Technology

2014-2015
Mrs. Webster

Welcome to the Computer Lab! I am very excited to begin this new journey as your
technology teacher. Listed below are some of my policies and procedures for the classroom
and grading. Most of what we will be doing in the classroom, as well as any updates will be
posted to my website www.mrswebstersms.weebly.com As always if there are any
questions, please contact me at technology@stmaryschoolswormville.com

Classroom Expectations
Students are expected to treat the lab with respect at all times. New this year, the students will
have the ability to utilize the lab with their classroom teachers as an extension of classroom
learning. That being said, the following rules should be abided by at all times.
o Never enter the lab unless you are accompanied by a teacher.
o Enter quietly and sit at your assigned computer EVERY time.
o Wipe down your computer, keyboard, headphones and table space BEFORE you begin.
o Sign in using your username and password only. Never sign into another students
account.
o Wait for directions given by the teacher. Do not begin using the computer until you have
been given permission to do so.
o ECE - Grade 3 should sign into their computers and find a seat on the rug to wait for
further directions.
o Grades 4 - 8 should turn their bodies in their chairs so that they are facing the
SmartBoard.
o Bring your Technology Journal and a pen or pencil every time! (Grades 4-8)
o It is important that you stay ON TASK and focused on your work. We only have 40
minutes each week and many subjects to cover.
o Each student is entrusted to act in a matter befitting a St. Marys student, while surfing
and researching online. (Code of Conduct)
o Work is to be saved to your student folder. SAVE OFTEN!
o Printers are for school related materials ONLY! In effort to be more environmentally
conscious, we will be utilizing Tech Journals to cut down on paper in the older grades.
o In the event that we are using the iPads, or digital cameras, photos that are taken are of
educational significance. No selfies or group photos are to be taken unless permitted
by the assignment.
o At the end of class, computers are to be logged off, and the monitor is to be shut off.
PLEASE DO NOT SHUT OFF THE COMPUTER UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO!
o The lab is to be left the way that you found it. Remember, NO FOOD OR DRINK is
permitted next to the computers, iPads, digital cameras, or printers.

Grading Policy
Grades 3-8
Projects- This class is predominately made of projects. This will encompass 80% of your grade.
Each project will be graded on a rubric, and will have several check points along the way for
you to earn points, and help you to stay organized. Projects can be individual, with a partner,
and in groups. (Both assigned, and unassigned.) Work may be, but not often, will require some
work outside of school.
Homework- 10% of your grade will be made up of homework assignments. These could range
from 5-50 points. This might include your Technology Journal, or researching for information.
Grades 5-8 will include the Technology in the News and the Bee Blog that is described on
the next few pages.
Tests and Quizzes- The last 10% of your grade will include both informal and formal tests and
quizzes. Grades 5-8 this will also include your accuracy scores from Mavis Beacon. (See
attached.) Each test will be announced. However, all quizzes may not be. A quiz could include
showing me a skill during class, for example, how to save a document and retrieve the file or
how to add a hyperlink in a Power Point presentation.
ECE Grade 2
The students in these grade levels are really just learning the basics of computers, technology,
and most importantly how to integrate these concepts into their education. Their projects
will consist of one to two class period assignments revolving around a particular skill or skills.
Not much work will be required at home.
*ALL SKILLS AND CONCEPTS ARE ALIGNED TO THE ISTE STUDENT NET STANDARDS FOR ALL
GRADE LEVELS*
Grades 5-8 Additional Information
Technology in the News
One important aspect of technology is staying up to date with current products and trends.
Grades 6-8 will be required to submit 3 article summaries about current events. This will be
taken as a homework grade. (Grade 5 is required to submit just 2 articles- this will start in
January.)
Students should locate articles in newspapers, magazines, or online. (This can include online
videos.) Summarize the article and include your opinion on whether or not this product or
trend is good or bad for society. Please include the article with your summary so that I can
read it. If it is an online video, please write down the link where I can find the information.
These will be due at various points throughout the year. The first article is due, October 31,
2014. (Grades 6-8)
Bee Blog
New this year, students will contribute to the Bee Blog. This blog is located on my website.
Students will be assigned topics that correspond to our Virtue of the Month here at school.
Students in Grade 8 will be primarily responsible for the content of the blog and these
submissions will be taken for a homework grade. You must write 3 blogs throughout the
year.
Grades 5-7 can become guest bloggers. As a guest blogger, you must submit a proposal
about what you would like to write about and why. This could be an event that is happening
in our community, school or in the world, school sports, or just a topic that you feel
passionately about. Not all proposals will be accepted.
Mavis Beacon
This program will still be used to practice typing skills in these grade levels however; I have
changed the grading policy regarding your keyboarding skills.
Accuracy percentages will be taken for EACH LESSON you complete. I am more concerned
with the accuracy of your typing than your speed. Speed will come with improved accuracy.
These percentages will be factored into your quiz grade for each trimester. (The 2 lowest
scores will be dropped.)
*** IF you score a 95% or better on 15 lessons in Mavis Beacon, you are done for the
trimester, and while start again in the next grading period.