Syllabus

The Rice School – Technology Applications
Course Syllabus 

Technology Applications
Mr. Brian Richardson – Instructor

Course Description

The Technology Applications Course taught by Mr. Richardson at The Rice School educates students in the fundamentals of practical computer usage. It also equips students with basic knowledge in hardware and software applications.  Upon course completion, the student will be able to perform expertly in a variety of rudimentary tasks in high school, college, and their professional and business careers.

Course Goals:

1. Graduate class with fundamentals of working with a Microsoft Windows Operating System. (Windows 98 Second Ed.)
2. Gain confidence and reduce fear of working with computers.
3. Learn about managing files/folders and storage devices –which will put you way ahead of the curve in your ability to manipulate information on the computer.
4. Learn about different hardware peripherals that can be used in conjunction with computers. (Scanners, CD-Burners, Flash Drives, Digital Cameras, etc.)
5. Gain skills in a Microsoft Office product that they can take with them into High School, College, the workforce, and their own business.
6. Empower students in creating their own web pages with HTML and without the use of expensive Web Design software. (Note: Even if the student graduates to using web design software, the student will realize that a fundamental knowledge of HTML can only assist and enhance their learning curve.)

Class Materials

1. Cardboard notebook with folder pockets and 3-prong binder clips –filled with paper and divided into sections.
2. Pen, pencil, and paper. (Make sure you bring your notebook to class everyday!!)

Student Evaluation:

Quizzes/Tests                                      40%

Classroom Participation                       30%

Projects                                              20%

“Growth-Work”                                 10%

Total                                                  100%

Additional Notes:

1. Progress reports will be given at the halfway point of the report card grading period.
2. Possibilities for extra credit work (resulting in extra points on quizzes) will periodically occur throughout the school year.
3. Do NOT ask me about free internet time! The less you ask, the more I will probably give you –and vice-versa.
4. Everybody is in here to learn as much as possible and become better at the use of the computer than the day before. Under no circumstances are you to ridicule, scornfully laugh at other students or become arrogant at any time due to you knowing more than another student about a particular subject –or for anything in this classroom. (Please read the first sentence for #4 again.)
5. As soon as you walk into the classroom, start the sponge activity! (Mr. Richardson loves repetition! If you see a problem on the board that was similar to a previous one, do it! (Challenge yourself! See how fast you can do it!) It will be counted as part of your classroom participation grade –which makes up 30% !
6. Mr. Richardson’s home telephone number: (Given to students in class!)   (If the student has any questions or concerns that are related to the information taught in technology applications, the student can call during the evening and on weekends for assistance.              

Brian Richardson
Technology Applications
Instructor