Woodlawn Beach Middle School
Computer Fundamentals
Class Syllabus
Teacher: Mrs. Kimberly Kayser
Classroom: 142
August 17th, 2015 – June 1st, 2016
“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” ~ Steve Jobs
Section I: Class Guidelines
Materials Required
The following materials will be required every day:
 1 ½” 3-ring binder
 Loose-leaf notebook paper
 Two-pocket folder
 Pen or #2 Pencil
 Student Planner
 8 GB USB Flash drive
 Other materials as needed (highlighters, post-it notes, index cards)
Behavior Expectations
Be a H.E.R.O.! Help Encourage Respect Others
At WBMS, we strive to create an environment that promotes academic excellence and positive behavior. Our
emphasis focuses on this simple philosophy: doing the right thing is its own reward. In the classroom, students are
expected to adhere to H.E.R.O. guidelines and behave accordingly.
In the Computer Fundamentals Classroom, students must be:
 Prompt – arrive on time, turn in assignments accordingly and proceed immediately to your assigned seat
 Prepared – bring all materials and necessary work every day
 Productive – in order to maximize the limited amount of time we have each day, students must stay on
task and follow directions
 Polite – “nice or neutral” is a necessity; teasing, talking back or bullying will NOT be tolerated
 Patient – wait respectfully and do not talk when others are talking
Failure to comply will result in the following consequences:
 Verbal warning
 One-on-one conference with student; in-class referral signed by student
 Referral to administration/phone call home to parents/guardians
Absences
Students will be allowed sufficient time to make up assignments for excused absences. When a student
receives an excused absence, it is the student’s responsibility to check the class calendar or see the
teacher and ask what work is to be made up. As per school policy, students must turn in make-up work
within three days for an excused absence. If a student requires assistance with make-up work, they must
let me know prior to the date the make-up work is due.
Missing/Late Assignment Procedures
As a general rule, I do not accept late work. However, I do understand specific circumstances, which
would result in late assignments. Students may, with permission, turn in missing/late work for ½ credit
(maximum grade of 50%). In order to receive more than ½ credit, they must conference with me
individually.
Assessments
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Regular quizzes on select vocabulary based on selected topics.
Regular quizzes on comprehension skills based on selected topics.
Regular homework will be assigned.
Regular assessments of reading material.
All other performance tasks, such as writing pieces, projects, and presentations will be assessed based on
a rubric. The students will receive a rubric specifically designed for each performance task.
Grade Breakdown
Tests / Quizzes 30%
Projects / Labs 30%
Class Work/Participation 20%
Homework 20%
A general rubric for all assignments is as follows:
Grade
Calculation
A
90 – 100%
B
80 – 89%
C
70 – 79%
D
60 – 69%
F
0 – 59%
Description
Exceeds Expectations:
Legible, Neat, Free of Spelling & Grammatical
Errors. Conclusive. Complete. Relevant.
Meets Expectations:
Mostly legible, mostly neat, few spelling and
grammatical errors. Almost there. Complete.
Relevant.
Approaches Expectations:
Not legible, not neat, spelling and grammatical
errors are obvious. Not complete. Information
is inconclusive.
Below Expectations:
Inconclusive, incomplete, non-existent. None
of the required information is included.
“I didn’t even try!”
Electronic Devices
WBMS has implemented a policy that allows for the use of certain electronic devices in the classroom.
This includes cellular telephones and tablets. Please understand this policy is subject to use on a caseby-case basis. In certain areas of the school, such as hallways, restrooms and locker rooms, the devices
are absolutely prohibited. Students and their parents are advised that these devices are subject to search
and seizure as dictated by the district’s Code of Conduct. Further, students found using the devices in a
manner inconsistent with school and district policy face immediate discipline including suspension and/or
expulsion. When in use, devices must be visible at all times. WBMS and the Santa Rosa County School
District assume no liability for the use of the devices in school. In Room 142, devices will be used
according to a discretionary schedule and purpose.
Teacher Contact
Edmodo: We will use www.edmodo.com as a primary means of web-based communication. Each student will be
provided with instructions (to include an access code) on the first day of school. The website will be updated
frequently. Parents are encouraged to use Edmodo, too! Please review the attached flyer for information and
instructions.
E-mail: kayserk@santarosa.k12.fl.us
Phone: I am available by telephone most days after school until 3:00 p.m. (850) 934-4010 ext. 142
Section II: Class Outline
1st & 2nd 9 Weeks Grading Period
Computer Applications I
Selected Reading:
Informational Text: The History of Computers
Possible Short Story Study: “Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.; “The Veldt” by Ray Bradbury
Skills:
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Basic computer vocabulary
Identify internal and external components of a computer
Identify and describe various computer input devices to include: mouse, keyboard, camera
Identify and describe various computer output devices to include: monitor, printer
Identify and describe peripheral storage devices such as the flash drive and external hard drive
Demonstrate knowledge of different operating systems
Describe and use conventional file naming conventions
Demonstrate proficiency with file management tasks to include:
o Opening a file
o Saving a file
o Printing a file
o Creating a folder
o Backup
o Copy files
o Delete files
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Identify file types by extension; describe and use conventional file naming standards
Keyboarding: correct hand placement, posture
Identify and use appropriate web terminology
Define URLs and associated protocols
Compare and contrast types of internet domains
Demonstrate proficiency using various web tools
Understand the role of web servers and web browsers
Authenticating internet content
Understanding fair use and copyright
Publishing documents online
Understanding spyware
Protecting the computer from viruses
Trends in digital communications
Computer security, safety, ethics and privacy
Tasks:
Sequence of events timeline
Writing piece: Discussion Questions
Charting components
Illustrating Diagrams
Individual Research Project
Cooperative Learning Activity: Class Blog
3rd & 4th 9 Weeks Grading Period
Computer Applications II
Selected Reading:
Informational Text: The History of Computers
Possible Short Story Study: “Marionettes, Inc.” by Ray Bradbury; “Robot Dreams” by Isaac Aismov
Skills:
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Keyboarding: timing, placement/usage
Understand the common functions of an operating system
Operating systems: Windows vs. Mac vs. UNIX
Identifying and understanding the Windows interface
Converting digital files
Basic multimedia software
Develop and apply word processing and document manipulation skills
Managing, formatting and adjusting text
Basic word processing command functions
Recognize and perform keyboard shortcuts for Windows Operating systems and general word processing
software
Develop fundamental spreadsheet skills
Demonstrate an understanding of webpage construction, operation and function
Define basic HTML terminology
Establish an understanding of fundamental computer programming
Define programming and its role in computing
Understand the binary representation of data and programs in computers
Describe basic Boolean concepts
Basic computer maintenance
Proper disposal of electronic devices
Identify the purpose and understand the use of specialized peripheral devices
Devices and options for special-needs individuals
Describe and identify commonly used communications devices: modems, network cards, wireless routers
Develop a disaster recovery plan
Digital video
Digital citizenship
Careers in computing
Computer security, safety, ethics and privacy
Tasks:
Writing piece: Discussion Questions
Charting components
Illustrating Diagrams
Individual Research Project: Tech-centric careers
Cooperative Learning Activity: Class Blog
Section III
Student Instructions for Accessing Edmodo
1. Go to https://santarosa.edmodo.com/
2. Click “I’m a student”.
3. Enter the code given to you in class (this ensures you are put in the
correct group).
4. Create a username and password.
5. Write down your username and password on page 139 in your planner.
6. Enter an email address that you regularly check. If you do not have an
email, you can leave this field blank.
7. Enter your first and last name.
8. Make sure your information is correct and click “sign up”.
9. This will take you to your new profile. You will be able to see any posts
from me on your “wall”.
10. At the top right of your screen, click on “settings”. This is where you
can upload a profile picture, change your email address, or your
password.
11. Look at the box at the top right that says Notifications. This area will
allow you to have updates from me or others in the class be sent to
your email or by text message.
12. Click the down arrow under “Notification Type”. If you have entered an
email address, you will see your email address and “text message”.
13. To have messages sent to your email, click your email address. A box will drop down allowing you to choose
which types of communications to have sent to your email. I recommend selecting all.
14. Click “save notifications”.
15. If you would like to get updates via text message, please consult with your parent or guardian first. Regular text
message rates do apply. Once you and your parent or guardian has agreed to this option, click “text message”
under “Notification Type”. NOTE: You may choose to have class information sent only to your email, only to your
cell phone, or both.
16. Enter your cell phone number, your wireless carrier, and select the types of notifications you would like sent
via text message. Click “save notifications”.
17. A box will pop up tell you that you have been sent a text message with a verification code. When you get it,
enter the code in the box. The next box should say “Phone Verified, Thanks!”. Now updates, messages, etc. will
come straight to your phone.
You have now set up your Edmodo account and will begin to receive information about the class as I send it. Please
take a few minutes to explore your page and look at the following:
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HOME - This takes you back to your “feed” like on Facebook.
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CALENDAR - This is where I will post due dates, etc.
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LIBRARY - This is where you will send and receive document files.
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PROFILE - This is where you can customize your page.