Course Description:

Through the study of digital and interactive media and its application in information technology, students will analyze and assess current and emerging technologies, while designing and creating multimedia projects that address customer needs and resolve a problem. Students implement personal and interpersonal skills to prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace environment. The knowledge and skills acquired and practiced will enable students to successfully perform and interact in a technology-driven society. Students enhance reading, writing, computing, communication, and critical thinking and apply them to the information technology environment. Students will focus on desktop publishing and will gain the opportunity to create a business product, the Burton High School yearbook and other multimedia projects. Students have the possibility of getting three college credits at Blinn College, as this class is technical dual credit.

Instructional Philosophy:

The instruction of this course will be technology based. The students will have daily use of a computer (both PC and MAC), printer, scanner, digital camera, and interactive whiteboard. This course will require students to produce quality work and demonstrate proper work ethics. Organizational skills will be utilized.

Students will have individual as well as group based assignments and projects that are expected to be completed in a timely manner. While working in groups, each student is expected to do his or her part in the project. If extra help or time is needed, it will be available before and after school.

Students are encouraged to take notes as needed when new concepts or tools are being introduced by demonstration and/or lecture. The classroom is designed so that each student will have a peer tutor. Students will have opportunities to use the Internet and other tools for research based projects and creativity in all assignments. It is important for the student to learn how to use their creativity to distinguish themselves from others.

Students will be designing the high school yearbook through a web based program. They will also create and design multimedia projects through Microsoft Publisher, iMovie, iDVD, and Windows Movie Maker. Other Microsoft and Apple software will be available as well.

Students will be graded on the quality of their work as well as meeting required expectations. Grading rubrics will be used on projects. The students will be required to keep their work in an electronic portfolio.