Welcome to Westminster's High School Computer Applications Class


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Welcome to Computer Applications class taught by Mr. Bouwsma. In this class you will learn the basic information colleges call Computer Literacy and you will learn how to use some of the world's most commonly used business programs in a Windows based environment. (If science is more your interest, consider Computer Programming.

During the time you spend in class, you will be taught high school and college level computer terms using computer based bio-feedback techniques. You will learn how to make professional word processing documents, you will make spread sheets and budgets just the way professionals do and you will make computer based presentations, to name just a few of the exciting things that lie ahead for you. Internet usage and digital photography are used throughout the class and best of all, all this will happen in a fun relaxed atmosphere where hands-on learning is stressed. Finally, at the end of the class, when you are really sharp, you will form a student company, bid for work against other student companies and get paid in Westminster money when the work is done. You will then use this Westminster money to buy your grade on a computerized grade market that resembles the stock market.


What you need to bring:

1. Implements for note taking. e.g. paper, pencil, notebook

2. Two 3.5 inch high density floppy disks. (Used disks are acceptable as long as they are in pristine working condition and the data on them is disposable.) Many students like to have extra disks so they can save their digital images and view them at home on their own computers.



Behavioral Requirements:
Follow Directions.
Wait your turn.
Respect people and property.
Use wholesome language.

Grading policy:
1. Tests: There will be a test on recent class material every Friday that we have school unless othewise announced.
2. Class work: Class work will be assigned a grade of check plus, check minus or simply a check. Each plus obtained by a student will raise a weekly test grade by 1/3 of a grade. Each minus, lowers one test grade 1/3 of a grade. For example, a student making a C+ on Friday's test, with two check pluses has a B average for that week. (C+++ = B)

Make-up work:

If you must miss class, make up the test or missed work after school. Make-up tests will frequently consist of essay questions and will assume the student has studied tests taken by rest of the class in the student's absence. Many of the tests are taken directly on the computer and will require competency in topics covered in class. It will often be vital that students become current in their class work before attempting to take a make-up test. Any work turned in late without excuse may suffer a grade reduction.

Instructor's hours and lab hours:

Mr. Bouwsma is available Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 3:45 p.m. in the computer lab and the computer lab itself is open daily until 5:30 p.m. and is manned by a computer lab attendant. The computer lab is used by the Middle School After Care Program, as part of a project to determine if playing strategy games effects student mathematical abilities. As a result, the computer lab is not a quiet place to think after school. If you can excuse some noise, we would be delighted to have you come any day to use the computer lab for any work that assists you, your parents or the school. We are glad to help in any way that we can. No appointment is necessary.


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