedia tools that could be used to enhance future educational or work-related projects and presentations. Oral, written or project evaluations of work will be expected on a regular basis.



Tech Lab Standards and Performance Indicators

To live, learn, and work successfully in an increasingly complex and information rich society, students must use technology effectively. Within a sound educational setting, technology can enable students to become:

 

  1. Creativity and Innovation                           4. Digital Citizenship                 
  2. Communication and Collaboration       5. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making
  3. Research and Information Fluency        6. Technology Operations and Concepts

 

  1. Creativity and Innovation

Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.

  1. Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes
  2. Create original works as a means of personal or group expression
  3. Use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues
  4. Identify trends and forecast possibilities

 

  1. Communication and Collaboration

Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.

  1. Interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media
  2. Communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats
  3. Develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures
  4. Contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems

 

  1. Research and Information Fluency

Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information.

  1. Plan strategies to guide inquiry
  2. Locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media
  3. Evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks
  4. Process data and report results

 

  1. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making

Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources.

  1. Identify and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation
  2. Plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project
  3. Collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions
  4. Use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions

 

  1. Digital Citizenship

Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior.

  1. Advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology
  2. Exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity
  3. Demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning
  4. Exhibit leadership for digital citizenship

 

  1. Technology Operations and Concepts

Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.

  1. Understand and use technology systems
  2. Select and use applications effectively and productively
  3. Troubleshoot systems and applications
  4. Transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies

 

Required Materials

  1. Writing utensil: pencils only
  2. Small composition notebook for usernames and passwords (I will provide index card for all students)
  3. Headphones - Students need headphones to have volume up on computer otherwise it’s too noised. 

 

Tech Lab Grading

  1. Daily Assignments (includes daily quick starts, vocabulary, written assignments, etc..
  2. Class Participation
  3. Projects 
  4. Tests/Quizzes

 

ABSENCES/MAKE-UP WORK

  1. Students who are absent will be allowed to make up their work.  They will be given the same number of days to turn in the assignment as the number of days they were absent.  
  2. It is up to YOU, the student, to ask for make-up work and make arrangements with myself the day you come back to school.  Do not wait several days after you have returned because make-up work WILL NOT be given.
  3. Work turned in within the allotted time will receive full credit.
  4. Any late work will be docked 5% for each day that it is late.  



Classroom Management

“No One Has The Right To Interfere With The Learning Or Safety Of Others.”

 

Additional Class Rules:

  1.  There is a designated area for snacks and water. You may have water bottle or drink as long as it has a lid. You MAY NOT eat at the computer area.
  2.  No misuse of technology. All students will advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology.
  3.  Students and/or Guardians will be held responsible for misuse and mishandling/breaking technology equipment. If a student breaks equipment they will have to pay for the item in full.
  4.  No inappropriate language in the classroom. Use academic language. 
  5.  No destroying hardware of computers or destroying school property. If a student breaks or mishandles hardware they will need to pay for the item in full or use of technology will be terminated. 
  6.  Follow school rules located student handbook.

Additional Zoom rules:

   1. Sit in a quiet spot to minimize distractions and background noises.

   2. Always have yourself on MUTE until it is your turn to speak.

  3. Be on time.

  4. Make sure you are dressed appropriately. 

  5. You must show your face on zoom, so make sure to show video. 

  6. You must be respectful of others when speaking and/or typing in the comments.

  7. Use the "raise hand," button and I will answer your question.

Disciplinary Action

  1.   Verbal Warning (possible no use of technology for the day) online: call home to parents 
  2.   Lunch Detention and/or call home to parents/guardians-----online call home to parents and possibly not being able to use zoom platform if you continue to become disruptive while using zoom. 

*For every day a student misses for lunch detention, it adds on an extra day.

  1.   Call home to parents/guardians (possible no use of technology)
  2.   Referral to principal 
  3. After 3 tardies it is mandatory lunch detention.

 

 

Gaming and Applications Elective Signature Pages

Click here to sign the syllabus electronically

 

Parents: Please sign and return this bottom section to indicate that you have seen and understand the Tech Syllabus.

 

Student:______________________________Student Signature ___________________________Date:_________ Parent:_______________________________Parent Signature_____________________________Date:_________

Parent email address:______________________________________ 

Parent Contact number(s):_____________________________________

 

Please add any additional information you feel I should know about your child that is pertinent to your child’s learning and environment. 

 

Movie Permission Slip

At times throughout the school year we will be using movie clips in class to supplement lessons on coding, cyber bullying and or technology evolution. These movies have the possibility of having a rating of PG or PG-13. District regulations require teachers to have parental permission to show any movies rated over G in class. By signing this portion you will or will not allow your student to watch a movie with the above rating. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I will send home a note before we show any clip or movie that is PG-13.

  

Please check one: 

_____ I give my child, _________________, permission to watch PG/PG-13 rated movies in class. All movies are academically related and are clips. If we watch a full movie a note will be sent home to notify you before we watch it. 

  

_____ I do NOT give my child, _________________, permission to watch PG/PG-13 rated movies in class.

  

__________________________________________                     _________________

Parent Signature                                                           Date

ACCEPTABLE INTERNET USE

User

I understand and will abide by the Las Cruces Public Schools’ Acceptable Use Policy. I further understand that any violation of these terms and conditions is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked, school disciplinary action may be taken and/or appropriate legal action. 

 

User Signature ________________________________________________________________________

 

Parent or Guardian (required for any user under the age of 18)

I have read the Las Cruces Public Schools’ Acceptable Use Policy. I understand that access to the Internet and other technology resources is designed for educational purposes. The Las Cruces Public Schools has taken precautions to eliminate access to controversial material; however, I also recognize it is impossible for LCPS to restrict access to all controversial materials and I will not hold them responsible for materials acquired over the network. Further, I accept full responsibility for supervision if and when my child’s use 

is not in a school setting. I hereby give permission to allow my student access to the Internet at school and certify that the information contained in the form is correct.

 

Parent or Guardian’s Signature ___________________________________________________________

 

WEB PAGE DEVELOPMENT:

As the parent or guardian of this student, I have read the LCPS Acceptable Use Policy and understand that access to electronic information resources is designed for educational purposes. I agree to allow my student’s work and/or photograph to be published on the school web page and or schools newsletter. 

I hereby give my permission to allow my child to construct Inter web page content and/or have his/her work included in a web page. I understand that if my child’s work is published on the Internet, it will be accessible worldwide. I also understand that is it impossible for the Las Cruces Public Schools to restrict access to all controversial materials. 

 

Parent or Legal Guardian Name (print): ____________________________________________________

 

Signature: __________________________________________________________ Date: _____________

 

Name of Student (print): ________________________________________________________________

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due