INTRODUCTION

TO

Name: ___________________
-LEVEL1

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

Kathleen McDaniel
kathy.mcdaniel@barrow.k12.ga.us

SYLLABUS
PATHWAY:
Information Technology
SOFTWARE:
Because of the broad scope of the class various software programs will be used including Alice, Jeroo, HTML, notepad,
Office 2010 Suite and Weebly.
TEXTBOOK:
Computer Science Unplugged by Tim Bell, Ian H. Witten and Mike Fellows, December 2006, online resources and teacher
created material.
MATERIALS NEEDED:
One ream (500 sheets) of computer paper and a pen (or pencil). Periodically, students will need headphones/ear buds to view
interactive materials on the Internet. Students will need 1 poster board and 1 shoebox for projects to be completed in class. A
USB drive is recommended but not required. To reduce the transmission of germs and improve student attendance, a donation
of hand sanitizer or tissues would be greatly appreciated.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The goal of this course is to provide all students with an introduction to the principles of computer science and its place in the
modern world. This course is designed for high school students to understand, communicate, and adapt to a digital world as it
impacts their personal life, society, and the business world. Exposure to foundational knowledge in hardware, software,
programming, web design, IT support, and networks are all taught in a computer lab with hands-on activities and projectfocused tasks. Students will not only understand the concepts, but apply their knowledge to situations and defend their
actions/decisions/choices through the knowledge and skills acquired in this course. This course should also help students to
use computers effectively in their lives, thus providing a foundation for successfully integrating their own interests and
careers with the resources of a technological society. In this course, high school students can acquire a fundamental
understanding of the operation of computers and computer networks and create useful programs implementing simple
algorithms. By developing Web pages that include images, sound, and text, they can acquire a working understanding of the
Internet, common formats for data transmission, and some insights into the design of the human-computer interface.
Exposure to career possibilities and discussion of ethical issues relating to computers should also be important threads in this
course.
Grading Policy
Daily Work
Worksheets, production,
demonstration,
Journal
Tests
Projects, Portfolio pieces
Midterm
Final Exam

30%
5%
35%
10%
20%

Final Exam Exemption

90 100 average in the class
No more than 3 absences
No administrative referrals including but not limited to
the following: ISS, OSS, or alternative school
No referral for academic dishonesty
No tardy referral in the class exempting
A student may exempt the final in this course if
you have at least a 90 class average with 5 or
fewer absences. All students must take the SLO

Grading System - Students will receive numerical grades in all interdisciplinary classes. Current grading scale:
A = 100-90
B = 89-80
C = 79-70
F = Below 70

EXEMPTION INFORMATION:
There will be a mid-term exam valued at 10% of the grade and a final exam valued at 20% of the final grade. Only the final
exam may be exempted. Exemption status is based on administrative guidelines as noted in the student agenda. Work at home
is discouraged. A student may exempt his/her final in the capstone CTAE course if the student passes the End of Pathway
Assessment and has a 70 class average and 5 or fewer absences.
END-OF-PATHWAY ASSESSMENT:
After completing the three courses in a pathway, students will be prepared to take an End-of-Pathway exam to certify
knowledge, skill and understanding. This mandate for end of pathway assessment, set forth in the new Perkins IV
Legislation, requires states to implement a mechanism to ascertain the level of the technical skill attainment on behalf of its
CTAE students. There are two pathways students may choose to complete in the Information Technology section. When
students have completed Computer Programming, Apps, & Game Design Pathway students can take the Microsoft
Technology Associate (MTA): Software Development Fundamentals. When students complete the Web & Digital Design
Pathway they can take the CIW Site Development Associate EOPA.

INTERNET USAGE IN CLASS SETTING:

In order to enhance student learning, students will use the Internet as a resource tool. Barrow County Schools has a
published policy on student use of the Internet. While in a business and computer science lab, students will comply
with all county guidelines. Failure to follow county mandated guidelines would result in punishment that ranges from
loss of privileges to administrative referral. All students and parents are required to sign acknowledgement of Internet
guidelines prior to a student using the Internet.
CAREERS: Some career opportunities related to the standards reviewed in this class include: database administrator,
software engineer, computer support specialist, network systems and data communications analyst, webpage designer,
network and computer administrator, computer programmer, game designer, technical writer, hardware engineer,
computer sales and repair.

By signing below, I am indicating I agree to follow the guidelines as stated including the Internet and classroom
policies listed in the student handbook. I acknowledge that this is a lab class and understand the students will be
working with power equipment. Students will complete paper-pencil tests and computer-based tests along with surveys
related to course content. Parents are encouraged to access their childs grades and attendance daily via parent-portal
a website supported by Barrow County Schools. See Barrow County school website for paperwork.

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PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE

_____________________________
STUDENT SIGNATURE

_____________________________
PARENT/GUARDIAN EMAIL

_____________________________
PARENT/GUARDIAN DAYTIME PHONE

Students are REQUIRED to return the course syllabus with a student signature and parent signature.
Barrow County School System is an Equal Opportunity Educator/Employer with established policies prohibiting
discrimination on the basis of age, race, creed, religion, color, sex, national origin, disability or handicap, sexual
orientation, or political affiliation in an educational program, activity, or employment in the district and provides
equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.
Our goal at Winder Barrow High School is to promote the academic success of each student. Students are expected to take
advantage of all opportunities for success, which are made available to them by all teachers.
Items on this syllabus are subject to change without proper notification.