Sample Course Syllabus
The sample below is the course syllabus I have developed for the Computer Applications class I teach. It is a semester course.  Students meet for one class period, five days per week.

Computer Applications
Student Signature ________________Parent Signature ________________
Mrs. Conway                                    1997  Course Guide

     Computers have become indispensable tools for businesses, professional people and governments.  Computer proficiency has thus become vastly important, both as a career opportunity and for personal use.  The advent of microcomputers has resulted in an explosion of the use of word processors, spreadsheets,  data base managers, computer aided design programs, presentation software and the internet.

     The subject matter of this course covers:
 1. Computer Operations
 2. Data Base Managers
 3. Spreadsheets
 4. Computer Aided Drawing and Design
 5. Presentation Software/WWW home page design
 6. Desk Top Publishing
 7. CD ROM Technology

Grades
  This course is a half credit course. Grades will be computed by averaging all tests.  Class work scores from the first 4 weeks of the marking period will be averaged and counted as a test grade.  Likewise, class work scores from the last  weeks of the marking period will be averaged and counted as another test grade.  Homework will count as one test grade.  In addition each marking period we will have three test projects.
 

Homework
     Homework will be assigned where needed and helpful.  Generally, each homework assignment will be worth 10 points.  In accordance with Caravel policy, no late assignments will be accepted.  All homework must be typed; complete sentences must be used; correct spelling and grammar are expected; neatness counts!!

Class work
     Class work assignments are generally worth 10 points.  Where applicable homework guidelines apply.

     A willingness to keep trying and to complete assignments on time is very important to success in the Computer field. Knowledge is built a step at a time.  If one step is weak, future success is impaired.  You need to do your best every day! If you would like extra help, ask me for a pass to come and practice during H period.  I am also available after school to help.
 
Syllabus for Computer Applications

Week 1  General Computer Literacy (College Explorer, WWW)
Week 2, 3, 4  Data Base Managers (Microsoft Works)
Week 5, 6  Spreadsheets (MS Excel)
Week 7, 8  Desk Top Publishing (MS Publisher)
Week 9, 10, 11 Computer Aided Design (AutoSketch)
Week 12, 13, 14 Multimedia Design (Podium)
Week 15, 16, 17 Multimedia Design (Web Edit)
Week 18 Exams
 

Caravel Academy Acceptable Use Policy

The following is the Internet Acceptable Use Policy that I helped to develop for Caravel Academy.

Overview

The Internet is an electronic communications network which provides vast, diverse and unique resources.  Our goal in providing this service to teachers, staff and students is to promote educational excellence at Caravel Academy by facilitating resource sharing innovations and communication.

The Internet provides access to computers and people all over the world, but it also provides access to material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting.  there may be some material or individual communications which are not suitable for school-aged children.   Caravel Academy views information gathered from the Internet in the same manner as reference materials identified by the school.  Specifically, the school supports resources that will enhance the learning environment with directed guidance from the faculty and staff.  Exploration and manipulation of resources is encouraged.  However, it is impossible to control all materials on a global network and an industrious user may discover inappropriate information.

Student access to, and use of, the Internet is available on classroom and Library computers, will be under teacher direction and monitored as any other classroom activity.  Caravel Academy, however, cannot prevent the possibility that some users may access material that is not consistent with the educational goals and policies of the school.

Guidelines

Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies and regional networks.  the operation of the Internet relies heavily on the proper conduct of the users, who must adhere to strict guidelines.  Internet access is a privilege, not a right.  If a student violates any of the acceptable use provisions outlined in this document, future access will be denied.  Some violations may also constitute a criminal offense and may result in legal action.  Any user violating these provisions, applicable state and federal laws, or posted classroom and school policies is subject to loss of access privileges and any other Caravel disciplinary options.

1) Acceptable Use

• Use must be in support of education and research consistent with Caravel policy.
• Use must be consistent with the rules appropriate to any network being used/accessed.
• Unauthorized use of copyrighted material is prohibited.
• Threatening or obscene material is prohibited.
• Distribution of material protected by trade secret is prohibited.
• Use for commercial/personal activities is not acceptable.
• Product advertisement or political lobbying is prohibited.

• Access to the Internet is not a right but a privilege.
• Unacceptable usage will result in denial of student access.
• Training will be provided for each user.

• Be polite.
• Do not use vulgar or obscene language.
• Do not reveal your address or phone number (or those of others).
• Electronic mail is not guaranteed to be private.
• Do not intentionally disrupt the network or other users.
• Abide by generally accepted rules of network etiquette.

• If you identify a security problem, notify a system administrator (librarian or computer teacher) immediately.
• Do not show or identify a security problem to others.
• Any user identified as a security risk or having history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access.

• Vandalism and/or harassment will result in the cancellation of the offending student's privileges.
• Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, the Internet or other networks.  This includes, but is not limited to, creating and/or uploading computer viruses or tying up the network by downloading very large files.
• Harassment is defined as the persistent annoyance of another user or the interference in another user's work.  This includes, but is not limited to, the sending of unwanted mail.

• Any user violating these provisions, applicable state and federal lows or posted classroom and school rules is subject to loss of network privileges and any other school disciplinary options, including criminal prosecution.
• School administrators will make the final determination as to what constitutes unacceptable use and their decision is final.

All terms and conditions as stated in this document are applicable to all users of the network.  these provisions reflect an agreement of the parties and shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware and the United States of America.
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I understand and will abode by the Caravel Academy Acceptable Internet Use Policy.  I further understand that any violation of this Acceptable Internet Use Policy is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense.   should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked, and school disciplinary and/or appropriate legal action may be taken.

Student Signature ____________________________   Date _______________

Parent Signature _____________________________  Date ________________
 
  Administrator Observation - 1996
Below is a copy of an observation I received from an administrator at my school for the year 1995-96.
 Caravel Academy
 Teacher Improvement System

Teacher Judith Conway               Date of Observation 11/25/96
Subject Area Computers       Grade       9     Period  F

No. Students  21 Announced      Unannounced  X  Time 9:09

Lesson Topic_Word Processing                             _______

Area of Analysis with Indicators            Evident   Yes  No  NA

1.   Instructional Planning
a.   Has stated instructional objectives                  Yes
b.   Has selected materials to support instruction   Yes
c.   Has formulated instructional activities             Yes
d.   Has made provisions for evaluating objectives Yes

2. Organization and Management of Classroom
a.  Arranges classroom for instructional effectiveness  Yes
b.  Uses instructional time effectively                          Yes
c.  Maintains high engagement rate                             Yes
d.  Maintains a positive classroom atmosphere             Yes
e.  Monitors the learning activities of students              Yes

3.  Instructional Strategies
a.  Uses appropriate teaching methods and learning activities        Yes
b.  Demonstrates sufficient knowledge of subject matter               Yes
c.  Uses available instructional media effectively                           Yes
d.  Establishes a mind set for learning                                           Yes
e.  Uses level of instruction that is appropriate                               Yes
f.  Maintains pace of learning                                                       Yes
g.  Provides opportunities for student differences                           Yes
h.  Checks for student understanding                                             Yes
i.  Conveys appropriately high expectations for students                  Yes
 
4.  Teacher/Student Interaction
a.  Promotes student interest                                      Yes
b.  Provides prompt, specific, constructive feedback     Yes
c.  Provides opportunities for active participation          Yes
d.  Uses questioning techniques effectively                  Yes
e.  Is fair and consistent in dealing with students          Yes
f.  Speaks and writes clearly and correctly                  Yes

5.  Evaluation of Student Performance
a.  Uses appropriate evaluative techniques                                      N/A
b.  Provides prompt, positive feedback on student work                    N/A
c.  Maintains accurate records documenting student performance     N/A

 STRENGTHS AND SUGGESTIONS

 I was pleased to see:

· Students knew exactly what to do as they entered the classroom. They retrieved their disks, booted their computers, and got right to work.
 
· You gave back the homework and shared with students what they could do to improve when they have the same type of assignment.
 
· Your lesson was logical and easy to understand. You used the TV and computer hook-up to demonstrate cut and paste well. Students were attentive and responsive throughout the lesson.
 
· You circulated around the world helping students with questions they had.
 
· You told students precisely what to expect on tomorrow’s test.
 

 I enjoyed your class and, as usual, was impressed with your knowledge (I learned some things!) and the friendly and professional way you conduct class.

 Administrator Observation - 1998
Below is a copy of an observation I received from an administrator at my school for the year 1995-96.
 Caravel Academy
 Teacher Improvement System

Teacher  Mrs. Conway                 Date of Observation 3/31/98
Subject Area Computer C++    Grade  Mixed U.S. Period  G

No. Students  5  Announced      Unannounced  X  Time  11:50

Lesson Topic___Slot Machine Programs    _________________________

Area of Analysis with Indicators            Evident   Yes  No  NA

1.   Instructional Planning
 a.   Has stated instructional objectives                   Yes
b.   Has selected materials to support instruction     Yes
c.   Has formulated instructional activities               Yes
d.   Has made provisions for evaluating objectives   Yes

2. Organization and Management of Classroom
 a.  Arranges classroom for instructional effectiveness  Yes
 b.  Uses instructional time effectively                          Yes
c.  Maintains high engagement rate                              Yes
d.  Maintains a positive classroom atmosphere              Yes
e.  Monitors the learning activities of students               Yes

3.  Instructional Strategies
a.  Uses appropriate teaching methods and learning activities            Yes
b.  Demonstrates sufficient knowledge of subject matter                   Yes
c.  Uses available instructional media effectively                               Yes
 d.  Establishes a mind set for learning                                              Yes
e.  Uses level of instruction that is appropriate                                   Yes
f.  Maintains pace of learning                                                           Yes
g.  Provides opportunities for student differences                               Yes
h.  Checks for student understanding                                                 Yes
i.  Conveys appropriately high expectations for students                      Yes
 
4.  Teacher/Student Interaction
a.  Promotes student interest                                       Yes
b.  Provides prompt, specific, constructive feedback     Yes
c.  Provides opportunities for active participation          Yes
d.  Uses questioning techniques effectively                  Yes
e.  Is fair and consistent in dealing with students          Yes
f.  Speaks and writes clearly and correctly                  Yes

5.  Evaluation of Student Performance
a.  Uses appropriate evaluative techniques                                    N/A
b.  Provides prompt, positive feedback on student work                  N/A
c.  Maintains accurate records documenting student performance   N/A
 
STRENGTHS AND SUGGESTIONS

 Students came in and got right to work. Being in the middle of a project, they only needed a quick reminder from you on where to begin and they stayed focused throughout the lesson. You respond to the students in a friendly and professional manner. You answer their questions seriously and thoughtfully. Your answers to their questions clearly show a thorough knowledge of the programming language and the task at hand. You backed away from the students after they were comfortably at work and told them you were going to let them work on their own. You gave your student aide an important job, not just busy work, that was designed to help you and to increase his skill on the computer. As I am in and out of your classroom frequently, I know that what I saw today is the norm: a classroom with a pleasant and no-nonsense atmosphere in which students use every  minute productively under the direction of a knowledgeable teacher.
 

  Thank you note from teacher
Below is a copy of a note I received from a teacher for the technology encouragement and support I gave.

  Service with a smile award
Below is a copy of a note I received from the Dean of Instruction for the Upper School and the Dean of Instruction for the Middle/Lower School for technology use.