Purpose:

In this class, we will study computing, reading and writing as they are used in the workplace. I will not be teaching these skills as discrete units to be practiced for the most part in isolation. They will be integrated in our work throughout the term. Expect to be computing, reading and writing each day. With my guidance and encouragement, you will see that computing, reading and writing are neither magical nor enigmatic but skills which you can learn with patience and practice. The area of computing in the workplace will comprise the main thrust of this class. We will be learning and practicing word processing and presentation skills during the fall. In the spring, we will be studying web design, spreadsheet and organizational skills. Projects of various sorts will be assigned periodically throughout. At least one day each week, we will be working in the TeenBiz computerized reading program in order to hone skills in comprehension monitoring and critical analysis. By the end of the term, you can expect to increase your Lexile scores by at least one full grade level.

We will approach writing as a process with particular emphasis on planning and pre-writing activities. The end products will usually take the form of short essays which should not exceed three double-spaced pages in length. It is my hope that with the writing component, you will discover the worth of your own writing voices and become aware that writing skills are of critical and universal importance in the workplace and beyond. Much of your success in school, labor and in life depends upon your ability to clearly and effectively articulate a message using by finding the right words and using them at the right time.

As such, several major premises underlie this class and should be stated immediately: first, nobody can teach writing if one has not written and written often across the curriculum. Second, writing builds courage and confidence. Finally, good writing is hard. Much of it is built on mountains of wasted effort. You should neither be discouraged nor disappointed if your efforts do not meet with success in the beginning. Good writing consists of a process of thinking and rewriting a topic through several stages and drafts, hence the importance for patience and practice.

Structure:

I intend to adopt a workshop approach. Expect to a PowerPoint presentation displayed immediately upon entering instructing you on how to proceed. For the first 10-15 minutes of each class, I will assign a short pre-class exercise usually to be completed independently. The purpose of these is two-fold: to simulate problems which arise often in computing as well as important skills needed to solve those problems. The next 10 minutes will be devoted to a focus lesson comprising a short lecture or demonstration in which I model critical skills used in business. The remaining time will be allotted for practice exercises to be completed either independently or in small groups. A brief concluding activity will be assigned shortly before the end of class. Success in each of your classes begins with preparation. Therefore, I expect that you arrive to class punctually each day prepared with required materials ready to do your best.

Grading:

Constructed Responses (15%): these are open-ended questions of various lengths on assorted topics anchored in technology which I will assign at various times throughout the term. These may be completed in class, at home or a combination of both.

Classwork (25%): short reading and writing exercises assigned to reinforce concepts demonstrated during the focus lesson. Preparation is also counted in this component. You are required to bring writing instruments, notebooks and class materials (which should be kept in a binder or folder) each day.

Projects (30%): culminating activities assigned during and after each unit

Homework (5%): as needed

Culminating Activity (25%): a capstone project encapsulating all of the skills taught during the quarter. These will be assigned near the end of each marking period and typically include written, oral as well as technological components.