Introduction to Computer Technology McQuaid Jesuit HS

Mr. John Maxwell 256-6131 Computer Office

2003-2004 jmaxwell@mcquaid.org

Texts: 1^st Sem: Morrison, Office 2000 BASICS, SouthWestern Publishing

2^nd Sem: Thompson, Visual Basic FUNdamentals, Computer Literacy Press

Grading: Unit Exams 70% (written and production)

Projects 30% (due by date given for end of lesson)

This class combines the Introduction to Computer Applications and Fundamentals of Visual Basic Programming ½ credit courses. All high school graduates should possess a general knowledge of common applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation programs. An ideal applicant for college would have some additional exposure to a programming language. This course instructs using the MS Office Professional Productivity suite and MS Visual Basic to produce technologically competent graduates. This practical course features lots of hands-on labs and unit testing.

Many students find this combination refreshing and are encouraged to continue on to a more rigorous introductory programming course upon the completion of this course.

Outcomes and Means:

Development of basic computer skills will be evidenced through hands-on projects.

Students will be able to create and work with word processing documents such as letters, reports, memos and newsletters.

Students will be able to create and work with electronic spreadsheets in order to gather, organize, and summarize text and numeric data, perform calculations, and display results graphically.

Students will be able to create and work with visually appealing onscreen presentations in order to support or enhance information that is to be presented.

Students will use word processing and web authoring software to create a basic web site fit for publishing to the web.

Students will demonstrate mastery of the generalized and Visual Basic specific programming constructs through the completion of reading and homework exercises.

Development of logic and problem solving skills as well as the application of basic programming techniques will be evidenced through hands-on projects.

Students will evidence skill in both programming and problem solving by the successful completion of original written problems on tests and quizzes.

The development and understanding of a "professional" program writing style will be accomplished via the interpretation of classroom programs modeled by the teacher, case studies and other examples from the text.

A View of the Curriculum

From the Office 2000 text, we cover:

Week 1: Hardware /Software and History/Generations of Computers

Sept : UNIT 2: Microsoft Word

Lesson 1 Projects: 1-1 to 1-2 and Web Project p.31-32

Lesson 2 Projects: 2-1 to 2-2 and Web Project p.45-47

Lesson 3 Projects: 3-1 to 3-2 and Web Project p.62-66

Lesson 4 Projects: 4-1 to 4-2 and Web Project p.81-82

Lesson 5 Projects: 5-1 to 5-3 (Web Proj is xcr) p.96-98

Lesson 6 Projects: 6-1 to 6-3 (Web Proj is xcr) p.114-115

Lesson 7 Projects: 7-1 to 7-2 (7-3 & Web Proj is xcr) p.132-133

Review Questions: p.139

5 Cross-Curricular Projects: p. 140

4 Unit Projects p. 140-143

3 Simulations p.144-146

Sept-Oct: UNIT 5: Excel

Lesson 1 Projects: 1-1 to 1-2 p.262-263

Lesson 2 Projects: 2-1 to 2-2 p.278-280

Lesson 3 Projects: 3-1 to 3-2 p.292-293

Lesson 4 Projects: 4-1 to 4-2 p306-307

Lesson 5 Projects: 5-1 to 5-2 p.323-324

Review Questions p.329-330

4 Cross-Curricular Projects p.330-331

4 Unit Projects: p.331-334

3 Simulations: .334-336

Oct-Nov. UNIT 3: Publisher /FrontPage

Lesson 1 Projects: 1-1 to 1-2 p.164-166

Lesson 2 Projects: 2-1 to 2-2 p.183-184

Review Questions: p. 188-189

5 Cross-Curricular Projects: p.189-190

3 Unit Projects: p. 190-192

2 Simulations: p.192-194

Nov.-Dec. UNIT 4: PowerPoint

Lesson 1 Projects: 1-1 to 1-2 p.208-109 (Web Proj is xcr)

Lesson 2 Projects: 2-1 to 2-2 p.221-222

Lesson 3 Projects: 3-1 to 3-2 p.237-238

Review Questions p.242-243

4 Cross-Curricular Projects p.243

2 Unit Projects: p.244-245

2 Simulations: p.245-246

Jan: UNIT 6: Access

Lesson 1 Projects: 1-1 to 1-2 p.351-353

Lesson 2 Projects: 2-1 to 2-2 p.368-369

Lesson 3 Projects: 3-1 to 3-2 p.385-386

Review Questions p.389-390

4 Cross-Curricular Projects p.390-391

4 Unit Projects: p.391-394

3 Simulations: p.394-397

In the Visual Basic portion of the class, we cover:

January	Chapter 1	Course introduction, history of computers and programming, introduction to the IDE.
Jan-Feb	Chapter 2	Basic Interactive Development Environment, Explanation of objects and properties.
Feb.	Chapter 3	Variables, functions (built-in), and assignment statements.
Feb.-Mar.	Chapter 4	Strings & String handling (Mid, Len, InStr etc)
Mar-Apr	Chapter 5	Decision Making- logical expressions and IF statements. Complex & compound IF Statements and Select Case
Apr.	Chapter 6	Loops-For Next Loops-Do While and Do Until
Apr.-May	Chapter 7	Arrays-Control and Variable
May	Chapter 8	Sequential files User defined types and random access files

MATERIALS: A pocket folder to keep paperwork organized is required. Textbooks will be provided for the first semester only. Students need to bring these to class each day.

GRADE CALCULATION: The student’s Average for each Marking Period will be based on the Total number of points earned. See the outline for detailed grading information. The Semester average will be based on the average of the two marking periods. The Final Average for the year will be based on 40% of 1^st Semester + 60% of 2^nd Semester.

CLASS EXPECTATIONS:I expect each student to stay organized and up-to-date with all class work. Be aware of due dates and test dates so that you can better manage your work/study time.

· Be on time and prepared for Class – Organize and Manage your time well. If you are late, you will be required to get a pass. Bring all necessary supplies( notebook, agenda, pen, pencil, homework done).

· Keep your notebook and agenda organized and up to date.

· Keep your network folder and work secure. Keep your password to yourself.

· Be respectful of others. Respect governs all. (think before you act)

· I expect your full attention, be an active listener .Be ready to ask and answer questions.

Participate well. Be a positive contributor to the class.

· Music or game CDs / players/devices are not allowed in the lab during class time.

· There will be no food or drink in the classroom (lab). This includes candy/gum chewing.

· Do not change the appearance of anything in the classroom. If you have a problem with the hardware or software, let me know. Do not attempt to correct the problem yourself unless I have given you the “OK”.

ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY: McQuaid places a high value on the integrity of its students. Each student is solely responsible for his own work or contribution to a group project. If a student has been involved in cheating on any graded work, the student will receive a grade of zero for that work. The academic principal and parents/guardians will be notified. Additionally, Each student is required to sign and abide by the Rules and Code of Ethics Agreement for Internet use in the lab.

ABSENTEE POLICY: If you are absent from a class(es), you will be required to get any handouts/ notes, and make up any missed work (assignments, tests). Be sure to see me upon return to school whether you have class with me that day or not. Plan to see me ahead of time whenever possible. If you have another school commitment (music lesson), you need to come to class first to see me before the period begins.