COURSE SYLLABUS - Applied Technology Center

Lab Work:A lab project will be assigned almost every class period. In an effort to be more“green” I will be grading the assignments from the computer or from CD unless itis a special project. Each project will be graded but unless there are major errorsor omissions the CD will remain in possession of the instructor until the end of thesemester.Projects:As your student’s skill level builds there will be assigned projects that are inaddition to the learning manual. These projects will allow our student toincorporate their own design skills into the work using the assigned software.ResearchDuring the semester the class will be assigned a research project to help themlearn more about the job opportunities in the field of Digital Art and Design. Thiswill be in the form of library / internet research and written and oral presentation.FINAL EXAM:The final exam will be comprehensive and entirely project-based. It will be givento the student allowing ample time for successful completion and will showcasethe skills learned during the semester.GENERAL:Your recorded grades will be available for your review on a regular basis. Doremember to keep the electronic files of all projects turned in for grading in yourdocuments folder so that any discrepancies can be easily and fairly straightenedout. Students not having their computer files have no basis for grading disputes.Except in cases of actual error, final grades are permanent.The last day to request a change of class is within five days of its beginninghowever this is only possible if spaces are available in the requested class.Final "I" grades will not be permitted except in cases of prolonged, continuous,and excused absences in the latter half of the course. Under no circumstanceswill an "I" grade be given when more than half of the coursework has not beencompleted.The instructor is available for meetings with students and/or parents when anappointment is made.G. CLASSROOM RULES OF CONDUCT1. No computer work is permitted during lecture periods.2. Food and beverages are not permitted in the classroom. This includeswater bottles, drinks, candy, crackers, etc. whether opened or not. Anydrinks or food brought into the classroom will be placed in the trashunless they are properly stored in a book bag or lunchbox..3. Class lab time is expected to be spent in lab work. Lab time is not freetime. Attendance and concerted work on assignments are required.4. Absolutely no cell phones, iPods, etc. are to be seen or heard duringclass time or between classes.5. Students are not to talk during lab time unless they are addressing theinstructor or have been assigned a project that requires teamwork.

instructor or have been assigned a project that requires teamwork.6. Students should come to class with clean hands and are expected tomaintain a clean work area. Cleaning supplies for the computers anddesktops are available in the lab at all times. No trash should be left onthe desk area or the floor. Trash receptacles are provided at the entry tothe lab and at the Instructor’s desk. Students are expected to beresponsible for keeping a clean and orderly lab.7. Students are responsible for personal items and should not leaveportfolios, printed assignments or additional items in the classroomunless they are directed to. Instructor is not responsible for items left inthe classroom.8. Following School District Policy, no hats of any type are allowed in thehalls for male or female students so please store you hat before enteringthe building. Students not following this rule will have a warning and thentheir hat will be held by the instructor for a parent to come and pick up ata later date.9. All district policies are enforced in the classroom.10. NO musical CDs or electronic games are allowed in the classroom unlessthey are a part of a specific assignment. Students bringing these items toclass will be asked to turn them in to the instructor.11. All students must sign a computer agreement and abide by the rules. NOphysical or visible changes should be made to the computer, the softwareor the computer system and its preferences. Students making changeson their computer or in the classroom lab area will be warned, thenpunished accordingly. This includes moving “mice” from one computer toanother, changing desktop scenes, moving chairs, moving softwareicons,etc.12. Students are to store their book bags or other items on the wire racks tothe left of the door upon entering the classroom. Personal items such aspocketbooks, purses and/or wallets should be kept in a secure positionwith the student at all times. Book bags and other belongings should bestored on the rack until the bell dismisses class. DO NOT BLOCK THECLASSROOM DOOR BY PLACING YOUR BOOKBAG ON THEFLOOR!13. Classes last for 90 minutes. Students are expected to use the timebetween classes to use the restroom and take care of personal needs.No students should comb their hair, check makeup, reapplymakeup, etc. while in the classroom. Loose hairs are difficult to controlin our “open” keyboards and on our computer counters. Personal hygieneshould be taken care of before or after class. In an effort to control germs,students are asked to use the hand cleaner outside of the classroomdoor before entering class. In the event there are complaints concerninghygiene issues, parents will be contacted for their support, however onlyin an emergency situation should a student need to “be excused” duringclass.14. ALL STUDENTS should be in the assigned area or seat when the bellrings in order for class to be dismissed. No one will be dismissed until allare in their proper seats.STUDENT/CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR:Students choosing not to follow class rules will be disciplined in thefollowing manner:1. Verbal warning from instructor for first&/or second event2. Classroom discipline and/or possible parent involvement3. Guidance/Office referral and/or parent contacted4. Parent conference - either by phone or in person at the ATCThe exception to these steps is when the disruption is of hazard to ourclassroom or another student or it prevents students from being able to

classroom or another student or it prevents students from being able towork in class. In this event, the immediate result will be an office referralH. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES1. Evacuation procedures -- see instructions posted in the classroom for fireor emergency procedures2. First aid kit is located with the instructor. Students requiring minor first aidassistance will be helped in the classroom. The main office is theresource for additional medical needs..I. YOUR IDEAS, EVALUATIONS, ETC.In general, your ideas, comments, suggestions, questions, grade challenges, etc.are welcome. Your discretion in these matters is expected, however. ProgressReports and/or grading updates are to be kept private and should not bediscussed with classmates. If there is a need for discussion please see theinstructor.You are encouraged to make an appointment for a parent/student/instructorconference if there are issues that need to be addressed concerning grades,conduct, class work, etc . The most efficient way to reach Mr. Valk is via e-mail:cvalk@rock-hill.k12.sc.us (please put your student’s name in the subject area) orby phone: 803-981-1100. If you call during class time please leave a messageand you will be contacted at the earliest time possible.J. SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCCESSRemember that this is an “introduction course” and the skills that we will beworking with should be relatively new to the student. In this day and time thereare more and more students that have a solid background in computer topics andtherefore each class always has students ranging from beginners level tostudents that have excellent foundations and find the skills taught to be easier tounderstand. Students will work at different speeds and therefore there are“catchup” lab days incorporated into the class schedule. Students that are aheadof the due dates will be given additional work to further their knowledge. NOSTUDENT is to “have nothing to do” at any point of the semester. If you find youare ahead please be certain that the instructor is aware that you are ready foradditional opportunities.IN CLOSING:The Applied Technology Center has an open-door policy and welcomesparents and guardians into our classrooms to observe the studentsworking. Please feel free to check in at the front office and you will bedirected to class. We are going to have a great semester and hopethat you will take an active part in seeing what your student islearning. If there are any questions please feel free to contact me. Ilook forward to meeting you at our Open House.