INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SURVEY

Course Description

Technology Survey is an introductory computer class where the student will learn the alphabetic keyboard and the 10-key pad by touch, obtain a basic understanding and knowledge of Windows, MS Word, Excel, Publisher and PowerPoint. The student will be able to demonstrate the proper format for business letters, memos, reports, and tables. An employment unit where the student creates a personal resume, letter of application (cover letter) and a sample job application form is a required part of this course. This course is intended for students who wish to obtain an introduction to computers, plus it counts as an occupational class. It is a one-semester course earning 0.5 credits. For Burlington-Edison High School students it meets the graduation requirement for Info. Tech. Survey.

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Formula for Success

The first objective of this course is for the student to learn to touch type (without looking at the keyboard and to do so with speed and accuracy. Your success at accomplishing this depends on the following:

• Daily practice-at least one hour a day
• Willingness to key and practice without looking at the keys (covering your keys with paper if it is needed)
• Willingness to use the proper fingering and to change and/or correct the way you are currently doing things if you have learned bad habits
• Remember that only through hard work can you learn to keyboard properly
• The old "saying practice makes perfect" really applies to this course
• Use a positive attitude and tell yourself you can learn this skill
• Learning to keyboard successfully is accomplished through repetition and not by doing things just once

MicroType Pro

You will need to obtain a copy of MicroType Pro to complete this course. You may purchase it over the Internet at http://www.amazon.com or contact Mr. Curl to obtain a "school-owned" copy for use only while taking this course.

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Units of Study

Students will complete the following units as assigned by the instructor. Please contact the Skagit Net School Supervisor to access logon information. You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer in order to access these Units.

• To complete a minimum of one lesson per week in order to complete all 8 units (18 lessons), plus the final project, in a period of time equivalent to one semester.
• To complete four or five lessons per week in order to complete all 7 units (18 lessons), plus the final project, in a period of 4-5 weeks.

• Students are expected to do their own work and follow instructions
• Students are expected to meet with the teacher once a week to discuss lessons, take quizzes or tests, or to demonstrate skills learned during weekly lesson, plus learn the new skills required to complete the lesson for the following week.
• Students are expected to keep track of the assignments they have completed by using the lesson checklist
• Students must keep a folder or notebook and place assignments in numerical order.
• Students are expected to read all information necessary to complete assignments. This could be on an Internet site, tutorial, or help.
• Student is required to e-mail the teacher daily. This e-mail should outline what the student accomplished for that day. Things to include may be the time spent on practice, lessons worked or completed, and skills learned.
• Student is expected to practice at least 10 minutes a day on keyboarding skill builder section once the alphabetic keyboarding lessons are completed.

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