Difference between revisions of "IB ITGS Syllabus"

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* [[globalization and cultural diversity]]

Latest revision as of 14:09, 22 February 2013

Paul Bui
E-mail: BuiEmail.bmp
Phone: 703.228.6200 (ask for the call to be forwarded to Mr. Bui)
Website: http://www.paulbui.net/wl/IB_ITGS

Description

In this course we will study and evaluate the impact of information technology (IT) on individuals and society. We will explore the advantages and disadvantages of using IT on the local level as well as the global. Students will complete a variety of class activities, discussions, and writing assignments to facilitate their understanding of the course material.

Organization

Class time will comprise of lectures, hands-on labs, research, discussion, and writing. The course will be structured such that all assignments, materials, and resources may be found on the course website.

Grades will follow the following guidelines. Please make note of the grading scale because grades will not be rounded up.

Grade Weights
Grade Scale

60%    Labs & Assignments
20%    Tests & Quizzes
10%    Discussion / Participation
10%    Class Performance

A      90 – 100
B+    87 – 89
B      80 – 86
C+    77 – 79
C      70 – 76
D+    67 – 69
D      60 – 66
E      0 – 59

Labs & Assignments

Labs are a fundamental part of this course because they will give students hands-on experience with the following IT systems:

  • Hardware
  • Software
  • Networks
  • Internet
  • Personal and public communications
  • Multimedia/digital media
  • Databases
  • Spreadsheets, modelling and simulations
  • Introduction to project management

At the beginning of the year, students will indicate their experience levels so that we may skip unnecessary labs. All lab assignments will be posted on the course website, along with detailed instructions and due dates. I am available for help during 1st lunch or after school upon request. Labs may also be completed on a home computer.

Throughout the course, we will be researching various IT topics and their social significance, which requires that students be well-read in various IT areas. We will make heavy use of Internet resources, periodicals, and etc. Students will present, discuss, and write responses on each others’ research

Late assignments will be accepted with a grade penalty of 5% each day, after the due date.

Tests & Quizzes

There will be tests and quizzes throughout the year. Makeup quizzes are allowed provided that there is an excused absence. Tests and quizzes will be structured similarly; quizzes however will be shorter in length. Tests will generally be given after the completion of each major unit.

Class Performance

Students are expected to discuss topics and concepts during both whole-class discussions and small group discussions. When we are working on a lab or assignment, students are to stay on task by either working on their assignment, or by assisting another student with their assignment. Tardiness and unexcused absences will take away from class performance.

Academic Integrity

In this course, collaboration among students is encouraged. However, copying another’s work or allowing your work to be copied is not acceptable and is a violation of Washington-Lee’s academic integrity policy. Students will be asked to sign an honor pledge for each lab or major assignment. By signing the pledge, students acknowledge their understanding of the honor policy and that they have not violated that policy in any way. The pledge states either:
"On my honor, I pledge that I have neither given nor received information on this assignment."
or
"On my honor, I pledge that I have given [received] information on this assignment to [from] the following individual(s) …."

Topics

The aforementioned IT systems will be discussed, focusing on the following issues and areas of impact:

Social & Ethical Issues

Areas of Impact

  • Business and employment
  • Education and training
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Home and leisure
  • Politics and government

Textbook & Supplies

The class does *not* have a physical textbook. We will be using a significant number of on-line resources.

Students are recommended (*not required*) to purchase a USB flash drive. They can be used to store work for all classes, and generally cost less than $10.

Students are recommended (*not required*) to bring earphones to class. We will be using on-line video tutorials and sound devices in our programming.

Students are *not* required to have a computer at home; however, they will be expected to be able to access a computer using other means (school, library, etc.).

Lab Schedule

If you wish to schedule time in the lab during lunch or after school, please e-mail or come talk to me.

Expectations

Students are expected to follow the Acceptable Use Policy as well as other school policies

Lab Etiquette

  • Please arrive on time
  • Be mindful of your neighbors’ workspace
  • During lecture time, please take off your headphones and turn off your listening devices
  • During work time (not quiz/test time), you are encouraged to work with others, but DO NOT do their work for them
  • Please do not spin in the chairs or lean too far back or the desks will be marred
  • No food or drink in the lab area
  • Keep the lab clean – no trash!
  • The lab is used by 5 or more classes, so please leave it in the same condition or better when class is over
    • Clean up the workspace
    • Straighten the keyboard and mouse
    • Push in the chairs

Infractions will be followed by warnings, lunch detention, after-school detention, Saturday detention, or by an administrative referral and parent/guardian conference

Agreement Signature

Please sign below and return this page to Mr. Bui to indicate that you have read and understand the course’s policies and expectations.

________________________________
Student’s name (Please print)

________________________________
Student’s signature / date

________________________________
Parent’s/Guardian’s name (Please print)

________________________________
Parent’s/Guardian’s signature / date