IB Course Name – Design (formerly Computer Technology) NC Course Name - Computer Application & Skills (Level 1-3) and Exploring Career Decisions (Level 3) WELCOME

ABOUT THE CLASS: This course is an IB requirement for every year of the MYP (Middle Years Program). The focus is critical thinking & problem solving. It’s often been said a better name for this course would be IB 101.

ABOUT THE CLASS: Visit my Mt. Mourne webpage to learn more about this course, assignments and assessments, and class news. My webpages are updated throughout the semester as information is about the course is modified or added.

ABOUT THE CLASS: Assignments – will be posted as they are assigned. Assignments will be explained at the start of class to make sure students understand what is expected of them. Please encourage your child to ask questions (either in class, stay behind, come in the next morning, send an e- mail, etc.) if they are unclear about the assignment.

ABOUT THE CLASS: Students who want one-on-one help can schedule with me in advance to meet before or after school. Students who show up without scheduling will be helped after those who have made previous arrangements, if time is available.

NC COMPUTER SKILLS & APPLICATION FOCUS Level 1 – 6 th grade Digital Literacy & Word Processing Basics Level 2 – 7 th grade Desktop Publishing Basics & Spreadsheet Level 3 – 8 th grade Presentations Basics & Techniques

NC EXPLORING CAREER DECISIONS FOCUS Level 3 – 8 th grade Understand how interests, attitudes, values, learning styles and personalities affect career decisions. Understand the skills needed to be part of a team in a diverse workplace. Understand global factors that impact the world of work Identify the process of finding a job and career.

The goal is to blend IB and NC requirements to provide challenging & rewarding learning experiences that will be beneficial to your student.

COMMUNICATION Each teacher at this school has approximately 150 students per semester. We try to reply to s within 24 hours, even if it’s to let you know your message has been received and will need further review. is the best way to reach us.

ORANGE FOLDERS Twice per semester students will bring home their “Design – Orange Folder”. Contents: Completed assessment criterion Grading rubric – teacher scored Student progress sheet After parents review the content, folders will need to be returned to school.

DESIGN CYCLE Yes, it still exists! Yes, students will have to complete projects using the design cycle twice during the semester. During the completion discussion takes place REGULARLY to ensure students understand the score they have earned and areas for improvement.

QUESTIONS Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you want to discuss the strategies and reasoning behind our goals and objectives, or need any further information about the course.

SUPPLIES You Pencil Planner Notebook paper (20-25 sheets) Binder from last year (If you still have it, if not a folder or a section in another binder will suffice.)

CLASSROOM DONATIONS We can always use: Individually Wrapped Candy Clorox Wipes Tissues

EXERCISE BALLS Do you remember what it was like sitting still all day long? My hope is that we can have enough that kinesthetic learners will be able to utilize them as a replacement for their chair. Studies have shown that having to engage balance while doing classwork has increased the retention of content.

THANK YOU for all you do!