Computer Sciences and Library Programs at Berkley Middle School 2011-2012 !
Our third year of the Computer Sciences program features an important shift for Information Technology in the Library. Formal lessons will not be taught traditionally but rather self-paced learning will be encouraged on an independent study basis. Students will have the opportunity to check out books from the Collection, take Accelerated Reader tests and use the laptops for research activities from other subjects. Meanwhile, the Computer Utilities Education in the CUE Lab and Technology & Engineering in the TEL Lab will continue as they have in previous years and students are enthusiastically returning for more!
In grades 5 and 6, Computer Science classes in the CUE Lab continue on with learning and honing their computer literacy skills while TEL Lab students will be exploring the many applications of technoloy and engineering that use computer science as tools. My students' level of success is foremost on my mind as lessons and activities are planned, impelmented and assessed for grades.
Grading for these classes (CUE and TEL Labs) are fundamentally similar - students earn daily participation scores as well as specific task scores for a culmintaing grade on the report card. The School's MMS portal features the online log in for parents so that they can stay aware of their children's progress in all subjects. My gradebook is published and is viewable 24/7 for scores and teacher notes. Inquiries about grades are welcome at any time throughout the year and to ensure prompt responses to your concerns -preferably through email (kpaull@berkley.k12.ma.us).
A special note about Cyber (online) Bullying and how it has been addressed in the curriculum. A unit (approximately 4 or 5 class sessions collectively), includes a powerpoint presentation, and has be implemented for grades 5 and 6 through the CUE Lab class sessions, will also be reviewed as opportunities arise to reinforce understanding throughout the year.
In grades 7 and 8, the Information Technology module presents an activity/unit (approximately 2 hours of learning collectively) for review and enhancement of basic understanding. At the outset of the school year, a discussion to outline the new law is offered to help students, in all grades 5-8, understand their role and responsibilities in keeping their internet experiences safe, responsible and enjoyable. Please note that MMS grades will feature tasks that some students will not fulfill within the marking term. There are no penalties with these situations as their lessons and activities within the various modules in TEL Lab are self-paced. Finally, revisions to scores on various tasks are always possible so long as it's within the same marking period.
How to avoid Cyber Bullying threats (general principles learned from previous years) will be reinforced through interactive talks as well as specific lessons in the Information Technology and Video Production module activities.
PLEASE RECYCLE YOUR WIRELESS/CELL PHONES, INK FROM PRINTERS AND TONER CARTRIDGES WITH THE MIDDLE SCHOOL --- OUR EFFORTS EARN POINTS TOWARDS PURCHASING NEW TECHNOLOGY!
For those that have contributed, thank you for your efforts : )